• Notice of Conditional Grant of Application of Snap Telecommunications, Inc. for Recertification as a Provider of Video Relay Service Eligible for Compensation from the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Fund, (Public Notice), CG Docket No. 10-51, 27 FCC Rcd 109, DA 12-3, released January 4, 2012.

On November 23, 2011, Snap Telecommunications, Inc. (Snap) filed an application for Commission recertification as a provider of video relay service (VRS) that is eligible for compensation from the Interstate TRS Fund (Fund). For the reason discussed in the Public Notice, the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (Bureau) hereby grants the Snap Recertification Application on a conditional basis, pending inspection of Snap's facilities and confirmation of Snap's compliance with all applicable rules and orders, as well as the Bureau's determination that Snap is qualified to receive compensation from the Fund and that grant of full certification would be consistent with the objective of preventing waste, fraud, and abuse to the Fund, as embodied in the Commission's VRS rules and orders.

  • Notice of Conditional Grant of Application of Purple Communications, Inc. for Recertification as a Provider of Video Relay Service and Internet Protocol Relay Service Eligible for Compensation from the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Fund, (Public Notice), CG Docket No. 10-51, 27 FCC Rcd 112, DA 12-4, released January 4, 2012.

On March 8, 2011, Purple Communications, Inc. (Purple) filed an application for Commission recertification as a provider of video relay service (VRS) and Internet Protocol relay (IP Relay) service that is eligible for compensation from the Interstate TRS Fund (Fund). For the reason discussed in the Public Notice, the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (Bureau) hereby grants the Purple Recertification Application on a conditional basis, pending inspection of Purple's facilities and confirmation of Purple's compliance with all applicable rules and orders, as well as the Bureau's determination that Purple is qualified to receive compensation from the Fund and that grant of full certification would be consistent with the objective of preventing waste, fraud, and abuse to the Fund, as embodied in the Commission's VRS rules and orders.

  • Notice of Conditional Grant of Application of Healinc Telecom, LLC for Recertification as a Provider of Video Relay Service Eligible for Compensation from the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Fund, (Public Notice), CG Docket No. 10-51, 27 FCC Rcd 116, DA 12-5, released January 4, 2012.

On December 1, 2011, Healinc Telecom, LLC (Healinc) filed an application for Commission recertification as a provider of video relay service (VRS) that is eligible for compensation from the Interstate TRS Fund (Fund). For the reason discussed in the Public Notice, the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (Bureau) hereby grants the Healinc Recertification Application on a conditional basis, pending inspection of Healinc's facilities and confirmation of Healinc's compliance with all applicable rules and orders, as well as the Bureau's determination that Healinc is qualified to receive compensation from the Fund and that grant of full certification would be consistent with the objective of preventing waste, fraud, and abuse to the Fund, as embodied in the Commission's VRS rules and orders.

  • Comment Cycle Established for Comments and Reply Comments on Structure and Practices of the Video Relay Service Program, (Public Notice), CG Docket Nos. 10-51 and 03-123, 27 FCC Rcd 527, DA 12-119, released February 1, 2012.

On December 15, 2011, the Commission released a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking ("FNPRM") seeking comment on a series of options and proposals to improve the structure and efficiency of the video relay service ("VRS") program. The goal of these proposals is to ensure that VRS provides functionally equivalent communications services to its users - particularly given advances in commercially -available technology - and remains immune from the waste, fraud, and abuse that have threatened its long-term viability.

  • Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Seeks to Refresh the Record Regarding Misuse of Internet Protocol Relay Service, (Public Notice), CG Docket Nos. 12-38 and 03-123, DA 12-208, 27 FCC Rcd 1569, released February 13, 2012.

