(Please note that a prior AccessInfo on this issue (sent out yesterday) contained incorrect e-links to the Public Notice. This AccessInfo provides corrected links below.)
Comments due: February 22, 2017
Reply Comments due: March 24, 2017
On December 15, 2016, the FCC adopted rules to facilitate a transition from text telephony (TTY) technology to real-time text (RTT) technology over Internet-based wireless networks. On January 23, 2017, the FCC released a Public Notice announcing (1) February 22, 2017 as the effective date for the RTT rules; and (2) the above comment due dates for the public to provide input on the following issues raised in the RTT Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking:
- A timeline to sunset its requirement for RTT to be backward compatible with TTY;
- Integration of RTT into telecommunications relay service operations; and
- Real-time text features that may be needed for people with cognitive disabilities and people who are deaf-blind.
Comments may be filed using the FCC’s Electronic Comment Filing System at https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings. The proceeding numbers are CG Docket No. 16-145 and GN Docket No. 15-178.
Links to the Public Notice:
Word: https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-17-137A1.docx
PDF: https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-17-137A1.pdf
Text: https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-17-137A1.txt
For more information about RTT, visit this webpage: https://www.fcc.gov/document/adoption-real-time-text-rtt-rules, or contact Michael Scott, Disability Rights Office, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, at 202-418-1264 or e‑mail Michael.Scott@fcc.gov.