This descriptive table of the Commission’s TRS rules is intended to assist the public in navigating through and understanding the coverage of the TRS-related provisions of the Commission’s rules. This table is for informational purposes only. It does not amend, replace, or supersede any statute, proceeding, or rule adopted by the FCC. It does not bind the FCC and does not create any rights, benefits, expectations, or defenses—substantive or procedural—that are enforceable by any party in any manner. Although we have attempted to describe the rules specifically relevant to the provision of TRS, the table does not purport to be an exhaustive, or a fully current or accurate inventory of such rules. The FCC may revise this table, without public notice, to reflect changes in the FCC’s rules or to improve the descriptions in the table.
RULE SECTION |
SECTION TITLE |
DESCRIPTION OF RULE |
COVERED SERVICES |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TTY-BASED TRS |
STS |
CTS |
VRS |
IP CTS |
IP RELAY |
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9.1 |
Purpose |
The purpose of §§ 9.1-9.20 is to set forth the 911 and E911 service requirements for TRS providers, among others |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
9.3 |
Definitions |
Defines various terms used in the Part 9 rules |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
9.13 |
Jurisdiction |
Violations of §§ 9.13 or 9.14 by an intrastate common carrier are subject to the same remedies, penalties and procedures as are applicable to interstate common carriers; provisions applicable to common carriers are also applicable to interconnected VoIP service providers. |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
9.14 |
Emergency calling requirements |
Rules for handling emergency TRS calls |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
9.14(a) |
Emergency call handling requirements for TTY-based TRS providers |
Handling of emergency calls placed by users of TTY-based TRS |
x |
|
|
|
|
|
9.14(b) |
Additional emergency calling requirements applicable to internet-based TRS providers |
Emergency call requirements applicable to 911 calling by (1) certain IP CTS users and (2) VRS and IP Relay users whose Registered Location (a) is not served by a Wireline E911 Network or (b) is not available to the provider handling the call |
|
|
|
x |
x |
x |
9.14(c) |
E911 Service for VRS and IP Relay before January 6, 2021, for fixed services, and before January 6, 2022, for non-fixed services |
Emergency call requirements applicable prior to the indicated dates to 911 calling by VRS and IP Relay users whose Registered Location is served by a Wireline E911 Network and is available to the provider handling the call |
|
|
|
x |
|
x |
9.14(d) |
E911 Service for VRS and IP Relay on or after January 6, 2021, for fixed services, and on or after January 6, 2022, for non-fixed services |
Emergency call requirements applicable on or after the indicated dates to 911 calling by VRS and IP Relay users whose Registered Location is served by a Wireline E911 Network and is available to the provider handling the call |
|
|
|
x |
|
x |
9.14(e) |
E911 Service for IP CTS on or after January 6, 2021, for fixed services, and on or after January 6, 2022, for non-fixed services |
Emergency call requirements applicable on or after the indicated dates to IP CTS providers that place or route voice calls to the public switched telephone network |
|
|
|
|
x |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
52.21 |
Definitions |
Includes definitions of VRS provider and IP Relay provider |
|
|
|
x |
|
x |
52.34 |
Obligations regarding local number porting to and from interconnected VoIP or Internet-based TRS providers |
Obligation to facilitate the porting of numbers to or from a carrier, interconnected VoIP provider, or VRS or IP Relay provider; prohibition on providers entering agreements that would prohibit porting |
|
|
|
x |
|
x |
64.601 |
Definitions and provisions of general applicability |
Definition of terms related to TRS; provisions applicable to common carriers also apply to interconnected VoIP providers. |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.602 |
Jurisdiction |
Subjects intrastate common carriers to the same remedies, penalties and procedures applicable to interstate common carriers |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.603 |
Provision of services |
Common carriers’ obligation to provide TRS, including interstate Spanish language relay and speech-to-speech relay (STS), and 711 access to TRS; TRS compliance alternatives for common carriers |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604 |
Mandatory Minimum Standards |
Rules applicable to the provision of TRS |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(a) |
(a) Operational standards |
Operational standards for TRS |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(a)(1) |
(1) Communications assistant (CA) |
Operational standards for CAs |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(a)(1)(i) |
|
CA training sufficiency |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(a)(1)(ii) |
|
Required skills for CAs |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(a)(1)(iii) |
|
CA typing speed requirements |
x |
|
x |
|
x |
x |
64.604(a)(1)(iv) |
|
VRS CAs must be qualified interpreters |
|
|
|
x |
|
|
64.604(a)(1)(v) |
|
Minimum time for CAs to stay with a call |
x |
x |
|
x |
|
|
64.604(a)(1)(vi) |
|
Requests for CA gender |
x |
