IP-Enabled Services; Implementation of Sections 255 and 251(a)(2) of the Communications Act of 1934, as Enacted by the Telecommunications Act of 1996: Access to Telecommunications Service, Telecommunications Equipment and Customer Premises Equipment by Persons With Disabilities; Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals With Hearing and Speech Disabilities, 21364-21366 [E9-10504]

Download as PDF 21364 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 87 / Thursday, May 7, 2009 / Notices consider other approaches, such as targeted use of funding to disadvantaged water systems. EPA plans to further consult with the National Drinking Water Advisory Council and to review the many public comments we received on an earlier proposal to revise the existing methodology. Special Accommodations For information on access or accommodations for individuals with disabilities, please contact Rebecca Allen at (202) 564–4689 or by e-mail at allen.rebeccak@epa.gov. Please allow at least 10 days prior to the meeting to give EPA time to process your request. Dated: May 4, 2009. Cynthia C. Dougherty, Director, Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water. [FR Doc. E9–10644 Filed 5–6–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION [WC Docket No. 04–36, CG Docket No. 03– 123, WT Docket No. 96–198 and CC Docket No. 92–105; DA 09–749] IP–Enabled Services; Implementation of Sections 255 and 251(a)(2) of the Communications Act of 1934, as Enacted by the Telecommunications Act of 1996: Access to Telecommunications Service, Telecommunications Equipment and Customer Premises Equipment by Persons With Disabilities; Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals With Hearing and Speech Disabilities AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: In this document, the Commission, via the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, seeks comment on the petition for extension of waiver filed with the Commission by AT&T Inc. (AT&T) and Sprint Nextel Corporation (Sprint) (Petition). The Petition requested a one-year extension of the current waiver of the Commission’s rules to the extent that provision requires traditional telecommunications relay service (TRS) providers (those providing relay service via the public switched telephone network and a text telephone (TTY)) to automatically and immediately call an appropriate Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) when receiving an emergency 711-dialed call placed by an VerDate Nov<24>2008 17:03 May 06, 2009 Jkt 217001 interconnected voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) user. The Commission seeks comment on the remaining technical, operational, or other issues that currently prevent traditional TRS providers from being able to reliably identify the appropriate PSAP to call when receiving an emergency call via 711 and an interconnected VoIP service. The Commission also seeks comment regarding the usage of traditional TRS to place calls through interconnected VoIP service, particularly the incidence of such calls for purposes of obtaining emergency assistance. DATES: Comments are due on or before May 28, 2009 and reply comments are due on or before June 8, 2009. ADDRESSES: Interested parties may submit comments and reply comments identified by [WC Docket No. 04–36, CG Docket No. 03–123, WT Docket No. 96– 198 and CC Docket No. 92–105], by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Federal Communications Commission’s Web site: https:// www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs/. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Parties who choose to file by paper should also submit their comments on a compact disc. The compact discs should be submitted, along with three paper copies, to: Dana Wilson, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Disability Rights Office, 445 12th Street, SW., Room 3–C418, Washington, DC 20554. Such a submission should be on a compact disc formatted in an IBM compatible format using Word 2003 or compatible software. The compact disc should be accompanied by a cover letter and should be submitted in ‘‘read only’’ mode. The compact disc should be clearly labeled with the commenter’s name, the proceedings (including the docket numbers) in this case, [WC Docket No. 04–36, CG Docket No. 03– 123, WT Docket No. 96–198, and CC Docket No. 92–105], type of pleading (comment or reply comment), date of submission, and the name of the electronic file on the compact disc. The label should also include the following phrase ‘‘Disc Copy—Not an Original.’’ Each compact disc should contain only one party’s pleadings, preferably in a single electronic file. In addition, paper filers must send compact disc copies to the Commission’s copy contractor, Portals II, 445 12th Street, SW., Room CY–B402, Washington, DC 20554. For detailed instructions for submitting comments and additional information on the rulemaking process, see the PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lisa Boehley, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418–7395 (voice), or e-mail: Lisa.Boehley@fcc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to §§ 1.415 and 1.419 of the Commission’s rules, 47 CFR 1.415 and 1.419, interested parties may file comments and reply comments on or before the dates indicated on the first page of this document. Comments may be filed using: (1) The Commission’s Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS), (2) the Federal Government’s eRulemaking Portal, or (3) by filing paper copies. See Electronic Filing of Documents in Rulemaking Proceedings, 63 FR 24121, May 1, 1998. • Electronic Filers: Comments may be filed electronically using the Internet by accessing the ECFS: https://www.fcc.gov/ cgb/ecfs/ or the Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Filers should follow the instructions provided on the Web site for submitting comments. • For ECFS filers, if multiple docket or rulemaking numbers appear in the caption of this proceeding, filers must transmit one electronic copy of the comments for each docket or rulemaking number referenced in the caption. In completing the transmittal screen, filers should include their full name, U.S. Postal Service mailing address, and the applicable docket or rulemaking number, which in this instance [WC Docket No. 04–36, CG Docket No. 03–123, WT Docket No. 96– 198, and CC Docket No. 92–105]. Parties may also submit an electronic comment by Internet e-mail. To get filing instructions, filers should send an email to ecfs@fcc.gov, and include the following words in the body of the message, ‘‘get form your e-mail address.’’ A sample form and directions will be sent in response. • Paper Filers: Parties who choose to file by paper must file an original and four copies of each filing. If more than one docket or rulemaking number appears in the caption in this proceeding, filers must submit two additional copies of each additional docket or rulemaking number. Filings can be sent by hand or messenger delivery, by commercial overnight courier, or by first-class or overnight U.S. Postal Service mail (although the Commission continues to experience delays in receiving U.S. Postal Service mail). All filings must be addressed to the Commission’s Secretary, Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission. E:\FR\FM\07MYN1.SGM 07MYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 87 / Thursday, May 7, 2009 / Notices • The Commission’s contractor will receive hand-delivered or messengerdelivered paper filings for the Commission’s Secretary at 236 Massachusetts Avenue, NE., Suite 110, Washington, DC 20002. The filing hours at this location are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. All hand deliveries must be held together with rubber bands or fasteners. Any envelopes must be disposed of before entering the building. • Commercial mail sent by overnight mail (other than U.S. Postal Service Express Mail and Priority Mail) must be sent to 9300 East Hampton Drive, Capitol Heights, MD 20743. • U.S. Postal Service first-class, Express, and Priority mail should be addressed to 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554. This is a synopsis of the Commission’s document DA 09–749, released April 1, 2009. This document also contains a separate order granting in part the petition for extension of waiver filed by AT&T and Sprint and extending for 90 days (until June 29, 2009) the limited waiver granted to traditional TRS providers in the 2008 TRS 711 Waiver Order. Pursuant to § 1.1206 of the Commission’s rules, 47 CFR 1.1206, this proceeding will be conducted as a permit-but-disclose proceeding in which ex parte communications are subject to disclosure. On June 15, 2007, the Commission released the Report and Order (VoIP TRS Order), published at 72 FR 43546, August 6, 2007, WC Docket No. 04–36, CG Docket No. 03–123, WT Docket No. 96–198 and CC Docket No. 92–105, FCC 07–110. In the VoIP TRS Order, effective October 5, 2007, the Commission extended its pre-existing TRS rules to interconnected VoIP providers, including the duty to offer 711 abbreviated dialing access to TRS. The VoIP TRS Order required interconnected VoIP providers to offer 711 abbreviated dialing ‘‘to ensure that TRS calls can be made from any telephone, anywhere in the United States, and that such calls will be properly routed to the appropriate relay center.’’ In the Order and Public Notice Seeking Comment (October 2007 Order and Notice), released on October 9, 2007, published at 72 FR 61813, November 1, 2007, and 72 FR 61882, November 1, 2007, WC Docket No. 04– 36, CG Docket No. 03–123, WT Docket No. 96–198 and CC Docket No. 92–105, DA 07–4178, the Commission clarified the 711 abbreviated dialing requirement adopted in the VoIP TRS Order and granted interconnected VoIP providers a six-month waiver of the requirement to route the inbound leg of a 711-dialed VerDate Nov<24>2008 17:03 May 06, 2009 Jkt 217001 call to an ‘‘appropriate TRS provider,’’ as defined by the Commission. The Commission also determined that the geographic location identification challenges associated with interconnected VoIP-originated 711 calls rendered traditional TRS providers unable to consistently identify the ‘‘appropriate’’ PSAP to which to route such calls. On this basis, the Commission found good cause to grant traditional TRS providers a six-month waiver of the obligation set forth in § 64.604(a)(4) of its rules to automatically and immediately route the outbound leg of an interconnected VoIP-originated emergency 711 call to an ‘‘appropriate’’ PSAP. In the Order (2008 TRS 711 Waiver Order), released on April 4, 2008, published at 73 FR 28057, May 15, 2008, WC Docket No. 04–36, CG Docket No. 03–123, WT Docket No. 96–198 and CC Docket No. 92–105, DA 07–4178, the Commission granted interconnected VoIP providers an extension of time, until March 31, 2009, to route 711dialed calls to an appropriate relay center, in the context of 711-dialed calls in which the calling party is using a non-geographically relevant telephone number or a nomadic interconnected VoIP service. The Commission also granted traditional TRS providers an extension of time, until March 31, 2009, to fulfill their obligation to implement a system to automatically and immediately call an appropriate PSAP when receiving an emergency 711dialed call via an interconnected VoIP service. On March 20, 2009, AT&T and Sprint filed a petition seeking a one-year extension of the waiver of § 64.604(a)(4) of the Commission’s rules to the extent that provision requires traditional TRS providers to automatically and immediately route to an appropriate PSAP emergency 711-dialed calls placed by interconnected VoIP users. The full text of this document and copies of any subsequently filed documents in this matter will be available for public inspection and copying during regular business hours at the FCC Reference Information Center, Portals II, 445 12th Street, SW., Room CY–A257, Washington, DC 20554. This document and copies of subsequently filed documents in this matter may also be purchased from the Commission’s duplicating contractor at Portals II, 445 12th Street, SW, Room CY–B402, Washington, DC 20554. Customers may contact the Commission’s contractor at their web site www.bcpiweb.com or by calling 1– 800–378–3160. A copy of the underlying petition for waiver may also PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 21365 be found by searching ECFS at https:// www.fcc.gov/cbg.ecfs. To request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities (Braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), send an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418–0530 (voice), (202) 418–0432 (TTY). This document can also be downloaded in Word or Portable Document Format (PDF) at: https:// www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/trs.html#orders. Synopsis In this document, the Commission seeks comment on the remaining technical, operational, or other issues that currently prevent traditional TRS providers from being able to reliably identify the appropriate PSAP to call when receiving an emergency call via 711 and an interconnected VoIP service. In particular, comment is sought on the specific steps that remain to be taken in order for traditional TRS providers to be able to consistently route interconnected VoIP-originated 711 emergency calls in the manner prescribed by § 64.604(a)(4) of the Commission’s rules. The Commission also asks providers for an estimate of the costs and the timeframe associated with each of these steps. Further, the Commission seeks comment from interconnected VoIP providers and TRS providers regarding the total number of interconnected VoIP-originated 711 TRS calls that are processed annually by each provider (estimates, if actual figures are unavailable) and the proportion of those calls that are of an emergency nature. The Commission also seeks comment from interconnected VoIP providers and TRS providers, as well as from consumers and disability rights advocates, concerning the continuing use of TTYs by individuals with hearing or speech disabilities and, in particular, the use of TTYs with an interconnected VoIP service. The Commission seeks comment on the overall effectiveness of providers’ outreach efforts in educating consumers about the importance of dialing 911 directly in an emergency, rather than dialing 711 to place an emergency call via TRS. Further, commenters are encouraged to comment on any impediments consumers have encountered in attempting to dial 911 directly in an emergency situation (when using a TTY and an interconnected VoIP service). Finally, the Commission seeks comment on the continuing need, from the consumer’s perspective, of dialing 711 via TRS in an emergency, rather than dialing 911 directly. E:\FR\FM\07MYN1.SGM 07MYN1 21366 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 87 / Thursday, May 7, 2009 / Notices Federal Communications Commission. Catherine Seidel, Chief, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau. [FR Doc. E9–10504 Filed 5–6–09; 8:45 am] SUMMARY: The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) published a 30-day notice in the Federal Register [on March 23, 2009, (Volume 74, Number 54) Pages 12131–12132] for public comment on seven information BILLING CODE 6712–01–P collection requests contained among the (FMCS) Labor Management Cooperation Program which was up for renewal of FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION currently approved collection by Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Sunshine Act Notices FMCS submitted to the Office of May 1, 2009 Management Budget a request for AGENCY: Federal Election Commission. review of these seven forms: Application for Federal Assistance (SF– DATE AND TIME: Thursday, May 7, 2009, 424), Request for Advance or at 10 a.m. Reimbursement SF–270 (LM–6), Project PLACE: 999 E Street, NW., Washington, Performance (LM–8), Financial Status DC (Ninth Floor). Report SF–269a (LM–7), Grants Program STATUS: This meeting will be open to the Grantee Evaluation Questionnaire public. (agency form LM–9), and Accounting ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED: System and Financial Capability Correction and Approval of Minutes. Questionnaire (LM–3). The request Draft Advisory Opinion 2009–08: seeks OMB approval for an emergency Congressman Elton Gallegly, Elton extension with an expiration date of Gallegly for Congress. March 12, 2012, for forms SF–424, SF– Report of the Audit Division on Kuhl for 270 (LM–6), (LM–8), SF–269a, (LM–7), Congress. (LM–9) and (LM–3). Report of the Audit Division on League DATES: FMCS received no comments of Conservation Voters Action Fund. regarding information collection. The Report of the Audit Division on the Ciro forms are currently pending OMB D. Rodriguez for Congress Committee. approval. Report of the Audit Division on Zinga ADDRESSES: Michael Bartlett, Federal for Congress. Register Liaison at mbartlett@fmcs.gov. Discussion of Press Release Policy. Management and Administrative FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matters. Linda Stubbs, Grants Management Specialist, FMCS, 2100 K Street, NW., Individuals who plan to attend and Washington, DC 20427. Telephone require special assistance, such as sign number (202) 606–8181, e-mail at language interpretation or other lstubbs@fmcs.gov or fax at (202) 606– reasonable accommodations, should 3434. contact Mary Dove, Commission Secretary, at (202) 694–1040, at least 72 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Copies of hours prior to the hearing date. the complete agency forms are available PERSON TO CONTACT FOR INFORMATION: from the Office of Labor Management Judith Ingram, Press Officer, Telephone: Grants Program by calling, faxing, or (202) 694–1220. writing Linda Stubbs at the address above. Please ask for forms by agency Mary W. Dove, number. Secretary of the Commission. [FR Doc. E9–10530 Filed 5–6–09; 8:45 am] I. Information Collection Requests BILLING CODE 6715–01–M FMCS was seeking comments on the following information collection requests contained in FMCS agency forms. Agency: Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. Form Number: OMB No. 3076–0006. Expiration date: December 12, 2006. Type of Request: Extension of a previously approved collection without change in the substance or method of collection. Affected Entities: Potential applicants and/or grantees who received our grant application kit. Also applicants who have received a grant from FMCS. Frequency: FEDERAL MEDIATION AND CONCILIATION SERVICE Proposed Agency Informational Collection Activities AGENCY: Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. ACTION: Final 30-day Notice of Information Collection for Forms SF– 424, SF–270 (LM–6), LM–8, SF–269a, LM–7, LM–9 and LM–3 that was sent to Office of Management and Budget for approval. VerDate Nov<24>2008 17:03 May 06, 2009 Jkt 217001 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 a. Three of the forms, the SF–424, LM–6, and LM–9 are submitted at the applicant/grantee’s discretion. b. To conduct the quarterly submissions, LM–7and LM–8 forms are used. Less than quarterly reports would deprive FMCS of the opportunity to provide prompt technical assistance to deal with those problems identified in the report. c. Once per application. The LM–3 is the only form to which a ‘‘similar information’’ requirement could apply. That form takes the requirement into consideration by accepting recent audit reports in lieu of applicant completion of items C2 through 9 and items D1 through 3. Abstract: Except for the FMCS Forms LM–3 and LM–9, the forms under consideration herein are either required or recommended in OMB Circulars. The two exceptions are non-recurring forms, the former a questionnaire sent only to non-public sector potential grantees and the latter a questionnaire sent only to former grantees for voluntary completion and submission. The collected information is used by FMCS to determine annual applicant suitability, to monitor quarterly grant project status, and for on-going program evaluation. If the information were not collected, there could be no accounting for the activities of the program. Actual use has been the same as intended use. Burden: Application for Federal Assistance (SF–424) is an OMB form which we do not include in the burden. We have not added to it; however we have deleted the requirements for completion of sections C, D, and E. We received approximately 113 responses. Request for Advance or Reimbursement SF–270 (LM–6) is an OMB form with no agency additions. The number of respondents is approximately 37 and estimated time per response is 30 minutes. Project Performance (LM–8) had approximately 37 respondents and the estimated time per response is 30 minutes. Financial Status Report (SF– 269a) (LM–7) is an OMB form with no agency additions. The estimated time per response is 30 minutes and there are approximately 37 respondents. FMCS Grants Program Evaluation Questionnaire (LM–9) form number of respondents is approximately 12 and the estimated time per response is 60 minutes. The Accounting System and Financial Capability Questionnaire (LM–3) has approximately 28 respondents and the estimated time per response is 60 minutes. II. Request for Comments The FMCS was particularly interested in comments which: E:\FR\FM\07MYN1.SGM 07MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 87 (Thursday, May 7, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21364-21366]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-10504]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

[WC Docket No. 04-36, CG Docket No. 03-123, WT Docket No. 96-198 and CC 
Docket No. 92-105; DA 09-749]


IP-Enabled Services; Implementation of Sections 255 and 251(a)(2) 
of the Communications Act of 1934, as Enacted by the Telecommunications 
Act of 1996: Access to Telecommunications Service, Telecommunications 
Equipment and Customer Premises Equipment by Persons With Disabilities; 
Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for 
Individuals With Hearing and Speech Disabilities

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In this document, the Commission, via the Consumer and 
Governmental Affairs Bureau, seeks comment on the petition for 
extension of waiver filed with the Commission by AT&T Inc. (AT&T) and 
Sprint Nextel Corporation (Sprint) (Petition). The Petition requested a 
one-year extension of the current waiver of the Commission's rules to 
the extent that provision requires traditional telecommunications relay 
service (TRS) providers (those providing relay service via the public 
switched telephone network and a text telephone (TTY)) to automatically 
and immediately call an appropriate Public Safety Answering Point 
(PSAP) when receiving an emergency 711-dialed call placed by an 
interconnected voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) user. The Commission 
seeks comment on the remaining technical, operational, or other issues 
that currently prevent traditional TRS providers from being able to 
reliably identify the appropriate PSAP to call when receiving an 
emergency call via 711 and an interconnected VoIP service. The 
Commission also seeks comment regarding the usage of traditional TRS to 
place calls through interconnected VoIP service, particularly the 
incidence of such calls for purposes of obtaining emergency assistance.

DATES: Comments are due on or before May 28, 2009 and reply comments 
are due on or before June 8, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Interested parties may submit comments and reply comments 
identified by [WC Docket No. 04-36, CG Docket No. 03-123, WT Docket No. 
96-198 and CC Docket No. 92-105], by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Federal Communications Commission's Web site: https://www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs/. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Parties who choose to file by paper should also submit 
their comments on a compact disc. The compact discs should be 
submitted, along with three paper copies, to: Dana Wilson, Consumer and 
Governmental Affairs Bureau, Disability Rights Office, 445 12th Street, 
SW., Room 3-C418, Washington, DC 20554. Such a submission should be on 
a compact disc formatted in an IBM compatible format using Word 2003 or 
compatible software. The compact disc should be accompanied by a cover 
letter and should be submitted in ``read only'' mode. The compact disc 
should be clearly labeled with the commenter's name, the proceedings 
(including the docket numbers) in this case, [WC Docket No. 04-36, CG 
Docket No. 03-123, WT Docket No. 96-198, and CC Docket No. 92-105], 
type of pleading (comment or reply comment), date of submission, and 
the name of the electronic file on the compact disc. The label should 
also include the following phrase ``Disc Copy--Not an Original.'' Each 
compact disc should contain only one party's pleadings, preferably in a 
single electronic file. In addition, paper filers must send compact 
disc copies to the Commission's copy contractor, Portals II, 445 12th 
Street, SW., Room CY-B402, Washington, DC 20554.

For detailed instructions for submitting comments and additional 
information on the rulemaking process, see the SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION section of this document.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lisa Boehley, Consumer and 
Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418-7395 (voice), or e-mail: 
Lisa.Boehley@fcc.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to Sec. Sec.  1.415 and 1.419 of 
the Commission's rules, 47 CFR 1.415 and 1.419, interested parties may 
file comments and reply comments on or before the dates indicated on 
the first page of this document. Comments may be filed using: (1) The 
Commission's Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS), (2) the Federal 
Government's eRulemaking Portal, or (3) by filing paper copies. See 
Electronic Filing of Documents in Rulemaking Proceedings, 63 FR 24121, 
May 1, 1998.
     Electronic Filers: Comments may be filed electronically 
using the Internet by accessing the ECFS: https://www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs/ 
or the Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Filers 
should follow the instructions provided on the Web site for submitting 
comments.
     For ECFS filers, if multiple docket or rulemaking numbers 
appear in the caption of this proceeding, filers must transmit one 
electronic copy of the comments for each docket or rulemaking number 
referenced in the caption. In completing the transmittal screen, filers 
should include their full name, U.S. Postal Service mailing address, 
and the applicable docket or rulemaking number, which in this instance 
[WC Docket No. 04-36, CG Docket No. 03-123, WT Docket No. 96-198, and 
CC Docket No. 92-105]. Parties may also submit an electronic comment by 
Internet e-mail. To get filing instructions, filers should send an e-
mail to ecfs@fcc.gov, and include the following words in the body of 
the message, ``get form your e-mail address.'' A sample form and 
directions will be sent in response.
     Paper Filers: Parties who choose to file by paper must 
file an original and four copies of each filing. If more than one 
docket or rulemaking number appears in the caption in this proceeding, 
filers must submit two additional copies of each additional docket or 
rulemaking number.
    Filings can be sent by hand or messenger delivery, by commercial 
overnight courier, or by first-class or overnight U.S. Postal Service 
mail (although the Commission continues to experience delays in 
receiving U.S. Postal Service mail). All filings must be addressed to 
the Commission's Secretary, Office of the Secretary, Federal 
Communications Commission.

[[Page 21365]]

     The Commission's contractor will receive hand-delivered or 
messenger-delivered paper filings for the Commission's Secretary at 236 
Massachusetts Avenue, NE., Suite 110, Washington, DC 20002. The filing 
hours at this location are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. All hand deliveries must be 
held together with rubber bands or fasteners. Any envelopes must be 
disposed of before entering the building.
     Commercial mail sent by overnight mail (other than U.S. 
Postal Service Express Mail and Priority Mail) must be sent to 9300 
East Hampton Drive, Capitol Heights, MD 20743.
     U.S. Postal Service first-class, Express, and Priority 
mail should be addressed to 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554.