77 FR 43538, February 28, 2012 - Proposed Rule

By the Public Notice, the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB) seeks to refresh the record on several issues pertaining to misuse of Internet Protocol (IP) Relay Service, including issues that were initially raised in the Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking released by the Commission on May 8, 2006. IP Relay is a form of text-based telecommunications relay service (TRS) that uses the Internet to allow individuals with hearing and/or speech disabilities to communicate with other individuals. CGB remains concerned that individuals who do not have a hearing or speech disability may be continuing to misuse IP Relay by, for example, calling merchants to place orders using fake, stolen, or otherwise invalid credit cards. Such abuse not only drains the TRS Fund that supports these services, but also harms legitimate consumers whose calls are rejected by individuals and businesses that have been the victims of such misuse. CGB believes that a refreshed record will better enable the Commission to take timely and appropriate action to address these problems. In taking this action, CGB underscores the Commission's ongoing commitment to ensuring that the Internet-based TRS (iTRS) program provides the communication services intended by Congress in Section 225 of the Communications Act, while eliminating fraud and abuse.

  • Structure and Practices of the Video Relay Service Program; Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities, (Order), CG Docket Nos. 10-51 and 03-123, 27 FCC Rcd 2022, DA 12-263, adopted February 23, 2012, released February 23, 2012.

The Order extends the deadlines for filing comments and reply comments concerning the Commission's Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on improving the structure and efficiency of the video relay service (VRS) program.

  • Comment Cycle Established for Comments to Refresh the Record Regarding Misuse of Internet Protocol Relay Service, (Public Notice), CG Docket Nos. 12-38 and 03-123, 27 FCC Rcd 2170, DA 12-308, released February 28, 2012.

 On February 13, 2012, the Consume and Governmental Affairs Bureau released a Public Notice seeking to refresh the record on several issues pertaining to misuse of Internet Protocol (IP) Relay Service, including issues that were initially raised in the Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking released by the Commission on May 8, 2006. The Public Notice was published in the Federal Register on February 28, 2012. Comments in response to the Public Notice are due on March 20, 2012.

  • Structure and Practices of the Video Relay Service Program; Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities, (Protective Order), CG Docket Nos. 10-51 and 03-123, 27 FCC Rcd 2557, DA 12-402, adopted March 13, 2012, released March 14, 2012.

In the Protective Order, the Commission, via the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau ("Bureau") adopts procedures to limit access to proprietary or confidential information that may be filed in this proceeding. The Bureau anticipates that such materials will be necessary to develop a more complete record on which to base the Commission's decision. While the Bureau is mindful of their sensitive nature, it is also mindful of the right of the public to participate in this proceeding in a meaningful way. The Bureau therefore will make such information available to participants in this proceeding, but only pursuant to a protective order. The Bureau concludes that the procedures it adopt in the Protective Order give appropriate access to the public while protecting proprietary and confidential information from improper disclosure, and that the procedures thereby serve the public interest.

  • Structure and Practice of the Video Relay Service Program; Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities, (Order), CG Docket Nos. 10-51 and 03-123, DA 12-687, 27 FCC Rcd 4868, adopted April 30, 2012, released April 30, 2012.

Under section 64.604(c)(5)(iii)(E) and (H) of the Commission's rules, the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Fund (Fund) administrator is required to file TRS payment formulas and revenue requirements with the Commission on May 1 of each year, to be effective the following July 1. In the Order, the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB), pursuant to delegated authority, waives this May 1, 2012 Fund administrator filing requirement for video relay service (VRS) payment formulas and revenue requirements pending further guidance. As indicated in the 2011 TRS Rate Order for VRS, CGB anticipates that the current interim rates will remain in place pending the completion of the current proceeding on reforming the structure and practices in the VRS market.

  • Rolka Loube Saltzer Associates Submits Payment Formulas and Funding Requirement for the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Services Fund for the July 2012 Through June 2013 Fund Year; (Public Notice), CG Docket Nos. 03-123 and 10-51, DA 12-696, 27 FCC Rcd 4909, released May 2, 2012.