x |
|
x |
|
x |
64.604(a)(1)(vii) |
|
Transmitting TTY-voice conversations in real time |
x |
|
|
|
|
|
64.604(a)(1)(viii) |
|
STS-user option to have voice muted |
|
x |
|
|
|
|
64.604(a)(2) |
(2) Confidentiality and conversation content |
Prohibitions on disclosing, keeping records of, or altering the content of relayed conversations; requirement to relay all conversation verbatim |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(a)(3) |
(3) Types of calls |
Types of calls that TRS providers must handle |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(a)(3)(i) |
|
Prohibition of refusing single or sequential calls or limiting length of calls |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(a)(3)(ii)-(iii) |
|
Obligation to handle any type of call normally provided by telecommunications carriers; limited exception from providing traditional billing options; permission to decline to complete call if credit authorization is denied |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(a)(3)(iv) |
|
Obligation to handle pay-per-call calls. |
x |
x |
x |
|
|
|
64.604(a)(3)(v) |
|
Requirements and exemptions for specific forms of TRS, such as text-to-voice, voice carryover (VCO), and hearing carryover (HCO). |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(a)(3)(vi) |
|
Requirement to provide call release (TTY-based TRS only), speed dialing; three-way calls. |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(a)(3)(vii)-(viii) |
|
Handling of calls involving recorded messages, interactive menus, voice mail, and answering machines |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(a)(4) |
|
Reserved |
x |
|
|
|
|
|
64.604(a)(5) |
(5) STS called numbers |
Maintaining for STS users a list of names and numbers called |
|
x |
|
|
|
|
64.604(a)(6) |
(6) Visual privacy screens/idle calls |
Prohibition of visual privacy screens during VRS calls; |
|
|
|
x |
|
|
64.604(a)(7) |
(7) International calls |
Prohibition of VRS calls originating from an international IP address |
|
|
|
x |
|
|
64.604(b) |
(b) Technical standards |
Technical standards for TRS |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(b)(1) |
(1) ASCII and Baudot |
TTY format and speed |
x |
|
|
|
|
|
64.604(b)(2) |
(2) Speed of answer |
Requirements for speed of answer, including standards for CA availability and network facilities |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(b)(3) |
|
Reserved |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(b)(4) |
(4) TRS facilities |
Technical standards for TRS facilities |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(b)(4)(i) |
|
24/7 operation required |
x |
x |
|
x |
|
|
64.604(b)(4)(ii) |
|
Redundancy and backup power |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(b)(4)(iii) |
|
Prohibition of at-home interpreting by VRS CAs, other than in the pilot program |
|
|
|
x |
|
|
64.604(b)(4)(iv) |
|
VRS automatic call distribution (ACD) leasing and licensing restrictions |
|
|
|
x |
|
|
64.604(b)(5) |
(5) Technology |
Technological development encouraged; SS7 technology |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(b)(6) |
(6) Caller ID |
Caller ID pass-through requirement |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(b)(7) |
(7) STS 711 Calls |
711 call-handling requirements for STS |
|
x |
|
|
|
|
64.604(b)(8) |
(8) Home VRS call handling pilot program |
Requirements and procedures for at-home interpreting for VRS CAs |
|
|
|
x |
|
|
64.604(c) |
(c) Functional standards |
Functional standards for TRS |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(c)(1) |
(1) Consumer complaint logs |
TRS providers’ obligations to retain and report complaint logs |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(c)(2) |
(2) Contact persons |
Registration of TRS providers’ and programs’ contact persons |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(c)(3) |
(3) Public access to information |
Duty to inform and educate the public about the availability and use of TRS and 711 access |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(c)(4) |
(4) Rates |
TRS users pay rates no higher than rates for functionally equivalent voice services |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(c)(5) |
(5) Jurisdictional separations of costs |
Requirements relating to the funding of TRS and payments to TRS providers |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(c)(5)(i) |
(i) General |
Applies the Commission's cost separations rules (47 CFR Part 36) to TRS providers |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(c)(5)(ii) |
(ii) Cost recovery |
Cost recovery rules for interstate and intrastate TRS |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(c)(5)(iii) |
(iii) Telecommunications Relay Services Fund |
Establishes the TRS Fund |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(c)(5)(iii)(A) |
(A) Contributions |
Identifies service providers required to contribute to the TRS Fund |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(c)(5)(iii)(B) |
(B) Contribution computations |
Computation and payment of contributions to the TRS Fund |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(c)(5)(iii)(C) |
(C) Registration Requirements for Providers of Non-Interconnected VoIP Services |
Requirements for non-interconnected VoIP service providers to register for and contribute to the TRS Fund |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(c)(5)(iii)(D) |
(D) Data collection and audits |
