Transition From TTY to Real-Time Text Technology, 60562-60564 [2017-27434]

Download as PDF 60562 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 244 / Thursday, December 21, 2017 / Rules and Regulations plan, or plan amendment if available, shall be the basis for review. (3) After a resource management plan or plan amendment is approved in which lands are assessed as unsuitable, the Field Manager shall take all necessary steps to implement the results of the unsuitability review as it applies to all or certain types of coal mining. (b)(1) The resource management planning process is the chief process by which public lands are reviewed for designation as unsuitable for entry or leasing for mining operations for minerals and materials other than coal under section 601 of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act. (2) When petitions to designate lands unsuitable under section 601 of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act are received by the Bureau of Land Management, the resource management plan, if available, shall be the basis for determinations for designation. (3) After a resource management plan or plan amendment in which lands are designated unsuitable is approved, the Field Manager shall take all necessary steps to implement the results of the unsuitability review as it applies to minerals or materials other than coal. daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES § 1610.7–2 Designation of areas of critical environmental concern. Areas having potential for Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) designation and protection management shall be identified and considered throughout the resource management planning process (see §§ 1610.4–1 through 1610.4–9). (a) The inventory data shall be analyzed to determine whether there are areas containing resources, values, systems or processes or hazards eligible for further consideration for designation as an ACEC. In order to be a potential ACEC, both of the following criteria shall be met: (1) Relevance. There shall be present a significant historic, cultural, or scenic value; a fish or wildlife resource or other natural system or process; or natural hazard. (2) Importance. The above described value, resource, system, process, or hazard shall have substantial significance and values. This generally requires qualities of more than local significance and special worth, consequence, meaning, distinctiveness, or cause for concern. A natural hazard can be important if it is a significant threat to human life or property. (b) The State Director, upon approval of a draft resource management plan, plan revision, or plan amendment involving ACECs, shall publish a notice VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:05 Dec 20, 2017 Jkt 244001 in the Federal Register listing each ACEC proposed and specifying the resource use limitations, if any, which would occur if it were formally designated. The notice shall provide a 60-day period for public comment on the proposed ACEC designation. The approval of a resource management plan, plan revision, or plan amendment constitutes formal designation of any ACEC involved. The approved plan shall include the general management practices and uses, including mitigating measures, identified to protect designated ACEC. resource management plan, an environmental assessment and an environmental impact statement, if necessary, plus any other data and analysis necessary to make an informed decision, shall be used to assess the impacts of the proposal and to provide a basis for a decision on the proposal. (2) A land disposal action may be considered before a resource management plan is scheduled for preparation, through a planning analysis, using the process described in § 1610.5–5 of this title for amending a plan. § 1610.8 Katharine S. MacGregor, Deputy Assistant Secretary—Land and Minerals Management, Exercising the Authority of the Assistant Secretary—Lands and Minerals Management. Transition period. (a) Until superseded by resource management plans, management framework plans may be the basis for considering proposed actions as follows: (1) The management framework plan shall be in compliance with the principle of multiple use and sustained yield and shall have been developed with public participation and governmental coordination, but not necessarily precisely as prescribed in §§ 1610.2 and 1610.3 of this title. (2) No sooner than 30 days after the Environmental Protection Agency publishes a notice of the filing of a final court-ordered environmental impact statement—which is based on a management framework plan—proposed actions may be initiated without any further analysis or processes included in this subpart. (3) For proposed actions other than those described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, determination shall be made by the Field Manager whether the proposed action is in conformance with the management framework plan. Such determination shall be in writing and shall explain the reasons for the determination. (i) If the proposed action is in conformance, it may be further considered for decision under procedures applicable to that type of action, including requirements of regulations for implementing the procedural provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act in 40 CFR parts 1500–1508. (ii) If the proposed action is not in conformance with the management framework plan, and if the proposed