On May 1, 2012, Rolka Loube Saltzer Associates (RLSA), the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Fund (Fund) administrator, submitted Fund payment formulas for the period July 1, 2012, through June 30, 2013 for all forms of TRS with the exception of video relay service (VRS). RLSA also submitted the TRS funding requirement estimate and proposed carrier contribution factor for the same period. RLSA's submission fulfills the Fund administrator's requirement, pursuant to 47 C.F.R. § 64.604(c)(5)(iii)(H), to file TRS payment formulas and revenue requirements with the Commission by May 1 of each year, to be effective the following July 1.

RLSA proposes new per minute compensation rates for all forms of TRS, except VRS, based on the rate calculation methodologies established in the 2007 TRS Rate Methodology Order as follows: $2.0304 for interstate traditional TRS; $3.1614 for interstate Speech-to-Speech (STS); $1.7730 for interstate captioned telephone service (CTS) and interstate and intrastate Internet Protocol (IP) captioned telephone service (IP CTS); and $1.2860 for interstate and intrastate IP Relay. In light of the pending VRS Reform proceeding, the Commission anticipates continuing to extend the current VRS rates of $ 6.2390 for Tier I, $6.2335 for Tier II, and $5.0668 for Tier III, until rules are adopted to reform the VRS program.

Although RLSA was not required to file proposed VRS rates and revenue requirements, an estimate of VRS revenue requirements must be included to ensure that the Fund administrator collects sufficient revenues to cover all TRS for the 2012-13 Fund year. RLSA therefore used the following VRS rates (applicable to the 2010-11 and the 2011-12 Fund years) for the 2012-13 Fund size estimate: $6.2390 for the first 50,000 monthly minutes, $6.2335 for monthly minutes between 50,001 and 500,000, and $5.0668 for minutes above 500,000. Based on RLSA's proposed new rates for TRS, STS, CTS, IP CTS, and IP Relay; an extension of the effectiveness of current VRS rates; and projected Fund administration expenses, RLSA proposes a carrier contribution factor of 0.01053, and a funding requirement of $711.4 million. The Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau seeks comment on RLSA's proposed compensation rates, as well as the proposed carrier contribution factor, and funding requirement for the period of July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013. The carrier contribution factor and funding requirement will be revised if, within the next year, the Commission makes a determination that changes the current VRS rates.

  • Structure and Practices of the Video Relay Service Program; Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities, (Second Protective Order), CG Docket Nos. 10-51 and 03-123, DA 12-858, 27 FCC Rcd 5914, adopted May 31, 2012, released May 31, 2012.

In the Second Protective Order, the Commission adopts procedures to provide more limited access to certain especially competitively sensitive information that may be filed in this proceeding, which, if released to competitors or those with whom the Submitting Party does business, would allow those persons to gain a significant advantage in the marketplace or in negotiations. The Commission anticipates that such materials will be necessary to develop a more complete record on which to base the Commission's decision. While the Commission is mindful of the highly sensitive nature of such information, it is also mindful of the right of the public to participate in this proceeding in a meaningful way. Therefore, consistent with past practice, the Commission will make such information available to participants in this proceeding, but limit such access to their Outside Counsel of Record, their Outside Consultants and experts whom they retain to assist them in this proceeding, and employees of such Outside Counsel and Outside Consultants. The Commission concludes that the procedures it adopts in the Second Protective Order give appropriate access to the public while protecting especially competitively sensitive information from improper disclosure, and that the procedures thereby serve the public interest.

  • Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities; Structure and Practices of the Video Relay Service Program; E911 Requirements for IP-Enabled Service Providers; Internet-Based Telecommunications Relay Service Numbering, (Order), CG Docket Nos. 03-1213 and 10-51, WC Docket Nos. 05-196 and 10-191, DA 12-918, 27 FCC Rcd 6206, adopted June 13, 2012, released June 13, 2012.