Data requirements for TRS providers requesting compensation from the Fund; audits of TRS provider data; data retention period |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(c)(5)(iii)(E) |
(E) Payments to TRS providers |
Requirements governing payments to providers and responsibilities of the Fund Administrator; audits of TRS providers |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(c)(5)(iii)(F) |
(F) Eligibility for payment from the TRS Fund |
Defines eligibility of TRS providers to receive payments from the TRS Fund for providing TRS |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(c)(5)(iii)(G) |
|
Requirement for TRS providers to notify the Administrator of intent to participate in the TRS program |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(c)(5)(iii)(H) |
(H) Administrator reporting, monitoring, and filing requirements |
Reporting and accounting obligations of the TRS Fund administrator; conduct of audits of TRS providers; administrator's advisory committee |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(c)(5)(iii)(I) |
(I) Information filed with the administrator |
Required TRS provider certifications regarding veracity of payment requests and data submissions; confidentiality of information of TRS providers and TRS Fund contributors; data sharing with other fund administrators; possible Commission audits of TRS providers |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(c)(5)(iii)(J) |
[Reserved] |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
64.604(c)(5)(iii)(K) |
|
Providers are subject to enforcement provisions of the Communications Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Commission's rules |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(c)(5)(iii)(L)(1)-(5) |
(L) Procedures for the suspension/withholding of payment |
Procedures for withholding or denial of payment of TRS Fund compensation requested by providers |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(c)(5)(iii)(L)(6) |
|
Special provisions on withholding compensation from VRS providers requesting waiver of speed-of-answer standards |
|
|
|
x |
|
|
64.604(c)(5)(iii)(M) |
(M) Whistleblower protections |
Prohibition of TRS provider reprisals against whistleblower employees or contractors; disclosure of whistleblower protections to employees and contractors |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(c)(5)(iii)(N) |
|
Additional requirements for VRS providers re eligibility for TRS Fund compensation, branding, contracting, call center reporting, CA compensation, and remote training session calls |
|
|
|
x |
|
|
64.604(c)(6) |
(6) Complaints |
Referral of complaints to state TRS programs; Commission jurisdiction and procedures re formal and informal TRS complaints; TRS provider designation of agents |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(c)(7) |
(7) Treatment of TRS customer information |
Required contractual provisions concerning the transfer of customer data between outgoing and incoming TRS vendors |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.604(c)(8) |
(8) Incentives for use of IP CTS and VRS |
Prohibition of direct or indirect incentives to register or use VRS or IP CTS and joint marketing arrangements between IP CTS providers and hearing health professionals |
|
|
|
x |
x |
|
64.604(c)(9) |
[Reserved] |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
64.604(c)(10) |
(10) IP CTS Settings |
Requirements for IP CTS end-user devices, including activation of captions and adjustment of volume |
|
|
|
|
x |
|
64.604(c)(11) |
|
Restrictions on use of IP CTS devices with captions on; required warnings on IP CTS devices and software, websites, and informational materials; maintenance of records of equipment provided to users |
|
|
|
|
x |
|
64.604(c)(12) |
(12) Discrimination and preferences |
Non-discrimination provisions for VRS |
|
|
|
x |
|
|
64.604(c)(13) |
(13) Unauthorized and unnecessary use of VRS or IP CTS |
Prohibition of practices that cause or encourage unauthorized or unnecessary use of VRS and IP CTS |
|
|
|
x |
x |
|
64.604(c)(14) |
(14) TRS calls requiring the use of multiple CAs |
Authorization of compensation for certain types of TRS calls requiring multiple CAs |
x |
|
x |
x |
x |
|
64.604(d) |
(d) Other standards |
Incorporating the applicable requirements of sections 64.605, 64.611, 64.615, 64.617, 64.621, 64.631, 64.632, 64.5105, 64.5107, 64.5108, 64.5109, and 64.5110 as mandatory minimum standards |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.606 |
Internet-based TRS provider and TRS program certification |
Rules for Commission certification of state TRS programs and Internet-based TRS providers and related matters |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.606(a)-(e) |
|
Commission certification of state TRS programs and certification of Internet-based TRS providers as eligible for TRS Fund compensation; application requirements; certification criteria; certification periods; suspension and revocation of certification |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.606(f) |
Notification of substantive change |
Requirement for state TRS programs and VRS and IP Relay providers to notify the Commission of substantive changes |
x |
x |
x |
x |
|
x |
64.606(g) |
|
Required annual reports by Internet-based TRS providers |
|
|
|
x |
x |
x |
64.606(h) |
Unauthorized service interruption |