action warrants further favorable consideration before a resource management plan is scheduled for preparation, such consideration shall be through a management framework plan amendment using the provisions of § 1610.5–5 of this title. (b)(1) If an action is proposed where public lands are not covered by a management framework plan or a PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 [FR Doc. 2017–27509 Filed 12–20–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–84–P FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 47 CFR Parts 6, 7, 14, 20, 64, and 67 [CG Docket No. 16–145 and GN Docket No. 15–178; FCC 16–169] Transition From TTY to Real-Time Text Technology Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Final rule; announcement of OMB approval. AGENCY: In this document, the Commission announces that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved, for a period of three years, the information collection associated with requirements adopted in the Commission’s document Transition from TTY to Real-Time Text Technology; Petition for Rulemaking to Update the Commission’s Rules for Access to Support the Transition from TTY to Real-Time Text Technology, and Petition for Waiver of Rules Requiring Support of TTY Technology, Report and Order (Report and Order). This document is consistent with the Report and Order, which stated that the Commission would publish a document in the Federal Register announcing the approval date of those information collect requirements. DATES: The real-time text (RTT) outreach guidelines, TTY waiver notice conditions, and a requirement for waiver recipients to file reports every six months were approved by OMB on December 4, 2017. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Scott, Disability Rights Office, SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\21DER1.SGM 21DER1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 244 / Thursday, December 21, 2017 / Rules and Regulations daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, at (202) 418–1264, or email: Michael.Scott@fcc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This document announces that, on December 4, 2017, OMB approved, for a period of three years, the information collection requirements contained in the Commission’s Report and Order, FCC 16–169, published at 82 FR 7699, January 23, 2017. The OMB Control Number is 3060–1248. The Commission publishes this notification as an announcement of the approval date of those requirements. If you have any comments on the burden estimates listed below, or how the Commission can improve the collections and reduce any burdens caused thereby, please contact Cathy Williams, Federal Communications Commission, Room 1– C823, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554. Please include the OMB Control Number, 3060–1248, in your correspondence. The Commission will also accept your comments via the internet if you send them to PRA@ fcc.gov. To request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities (Braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), send an email to fcc504@ fcc.gov or call the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418–0530 (voice), (844) 432–2275 (videophone), or (202) 418–0432 (TTY). Synopsis As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507), the FCC is notifying the public that it received OMB approval on December 4, 2017, for the information collection requirements concerning real-time text (RTT) outreach guidelines, TTY waiver notice conditions, and a requirement for waiver recipients to file reports every six months that are contained in the Commission’s Report and Order, FCC 16–169, published at 82 FR 7699, January 23, 2017. Under 5 CFR part 1320, an agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a current, valid OMB Control Number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act that does not display a current, valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number is 3060–1248. The foregoing notice is required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104–13, October 1, 1995, and 44 U.S.C. 3507. The total annual reporting burdens and costs for the respondents are as follows: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:05 Dec 20, 2017 Jkt 244001 OMB Control Number: 3060–1248. OMB Approval Date: December 4, 2017. OMB Expiration Date: December 31, 2020. Title: Transition from TTY to RealTime Text Technology, CG Docket No. 16–145 and GN Docket No. 15–178. Form Number: N/A. Type of Review: New collection. Respondents: Business or other forprofit. Number of Respondents and Responses: 967 respondents; 5,557 responses. Estimated Time per Response: 0.2 hours (12 minutes) to 60 hours. Frequency of Response: Annual, ongoing, one-time, and semiannual reporting requirements; Recordkeeping requirement. Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefit. The statutory authority can be found at sections 4(i), 225, 255, 301, 303(r), 316, 403, 715, and 716 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, and section 106 of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010, 47 U.S.C. 154(i), 225, 255, 301, 303(r), 316, 403, 615c, 616, 617; Public Law 111– 260, § 106, 124 Stat. 2751, 2763 (2010). Total Annual Burden: 127,360 hours. Total Annual Cost: No cost. Nature and Extent of Confidentiality: There is no need for confidentiality with this collection of information. Privacy Impact Assessment: This information collection does not affect individuals or households; therefore, the Privacy Act is not impacted. Needs and Uses: TTY technology provides the primary means for people with disabilities to send and receive text communications over the public switched telephone network (PSTN). Changes to communications networks, particularly ongoing technology transitions from circuit switched to IPbased networks and from copper to wireless and fiber infrastructure, have affected the quality and utility of TTY technology, prompting discussions on transitioning to an alternative advanced communications technology for text communications. Accordingly, on December 16, 2016, the Commission released the Report and Order, amending its rules that govern the obligations of wireless service providers and manufacturers to support TTY technology to permit such providers and manufacturers to provide support for RTT over wireless IP-based networks to facilitate an effective and seamless transition to RTT in lieu of continuing to support TTY technology. In the Report and Order, the Commission adopted measures requiring the following: PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 60563 (a) RTT outreach guidelines. Each wireless provider and manufacturer that voluntarily transitions from TTY technology to RTT over wireless IPbased networks and services is encouraged to develop consumer and education efforts that include (1) the development and dissemination of educational materials that contain information pertinent to the nature, purpose, and timelines of the RTT transition; (2) internet postings, in an accessible format, of information about the TTY to RTT transition on the websites of covered entities; (3) the creation of a telephone hotline and an online interactive and accessible service that can answer consumer questions about RTT; and (4) appropriate training of staff to effectively respond to consumer questions. All consumer outreach and education should be provided in accessible formats including, but not limited to, large print, Braille, videos in American Sign Language that are captioned and video described, emails to consumers who have opted to receive notices in this manner, and printed materials. Service providers and manufacturers are also encouraged to coordinate with consumer, public safety, and industry stakeholders to develop and distribute education and outreach materials. The information will inform consumers of alternative accessible technology available to replace TTY technology that may no longer be available to consumers through their provider or on their devices. (b) TTY waiver notice conditions. Each wireless provider that receives a waiver of the requirement to support TTY technology over wireless IP-based networks and services must apprise its customers, through effective and accessible channels of communication, that (1) until TTY is sunset, TTY technology will not be supported for calls to 911 services over IP-based wireless services, and (2) there are alternative PSTN-based and IP-based accessibility solutions for people with disabilities to reach 911 services. These notices must be developed in coordination with PSAPs and national consumer organizations, and include a listing of text-based alternatives to 911, including, but not limited to, TTY capability over the PSTN, various forms of PSTN-based and IP-based TRS, and text-to-911 (where available). The notices will inform consumers of the loss of the use of TTY for completing 911 calls over the provider’s network and alternative services that may be used. (c) Six-month reports. Once every six months, each wireless provider that E:\FR\FM\21DER1.SGM 21DER1 60564 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 244 / Thursday, December 21, 2017 / Rules and Regulations requests and receives a waiver of the requirement to support TTY technology must file a report with the Commission and inform its customers regarding its progress toward and the status of the availability of new IP-based accessibility solutions. Such reports must include (1) information on the interoperability of the provider’s selected accessibility solution with the technologies deployed or to be deployed by other carriers and service providers, (2) the backward compatibility of such solution with TTYs, (3) a showing of the provider’s efforts to ensure delivery of 911 calls to the appropriate PSAP, (4) a description of any obstacles incurred towards achieving interoperability and steps taken to overcome such obstacles, and (5) an estimated timetable for the deployment of accessibility solutions. The information will inform consumers of the progress towards the availability of alternative accessible means to replace TTY. The Commission will evaluate the reports to determine whether any changes to the waivers are warranted and whether there are any impediments to progress that the Commission may be in a position to resolve. Federal Communications Commission. Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary, Office of the Secretary. [FR Doc. 2017–27434 Filed 12–20–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712–01–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 622 [Docket No. 170823802–7999–02] RIN 0648–BG82 Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Amendment 17B National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: NMFS issues regulations to implement Amendment 17B to the Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico U.S. Waters, (FMP), as prepared and submitted by the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) Fishery Management Council (Council). This final rule allows for the creation of a Federal Gulf shrimp reserve pool daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:05 Dec 20, 2017 Jkt 244001 permit when certain conditions are met, and allows non-federally permitted Gulf shrimp vessels to transit through the Gulf exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Amendment 17B also defines the aggregate maximum sustainable yield (MSY) and aggregate optimum yield (OY), and determines a minimum number of commercial vessel moratorium permits in the fishery. This final rule also makes technical corrections to the regulations that revise the coordinates for the Tortugas shrimp sanctuary in the Gulf, and corrects the provisions regarding the harvest and possession of wild live rock in Gulf Federal waters. The purpose of this final rule and Amendment 17B is to protect federally managed Gulf shrimp stocks while maintaining catch efficiency, economic efficiency, and stability in the fishery. DATES: This final rule is effective January 22, 2018. ADDRESSES: Electronic copies of Amendment 17B, which includes an environmental assessment, a Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) analysis, and a regulatory impact review, may be obtained from the Southeast Regional Office website at https:// sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sustainable_ fisheries/gulf_fisheries/shrimp/2017/ am17b/. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Frank Helies, telephone: 727–824–5305, or email: Frank.Helies@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The shrimp fishery in the Gulf is managed under the FMP. The FMP was prepared by the Council and implemented through regulations at 50 CFR part 622 under the authority of the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). This document also designates the unidentified tables in § 622.55 to bring the section into compliance with the requirements of 1 CFR 8.1 and 8.2 and with the Office of the Federal Register’s Document Drafting Handbook (https:// www.archives.gov/files/federal-register/ write/handbook/ddh.pdf) section 7.4. On August 22, 2017, NMFS published a notice of availability for Amendment 17B and requested public comment (82 FR 39733). On October 4, 2017, NMFS published a proposed rule for Amendment 17B and requested public comment (82 FR 46205). The proposed rule and Amendment 17B outline the rationale for the action contained in this final rule. A summary of the management measures described in Amendment 17B and implemented by this final rule is provided below. PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 From 2003 to 2006, the Gulf shrimp fishery experienced significant economic losses, primarily as a result of high fuel costs and reduced prices caused by competition with imports. These economic losses contributed to a reduction in the number of vessels in the fishery, and consequently, a reduction of commercial effort. During that time, commercial vessels in the Gulf shrimp fishery were required to have an open-access permit. In 2006, to prevent overcapitalizing the fishery when it became profitable again, the Council established a 10-year freeze on the issuance of new shrimp permits and created a limited access Federal Gulf shrimp moratorium permit (moratorium permit)(71 FR 56039, September 26, 2006). In 2016, the Council extended the duration of the Gulf shrimp moratorium permit program for another 10 years through Amendment 17A to the FMP (81 FR 47733, July 22, 2016). During the development of Amendment 17A, the Council identified several other issues with the Gulf shrimp fishery that it wanted addressed. First, MSY and OY are defined individually for the three penaeid shrimp species and for royal red shrimp. Second, the number of moratorium permits has continued to decline, and the Council is concerned that the decline in total permits will continue indefinitely. Finally, transit through Federal waters (Gulf EEZ) with shrimp on board currently requires a Federal moratorium permit, which limits the ability of a state-registered vessel to navigate in certain areas of the Gulf while engaged in shrimping. Amendment 17B was developed to address these issues through revisions to management reference points and the Gulf shrimp permit program, while maintaining catch efficiency, economic efficiency, and stability in the fishery. Management Measures Codified in This Final Rule This final rule allows for the creation of a Federal Gulf shrimp reserve pool permit when certain conditions are met, and allows non-federally permitted Gulf shrimp vessels to transit through the Gulf EEZ. Federal Gulf Shrimp Reserve Pool Permit Currently, moratorium permits are valid for 1 year and are required to be renewed annually. If the permit is not renewed within 1 year of its expiration date, the permit is no longer renewable and is terminated. A terminated permit cannot be reissued by NMFS and is lost to the fishery. E:\FR\FM\21DER1.SGM 21DER1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 244 (Thursday, December 21, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60562-60564]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-27434]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Parts 6, 7, 14, 20, 64, and 67