In the Order, the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau and the Wireline Competition Bureau (the Bureaus) sua sponte grant a waiver of Section 64.613(a)(4) of the Commission's rules, for the limited purpose of allowing the current Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Fund Administrator, Rolka Loube Saltzer Associates (RLSA), "read-only" access to the TRS Numbering Directory, administered by the TRS Numbering Administrator. Section 64.613(a)(4) currently allows only iTRS providers and the TRS Numbering Administrator to access the TRS Numbering Directory. This waiver will ensure that, in carrying out its Fund administration obligations, the TRS Fund Administrator can effectively review call detail records (CDRs) and other information submitted by TRS providers seeking reimbursement from the TRS Fund.

  • Reminder of State and Interstate Telecommunications Relay Service Providers that the Annual Summary of Consumer Complaints is Due July 2, 2012; Reminder of Ongoing Obligation to Report Contact Information and Substantive Changes in TRS Programs, (Public Notice), CG Docket No. 03-123, DA 12-955, 27 FCC Rcd 6999, released June 18, 2012.

The Federal Communications Commission's Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB) reminds states and providers of interstate telecommunications relay services (TRS) that they must submit their annual consumer complaint log summaries covering the 12-month period from June 1, 2011 to May 31, 2012, on or before Monday, July 2, 2012.

CGB also remind certified state TRS programs, interstate TRS providers, and TRS providers that have state contracts that, pursuant to 47 C.F.R. § 64.604(c)(2), they must submit to the Commission the name of a contact person and/or office for the receipt of inquiries and complaints from consumers about the certified state TRS program's intrastate service or, as appropriate, about the TRS provider's service. The submission must include the name and address of the state or TRS office that receives complaints, grievances, inquiries and suggestions; the voice, TTY, and fax numbers for that office; the email address; and the physical address to which correspondence should be sent.

The Commission must be notified each time there is a change in any of this required information. Any changes in contact information for certified state TRS programs and/or interstate TRS providers should be sent to TRS_POC@fcc.gov.

  • Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities; E911 Requirements for IP-Enabled Service Providers, (Order), CG Docket No. 03-123, WC Docket No. 05-196, DA 12-988, 27 FCC Rcd 7113, adopted June 22, 2012, released June 22, 2012.

In the Order, the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau and the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureaus) extend the waivers of certain telecommunications relay services (TRS) mandatory minimum standards for video relay service (VRS) and Internet Protocol (IP) Relay Service that will expire on July 1, 2012, pursuant to the 2011 TRS Waiver Order. Specifically, for those providers that have indicated they still require a particular waiver, the Bureaus extend each of the waivers for one year until July 1, 2013, or until the Commission takes further action to address these waivers on a more permanent basis, whichever occurs first. For those providers who have indicated they do not require a particular waiver, the Bureaus are allowing that waiver to expire on July 1, 2012. These extensions are conditioned upon the filing of a status report due April 16, 2013, detailing the progress made in complying with the requirement to provide the following services: (1) one-line Voice Carry Over (VCO), VCO-to-TTY, and VCO-to-VCO; (2) one-line Hearing Carry Over (HCO), HCO-to-TTY, and HCO-to-HCO; (3) call release; (4) pay-per-call (900) calls; (5) types of calls; (6) equal access to interexchange carriers; and (7) Speech-to-Speech (STS).

In addition, the Bureaus extend the waiver of certain mandatory minimum standards for default Internet-based TRS providers that remain unable to meet such standards for newly-registered Internet-based TRS users who port their customer premises equipment (CPE) from a former default provider.

  • Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities; Structure and Practices of the Video Relay Service Program, (Order), CG Docket Nos. 03-123 and 10-51, DA 12-996, 27 FCC Rcd 7150, adopted June 26, 2012, released June 26, 2012.

