Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals With Hearing and Speech Disabilities

In this document, the Commission concludes that its current rules regarding eligibility criteria for compensation from the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Fund do not reflect advances in the way that TRS is offered, particularly with respect to the two Internet-based forms of TRS, Video Relay Service (VRS) and Internet-Protocol (IP) Relay. Therefore, the Commission amends its rules to permit common carriers desiring to offer VRS and IP Relay service and receive compensation from the Interstate TRS Fund (Fund) to seek certification from the Commission. In doing so, the Commission largely adopts the proposal set forth in the Second Improved TRS Order's NPRM. Through this action, the certification procedure will permit common carriers desiring to offer only VRS and/or IP Relay, and not the other forms of TRS, to receive compensation from the Fund without having to meet one of the existing three eligibility criteria set forth in the Commission's rules. Also in this document, the Commission addresses a related issue raised in Hands On Video Relay Services, Inc.'s (Hands On) petition for reconsideration of the 2004 TRS Report and Order, which challenges the Commission's dismissal of Hands On application for certification as a VRS provider eligible for compensation from the Fund. Because the Commission adopts a new eligibility rule that permits Hands On to seek certification as a VRS provider eligible for compensation from the Fund without being part of a certified state TRS, the Commission concludes this issue is moot. Also, in this document, the Commission seeks approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for any Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) burdens contained in this document that will modify OMB Control No. 3060-1047. The revised PRA burdens are related to new rules permitting common carriers seeking to offer VRS or IP Relay service, that are not part of a certified state program or have not contracted with an entity that is, to qualify f