Prohibition of unauthorized service interruption by VRS providers; requirement for VRS providers to seek advance authorization for voluntary service interruptions; Notification by Internet-based TRS providers to the Commission and consumers regarding involuntary service interruptions |
|
|
|
x |
x |
x |
64.607 |
Furnishing related customer premises equipment |
Common carriers' provision of CPE, including text telephones, to persons with disabilities |
x |
|
|
|
|
|
64.611 |
Internet-based TRS registration |
VRS, IP Relay, and IP CTS user registration, including required registration data and submission of VRS user data to the TRS User Registration Database; assignment of TRS telephone numbers to hearing point-to-point video users; obligations of default VRS and IP Relay providers; number assignment restrictions; access technology requirements; required user notifications |
|
|
|
x |
x |
x |
64.613 |
Numbering directory for Internet-based TRS users |
Provision of data to the TRS Numbering Directory access to the Directory |
|
|
|
x |
x |
x |
64.615 |
TRS User Registration Database and Administrator |
Operation of the TRS User Registration Database; VRS provider requirements re per-call validation, removal of certain user data, and user identity verification |
|
|
|
x |
x |
|
64.619 |
VRS Access Technology Reference Platform and administrator |
Provision for the establishment of a VRS Access Technology Reference Platform |
|
|
|
x |
|
|
64.621 |
Interoperability and Portability |
Requirements for VRS providers to ensure interoperability and portability of services and access technologies |
|
|
|
x |
|
|
64.630 |
Applicability of change of default TRS provider rules |
Sections 64.630-64.636 apply to changes in a registered VRS or IP Relay user's default service provider |
|
|
|
x |
|
x |
64.631 |
Verification of orders for change of default TRS provider |
Procedures to change a user’s default TRS provider; third-party verification |
|
|
|
x |
|
x |
64.632 |
Letter of authorization form and content |
Requirements for letters of authorization |
|
|
|
x |
|
x |
64.633 |
Procedures for resolution of unauthorized changes in default provider |
Required notifications when a user claims an unauthorized change of default TRS provider; complaint procedures; withholding of compensation from allegedly unauthorized provider; proof of provider change |
|
|
|
x |
|
x |
64.634 |
Procedures where the Fund has not yet reimbursed the provider |
For allegedly unauthorized changes, procedures for when an iTRS user or default iTRS provider notifies the FCC, and the TRS Fund has not reimbursed the allegedly unauthorized provider |
|
|
|
x |
|
x |
64.635 |
Procedures where the Fund has already reimbursed the provider |
Refund of TRS Fund compensation paid to an unauthorized provider |
|
|
|
x |
|
x |
64.636 |
Prohibition of default provider freezes |
Prohibition of “freezes” to default provider changes |
|
|
|
x |
|
x |
Subpart EE |
TRS Customer Proprietary Network Information |
Requirements for protecting the customer proprietary network information (CPNI) of users of TRS and point-to-point video service |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.5101 |
Basis and Purpose |
Describes authority and purpose of the rules |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.5103 |
Definitions |
Definitions related to CPNI for TRS and point-to-point video service |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.5105 |
Use of customer proprietary network information without customer approval |
Permitted disclosure and use of CPNI by TRS providers without customer approval |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.5107 |
Approval required for use of customer proprietary network information |
General prohibition of disclosure and use of CPNI without customer approval; procedures for obtaining customer approval, and uses of opt-in vs. opt-out approvals |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.5108 |
Notice required for use of customer proprietary network information |
Procedures for and content of notices, including notices for opt-in and opt-out approvals, and one-time use of CPNI |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.5109 |
Safeguards required for use of customer proprietary network information |
Safeguards for ensuring customer approval for use and disclosure of CPNI, including personnel training, record maintenance, supervisory review, annual compliance certificates, and notice to the FCC's Disability Rights Office if opt-out mechanisms fail to work properly |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.5110 |
Safeguards on the disclosure of customer proprietary network information |
Protections against unauthorized access to CPNI such as via telephone or the Internet, or in a store; customer notification of account changes; methods for handling lost passwords |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.5111 |
Notification of customer proprietary network information security breaches |
Notices to law enforcement and customers of a breach of CPNI; recordkeeping |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.6040 |
Rates for [Inmate] calls involving a TTY device |
Providers of inmate calling services are prohibited from collecting any charge for TRS-to-voice or voice -to-TTY calls |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
64.6060 |
[Inmate calls] Annual reporting and certification requirement |
Providers of inmate calling services must submit reports that include the number of complaints by TTY and TRS users |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |