FCC Seeks Comments on Rules for Toll-Free iTRS
The FCC seeks comment on ways to move customers who are deaf from toll-free to local numbers when they use Internet-based telecommunications relay services. The commission said it wants to find a way to let businesses that need toll-free numbers for iTRS keep them but at the same time prevent relay services from automatically assigning 800 numbers for their clients. The commission has also suggested a one-year transition period to make the switch to local service and suggested that TRS fund no longer support toll-free numbers.
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Friday’s notice was designed to help quell a controversy that erupted in the spring and summer of 2009 (CD April 17/09 p3), when the commission said iTRS would have to give up their toll-free numbers for local area codes, agency officials said. At the time, advocates for the deaf and TRS companies complained that the commission’s move didn’t allow enough time for a transition or create a proper set of rules.
A 10-digit local number allows a relay user to make and receive calls just like a hearing user, in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act’s functional-equivalency requirements. It also makes it easier for rescuers and police departments to respond to emergency calls from the deaf.
"I think it’s an inevitability because local numbers are what people need,” said Paul Kershisnik, chief marketing officer of Sorenson Communications, which provides relay services to more than 100,000 Americans who are deaf. “Not too many people are charged for long-distance calls anymore, anyway. Whatever the FCC comes up with … we'll obviously implement it and comply with it as quickly as we're required.” Comments are due 30 days after the rulemaking notice is published in the Federal Register, replies 15 days later.