The Order adopts per-minute compensation rates to be paid from the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Services Fund (Fund) for the 2012-13 Fund year for all forms of telecommunications relay services (TRS). Except for the rates for video relay service (VRS), these rates are based on the proposals of the current Fund administrator, Rolka Loube Saltzer Associates (RLSA). For VRS, as indicated in the 2011 TRS Rate Order, the current interim rates will remain in place pending the completion of the current proceeding on reforming the structure and practices in the VRS market.

As of July 1, 2012, the per-minute rates for TRS shall be: $2.0304 for interstate traditional TRS; $3.1614 for interstate Speech-to-Speech relay service (STS); $1.7730 for interstate captioned telephone service (CTS) and for Internet Protocol captioned telephone service (IP CTS); and $1.2855 for IP Relay. The interim rates for VRS shall continue to be: $ 6.2390 for Tier I, $6.2335 for Tier II, and $5.0668 for Tier III. The Fund carrier contribution factor shall be 0.01053 and the funding requirement shall be $711,383,582, based on RLSA's proposed new rates for TRS, STS, CTS, IP CTS, and IP Relay; an extension of the effectiveness of current VRS rates; and projected Fund administration expenses. The carrier contribution factor and funding requirement will be revised if, within the next year, the Commission makes a determination that changes the current VRS rates.

  • Misuse of Internet Protocol (IP) Relay Service; Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities, (First Report and Order), CG Docket Nos. 12-38 and 03-123, FCC 12-71, 27 FCC Rcd 7866, adopted June 28, 2012, released June 29, 2012.

77 FR 43538, July 25, 2012 - Final Rule

In the First Report and Order (Report and Order), the Commission takes an important step to curb the misuse of Internet Protocol Relay Service (IP Relay). Specifically, the Commission prohibits IP Relay providers from handling non-emergency calls made by new IP Relay registrants prior to taking reasonable measures to verify their registration information. In taking this action, the Commission underscores its ongoing commitment to ensuring that Internet-based telecommunications relay services (iTRS) provide the communication access intended by Congress in section 225 of the Communications Act, while eliminating fraud and abuse in this program.

  • Structure and Practices of the Video Relay Service Program; Purple Communications, Inc.; Request for Review of the Decision of the TRS Administrator to Withhold TRS Payments, (Order) {Public Version}, CG Docket No. 10-51, DA 12-1130, 27 FCC Rcd 8014, adopted July 13, 20112, released July 13, 2012.

In the Order, the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (Bureau), acting on delegated authority, grants in part and denies in part Purple Communications, Inc.'s (Purple) request for review of a decision by the Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) Fund administrator, Rolka Loube Saltzer Associates (Administrator, or RLSA). In that decision, RLSA withheld payment to Purple from the Interstate TRS Fund (TRS Fund) for the provision of Internet Protocol Relay Service (IP Relay) based on its determination that Purple did not comply with the Commission's speed-of-answer (SOA) rule on {REDACTED} occasions during the four-month period of July-October 2011. The Bureau finds that Purple failed to comply with the Commission's mandatory minimum standard governing speed of answer for TRS calls. Specifically, the Bureau reject Purple's assertion that compliance with our SOA rule should be determined using a legal standard of "substantial compliance." The Bureau also deny Purple's alternative request for waiver of that rule. Although, consistent with past practice, we direct RLSA to remit to Purple some of the amounts heretofore withheld from reimbursement from the TRS Fund for Purple's provision of IP Relay, we emphasize that, for violations of the SOA rule occurring after the date of release of this order, the Administrator is authorized to withhold payment for the full day's service when the provider fails to meet the minimum SOA threshold on that day.

  • Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Reminds State Telecommunications Relay Service Programs to Seek Recertification, (Public Notice), CG Docket No. 03-123, DA 12-1187, 27 FCC Rcd 8288, released July 25, 2012.

The Public Notice alerts states and territories that the certifications that they now hold for the provision of telecommunications relay services (TRS) will expire on July 26, 2013. Under the Federal Communications Commission's (Commission's) TRS regulations, each state or territory may file an application for "renewal" of its certification one year prior to expiration, i.e., beginning on July 26, 2012. Although there is no prescribed deadline for filing, we request that renewal applications be filed no later than October 1, 2012, to give the Commission sufficient time to review and rule on the applications prior to the expiration of the existing certifications.

  • Office of Managing Director Announces Revised Debt Collection Process for Delinquent Contributors to the Universal Service Fund, the Telecommunications Relay Service Fund and the North American Numbering Plan, (Public Notice), WC Docket Nos. 05-196, 06-122, 10-91; CC Docket No. 92-237, CG Docket No. 03-123, DA 12-1192, 27 FCC Rcd 8303, released July 25, 2012.

Under the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 (DCIA), the Federal Communications Commission (the Commission) and its reporting components - including the Universal Service Fund (USF), the Telecommunications Relay Services Fund (TRS Fund) and the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) (collectively, the Funds) - are required to transfer debts owed to the Commission to the Financial Management Service (FMS) of the U.S. Department of Treasury for further collection efforts. The administrators of the Funds assess interest, penalties, and administrative charges for collection on delinquent contributions, and they apply DCIA procedures.

Previously, the Commission provided a courtesy notice to each delinquent debtor before transferring to FMS delinquent debts for collection. The Commission no longer provides that notice; rather, each Fund administrator furnishes notification reminding contributors of the consequences of failing to pay the full amount due. This change to the process will result in a more efficient and effective method for the collection of debts owed to the Commission. Furthermore, the new process will allow for the transfer of delinquent debts to FMS in a more timely manner. Accordingly, each administrator will directly transfer legally enforceable delinquent debts directly to FMS at any time after such notification, but must transfer the debt that has been delinquent 180 days. The FMS will assess additional administrative charges for collection.

  • Structure and Practices of the Video Relay Service Program; Petitions for Waiver filed by CODAVRS Corporation, Healinc Telecomm, LLC, IWRelay, Inc., Malka Communications Group, Inc., PowerVRS, LLC, and Say-Hey, Inc., (Order), CG Docket No. 10-51, DA 12-1317, 27 FCC Rcd 9307, adopted August 10, 2012, released August 10, 2012.

In the Order, the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (Bureau), acting pursuant to delegated authority, denies waiver requests filed by Healinc Telecom, LLC (Healinc), an eligible video relay service (VRS) provider, and five companies who identify themselves as subcontractors of Healinc: CODAVRS Corporation (CODAVRS), IWRelay, Inc. (IWRelay), Malka Communications Group, Inc. (Malka), PowerVRS, LLC (PowerVRS), and Say-Hey, Inc. (Say-Hey) (collectively, the Subcontractors). The petitioners seek temporary waivers of Sections 64.604(c)(5)(iii)(N)(1)(i), (ii), and (iii) of the Commission's rules, which require that only eligible VRS providers may hold themselves out as offering VRS, regulate eligible VRS providers' use of names, brands, sub-brands and URL addresses, and prohibit eligible providers from subcontracting with ineligible providers for the provision of interpretation services and call center functions. For the reasons discussed in the Order, the Bureau deny the requests for waiver of Sections 64.604(c)(5)(iii)(N)(1)(i) and (ii), and dismiss the requests for waiver of Section 64.604(c)(5)(iii)(N)(1)(iii) as moot.

  • Structure and Practices of the Video Relay Service Program, CG Docket No. 10-51; Healinc Telecom, LLC, Request for Reimbursement of July 2011 and August 2011 Video Relay Service Minutes (Order), CG Docket No. 10-51, DA 12-1318, 27 FCC Rcd 9314, adopted August 10, 2012, released August 10, 2012.