[CG Docket No. 16-145 and GN Docket No. 15-178; FCC 16-169]


Transition From TTY to Real-Time Text Technology

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Final rule; announcement of OMB approval.

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

SUMMARY: In this document, the Commission announces that the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) has approved, for a period of three years, 
the information collection associated with requirements adopted in the 
Commission's document Transition from TTY to Real-Time Text Technology; 
Petition for Rulemaking to Update the Commission's Rules for Access to 
Support the Transition from TTY to Real-Time Text Technology, and 
Petition for Waiver of Rules Requiring Support of TTY Technology, 
Report and Order (Report and Order). This document is consistent with 
the Report and Order, which stated that the Commission would publish a 
document in the Federal Register announcing the approval date of those 
information collect requirements.

DATES: The real-time text (RTT) outreach guidelines, TTY waiver notice 
conditions, and a requirement for waiver recipients to file reports 
every six months were approved by OMB on December 4, 2017.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Scott, Disability Rights 
Office,

[[Page 60563]]

Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, at (202) 418-1264, or email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This document announces that, on December 4, 
2017, OMB approved, for a period of three years, the information 
collection requirements contained in the Commission's Report and Order, 
FCC 16-169, published at 82 FR 7699, January 23, 2017. The OMB Control 
Number is 3060-1248. The Commission publishes this notification as an 
announcement of the approval date of those requirements. If you have 
any comments on the burden estimates listed below, or how the 
Commission can improve the collections and reduce any burdens caused 
thereby, please contact Cathy Williams, Federal Communications 
Commission, Room 1-C823, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554. 
Please include the OMB Control Number, 3060-1248, in your 
correspondence. The Commission will also accept your comments via the 
internet if you send them to [email protected].
    To request materials in accessible formats for people with 
disabilities (Braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), 
send an email to [email protected] or call the Consumer and Governmental 
Affairs Bureau at (202) 418-0530 (voice), (844) 432-2275 (videophone), 
or (202) 418-0432 (TTY).

Synopsis

    As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 
3507), the FCC is notifying the public that it received OMB approval on 
December 4, 2017, for the information collection requirements 
concerning real-time text (RTT) outreach guidelines, TTY waiver notice 
conditions, and a requirement for waiver recipients to file reports 
every six months that are contained in the Commission's Report and 
Order, FCC 16-169, published at 82 FR 7699, January 23, 2017.
    Under 5 CFR part 1320, an agency may not conduct or sponsor a 
collection of information unless it displays a current, valid OMB 
Control Number.
    No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply 
with a collection of information subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act 
that does not display a current, valid OMB Control Number. The OMB 
Control Number is 3060-1248.
    The foregoing notice is required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1995, Public Law 104-13, October 1, 1995, and 44 U.S.C. 3507.
    The total annual reporting burdens and costs for the respondents 
are as follows:
    OMB Control Number: 3060-1248.
    OMB Approval Date: December 4, 2017.
    OMB Expiration Date: December 31, 2020.
    Title: Transition from TTY to Real-Time Text Technology, CG Docket 
No. 16-145 and GN Docket No. 15-178.
    Form Number: N/A.
    Type of Review: New collection.
    Respondents: Business or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents and Responses: 967 respondents; 5,557 
responses.
    Estimated Time per Response: 0.2 hours (12 minutes) to 60 hours.
    Frequency of Response: Annual, ongoing, one-time, and semiannual 
reporting requirements; Recordkeeping requirement.
    Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefit. The 
statutory authority can be found at sections 4(i), 225, 255, 301, 
303(r), 316, 403, 715, and 716 of the Communications Act of 1934, as 
amended, and section 106 of the Twenty-First Century Communications and 
Video Accessibility Act of 2010, 47 U.S.C. 154(i), 225, 255, 301, 
303(r), 316, 403, 615c, 616, 617; Public Law 111-260, Sec.  106, 124 
Stat. 2751, 2763 (2010).
    Total Annual Burden: 127,360 hours.
    Total Annual Cost: No cost.
    Nature and Extent of Confidentiality: There is no need for 
confidentiality with this collection of information.
    Privacy Impact Assessment: This information collection does not 
affect individuals or households; therefore, the Privacy Act is not 
impacted.
    Needs and Uses: TTY technology provides the primary means for 
people with disabilities to send and receive text communications over 
the public switched telephone network (PSTN). Changes to communications 
networks, particularly ongoing technology transitions from circuit 
switched to IP-based networks and from copper to wireless and fiber 
infrastructure, have affected the quality and utility of TTY 
technology, prompting discussions on transitioning to an alternative 
advanced communications technology for text communications. 
Accordingly, on December 16, 2016, the Commission released the Report 
and Order, amending its rules that govern the obligations of wireless 
service providers and manufacturers to support TTY technology to permit 
such providers and manufacturers to provide support for RTT over 
wireless IP-based networks to facilitate an effective and seamless 
transition to RTT in lieu of continuing to support TTY technology.
    In the Report and Order, the Commission adopted measures requiring 
the following:
    (a) RTT outreach guidelines. Each wireless provider and 
manufacturer that voluntarily transitions from TTY technology to RTT 
over wireless IP-based networks and services is encouraged to develop 
consumer and education efforts that include (1) the development and 
dissemination of educational materials that contain information 
pertinent to the nature, purpose, and timelines of the RTT transition; 
(2) internet postings, in an accessible format, of information about 
the TTY to RTT transition on the websites of covered entities; (3) the 
creation of a telephone hotline and an online interactive and 
accessible service that can answer consumer questions about RTT; and 
(4) appropriate training of staff to effectively respond to consumer 
questions. All consumer outreach and education should be provided in 
accessible formats including, but not limited to, large print, Braille, 
videos in American Sign Language that are captioned and video 
described, emails to consumers who have opted to receive notices in 
this manner, and printed materials. Service providers and manufacturers 
are also encouraged to coordinate with consumer, public safety, and 
industry stakeholders to develop and distribute education and outreach 
materials. The information will inform consumers of alternative 
accessible technology available to replace TTY technology that may no 
longer be available to consumers through their provider or on their 
devices.
    (b) TTY waiver notice conditions. Each wireless provider that 
receives a waiver of the requirement to support TTY technology over 
wireless IP-based networks and services must apprise its customers, 
through effective and accessible channels of communication, that (1) 
until TTY is sunset, TTY technology will not be supported for calls to 
911 services over IP-based wireless services, and (2) there are 
alternative PSTN-based and IP-based accessibility solutions for people 
with disabilities to reach 911 services. These notices must be 
developed in coordination with PSAPs and national consumer 
organizations, and include a listing of text-based alternatives to 911, 
including, but not limited to, TTY capability over the PSTN, various 
forms of PSTN-based and IP-based TRS, and text-to-911 (where 
available). The notices will inform consumers of the loss of the use of 
TTY for completing 911 calls over the provider's network and 
alternative services that may be used.
    (c) Six-month reports. Once every six months, each wireless 
provider that

[[Page 60564]]

requests and receives a waiver of the requirement to support TTY 
technology must file a report with the Commission and inform its 
customers regarding its progress toward and the status of the 
availability of new IP-based accessibility solutions. Such reports must 
include (1) information on the interoperability of the provider's 
selected accessibility solution with the technologies deployed or to be 
deployed by other carriers and service providers, (2) the backward 
compatibility of such solution with TTYs, (3) a showing of the 
provider's efforts to ensure delivery of 911 calls to the appropriate 
PSAP, (4) a description of any obstacles incurred towards achieving 
interoperability and steps taken to overcome such obstacles, and (5) an 
estimated timetable for the deployment of accessibility solutions. The 
information will inform consumers of the progress towards the 
availability of alternative accessible means to replace TTY. The 
Commission will evaluate the reports to determine whether any changes 
to the waivers are warranted and whether there are any impediments to 
progress that the Commission may be in a position to resolve.

Federal Communications Commission.
Marlene H. Dortch,
Secretary, Office of the Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2017-27434 Filed 12-20-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6712-01-P
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