This is a synopsis of the Commission's document DA 09-749, released 
April 1, 2009. This document also contains a separate order granting in 
part the petition for extension of waiver filed by AT&T and Sprint and 
extending for 90 days (until June 29, 2009) the limited waiver granted 
to traditional TRS providers in the 2008 TRS 711 Waiver Order. Pursuant 
to Sec.  1.1206 of the Commission's rules, 47 CFR 1.1206, this 
proceeding will be conducted as a permit-but-disclose proceeding in 
which ex parte communications are subject to disclosure.
    On June 15, 2007, the Commission released the Report and Order 
(VoIP TRS Order), published at 72 FR 43546, August 6, 2007, WC Docket 
No. 04-36, CG Docket No. 03-123, WT Docket No. 96-198 and CC Docket No. 
92-105, FCC 07-110. In the VoIP TRS Order, effective October 5, 2007, 
the Commission extended its pre-existing TRS rules to interconnected 
VoIP providers, including the duty to offer 711 abbreviated dialing 
access to TRS. The VoIP TRS Order required interconnected VoIP 
providers to offer 711 abbreviated dialing ``to ensure that TRS calls 
can be made from any telephone, anywhere in the United States, and that 
such calls will be properly routed to the appropriate relay center.'' 
In the Order and Public Notice Seeking Comment (October 2007 Order and 
Notice), released on October 9, 2007, published at 72 FR 61813, 
November 1, 2007, and 72 FR 61882, November 1, 2007, WC Docket No. 04-
36, CG Docket No. 03-123, WT Docket No. 96-198 and CC Docket No. 92-
105, DA 07-4178, the Commission clarified the 711 abbreviated dialing 
requirement adopted in the VoIP TRS Order and granted interconnected 
VoIP providers a six-month waiver of the requirement to route the 
inbound leg of a 711-dialed call to an ``appropriate TRS provider,'' as 
defined by the Commission. The Commission also determined that the 
geographic location identification challenges associated with 
interconnected VoIP-originated 711 calls rendered traditional TRS 
providers unable to consistently identify the ``appropriate'' PSAP to 
which to route such calls. On this basis, the Commission found good 
cause to grant traditional TRS providers a six-month waiver of the 
obligation set forth in Sec.  64.604(a)(4) of its rules to 
automatically and immediately route the outbound leg of an 
interconnected VoIP-originated emergency 711 call to an ``appropriate'' 
PSAP.
    In the Order (2008 TRS 711 Waiver Order), released on April 4, 
2008, published at 73 FR 28057, May 15, 2008, WC Docket No. 04-36, CG 
Docket No. 03-123, WT Docket No. 96-198 and CC Docket No. 92-105, DA 
07-4178, the Commission granted interconnected VoIP providers an 
extension of time, until March 31, 2009, to route 711-dialed calls to 
an appropriate relay center, in the context of 711-dialed calls in 
which the calling party is using a non-geographically relevant 
telephone number or a nomadic interconnected VoIP service. The 
Commission also granted traditional TRS providers an extension of time, 
until March 31, 2009, to fulfill their obligation to implement a system 
to automatically and immediately call an appropriate PSAP when 
receiving an emergency 711-dialed call via an interconnected VoIP 
service.
    On March 20, 2009, AT&T and Sprint filed a petition seeking a one-
year extension of the waiver of Sec.  64.604(a)(4) of the Commission's 
rules to the extent that provision requires traditional TRS providers 
to automatically and immediately route to an appropriate PSAP emergency 
711-dialed calls placed by interconnected VoIP users.
    The full text of this document and copies of any subsequently filed 
documents in this matter will be available for public inspection and 
copying during regular business hours at the FCC Reference Information 
Center, Portals II, 445 12th Street, SW., Room CY-A257, Washington, DC 
20554. This document and copies of subsequently filed documents in this 
matter may also be purchased from the Commission's duplicating 
contractor at Portals II, 445 12th Street, SW, Room CY-B402, 
Washington, DC 20554. Customers may contact the Commission's contractor 
at their web site www.bcpiweb.com or by calling 1-800-378-3160. A copy 
of the underlying petition for waiver may also be found by searching 
ECFS at https://www.fcc.gov/cbg.ecfs. To request materials in accessible 
formats for people with disabilities (Braille, large print, electronic 
files, audio format), send an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the 
Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418-0530 (voice), 
(202) 418-0432 (TTY). This document can also be downloaded in Word or 
Portable Document Format (PDF) at: https://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/trs.html#orders.

Synopsis

    In this document, the Commission seeks comment on the remaining 
technical, operational, or other issues that currently prevent 
traditional TRS providers from being able to reliably identify the 
appropriate PSAP to call when receiving an emergency call via 711 and 
an interconnected VoIP service. In particular, comment is sought on the 
specific steps that remain to be taken in order for traditional TRS 
providers to be able to consistently route interconnected VoIP-
originated 711 emergency calls in the manner prescribed by Sec.  
64.604(a)(4) of the Commission's rules. The Commission also asks 
providers for an estimate of the costs and the timeframe associated 
with each of these steps. Further, the Commission seeks comment from 
interconnected VoIP providers and TRS providers regarding the total 
number of interconnected VoIP-originated 711 TRS calls that are 
processed annually by each provider (estimates, if actual figures are 
unavailable) and the proportion of those calls that are of an emergency 
nature.
    The Commission also seeks comment from interconnected VoIP 
providers and TRS providers, as well as from consumers and disability 
rights advocates, concerning the continuing use of TTYs by individuals 
with hearing or speech disabilities and, in particular, the use of TTYs 
with an interconnected VoIP service. The Commission seeks comment on 
the overall effectiveness of providers' outreach efforts in educating 
consumers about the importance of dialing 911 directly in an emergency, 
rather than dialing 711 to place an emergency call via TRS.
    Further, commenters are encouraged to comment on any impediments 
consumers have encountered in attempting to dial 911 directly in an 
emergency situation (when using a TTY and an interconnected VoIP 
service). Finally, the Commission seeks comment on the continuing need, 
from the consumer's perspective, of dialing 711 via TRS in an 
emergency, rather than dialing 911 directly.


[[Page 21366]]


Federal Communications Commission.
Catherine Seidel,
Chief, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau.
[FR Doc. E9-10504 Filed 5-6-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.