Pursuant to Section 64.604(c)(5)(iii)(E) and (L) of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC or Commission) rules, the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (Bureau) permanently denies payment to Healinc Telecom, LLC (Healinc), of the amounts withheld by the Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) Fund administrator, Rolka Loube Saltzer Associates (Administrator, or RLSA), from Healinc's video relay service (VRS) payment for the months of July 2011 and August 2011. The Bureau affirm RLSA's determination that, during the relevant months, Healinc failed to comply with Sections 64.604(c)(5)(iii)(N)(1)(i) and (ii) of the Commission's rules, which (1) require that only eligible VRS providers may hold themselves out as offering VRS and (2) regulate eligible VRS providers' use of names, brands, sub-brands and Uniform Resource Locator (URL) addresses. Accordingly, the Bureau find that Healinc is not entitled to compensation for VRS calls made during that time period.

  • Notice of Conditional Grant of Application of CSDVRS,LLC for Recertification as a Provider of Video Relay Service Eligible for Compensation from the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS Fund), (Public Notice), CG Docket No. 10-51, DA 12-1505, 27 FCC Rcd 11116, released September 18, 2012.

On June 15, 2012, CSDVRS, LLC (CSDVRS) filed an application for Commission recertification as a provider of video relay service (VRS) that is eligible for compensation from the Interstate TRS Fund (Fund). The Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (Bureau) hereby grants the CSDVRS Recertification Application on a conditional basis for a period of sixty (60) days, pending confirmation of CSDVRS's compliance with all applicable rules and orders. The Bureau notes that it did not specify time limits for prior conditional certifications granted as part of the initial implementation of the certification rules.

  • Additional Comment Sought on Structure and Practices of the Video Relay Service (VRS) Program and on Proposed VRS Compensation Rates, (Public Notice), CG Docket Nos. 03-123 and 10-51, DA 12-1644, 27 FCC Rcd, 12959, released October 15, 2012.

77 FR 65526, October 29, 2012 - Proposed Rule

This public notice is the next step in the ongoing VRS reform efforts. CGB, on delegated authority, seeks comment on matters raised in recent filings submitted by CSDVRS, LLC, a VRS provider. Moreover, in order for the Commission to be in a position to set new rates as it moves forward with the next phase of VRS reform, CGB also seek comment in this notice on a proposal by the Fund administrator, Rolka Loube Saltzer Associates (RLSA), to modify VRS compensation rates. Comments are due November 14, 2012. Reply comments are due November 29, 2012.

  • Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities, Order on Reconsideration, CG Docket No. 03-123, WC Docket Nos. 05-196 and 10-191, FCC 12-139, 27 FCC Rcd 14590, adopted November 15, 2012, released November 16, 2016.

77 FR 75894, December 26, 2012 - Final Rule

In the Order, the Commission grants in part a petition for reconsideration and clarification of the Commission's iTRS Toll Free Order, filed by Sorenson Communications, Inc. (Sorenson). In that Order, the Commission adopted rules to improve assignment of telephone numbers associated with Internet-based Telecommunications Relay Service (iTRS). For the reasons set in the Order, the Commission grants Sorenson's Petition with respect to certain user notification requirements and denies the remainder of the Petition.

  • The Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Grants CSDVRS, LLC Full Certification as a Provider of Video Relay Service Eligible for Compensation from the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) Fund, Public Notice, CG Docket No. 10-51, DA 12-1886, 27 FCC Rcd 14504, released November 20, 2012.

The Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (Bureau) hereby grants CSDVRS, LLC (CSDVRS), an incumbent video relay service (VRS) provider, full certification for eligibility to receive compensation from the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Services Fund (Fund) for the provision of VRS. Based on the Bureaus further review of the CSDVRS Recertification Application and our on-site inspections of CSDVRS' facilities and operations, it finds that CSDVRS currently provides VRS in compliance with the Commission's rules and orders, and that CSDVRS is qualified to receive compensation from the Fund for the provision of VRS. The Bureau therefore certifies CSDVRS as eligible for compensation from the Fund for the provision of VRS. This certification shall remain in effect for a period of five years from the release date of the Public Notice.

Updated:
Friday, December 18, 2015