IP CTS Improvements and Program Management, 9276-9281 [2019-04040]

Download as PDF 9276 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 50 / Thursday, March 14, 2019 / Proposed Rules § 220.9 Withdrawal of petitions, amendments to petitions. (a) Withdrawal of petitions. A petitioner may withdraw a petition for duty suspension or reduction filed under this part no later than 30 days after the Commission submits its preliminary report, as described in § 220.12. It shall do so by notifying the Commission through the Commission’s designated secure web portal of its withdrawal and the notification shall include the name of the petitioner, the Commission identification number for the petition, and the HTS number for the article concerned. * * * * * ■ 6. Revise § 220.10 to read as follows: § 220.10 Commission publication and public availability of petitions. Not later than 30 days after expiration of the 60-day period for filing petitions for duty suspensions and reductions, the Commission will publish on its website the petitions for duty suspensions and reductions submitted under § 220.3 that were timely filed and contain the information required under § 220.5. When circumstances allow, the Commission may post such petitions on its website earlier than 30 days after expiration of the 60-day period for filing petitions. ■ 7. Re-designate §§ 220.11 through 220.14 as §§ 220.12 through 220.15 and add a new § 220.11 to read as follows: § 220.11 Public comment period (a) Time for filing. Not later than 30 days after expiration of the 60-day period for filing petitions, the Commission will also publish in the Federal Register and on its website a notice requesting members of the public to submit comments on the petitions for duty suspensions and reductions. To be considered, such comments must be filed through the Commission’s secure web portal during the 45-day period following publication of the Commission’s notice requesting comments from members of the public. For purposes of this section, all petitions posted by the Commission on its website, whether or not posted early, shall be deemed to be officially published by the Commission on its website on the date of publication of the notice seeking written comments from members of the public on the petitions. (b) In general. The comment shall include the following information: (1) The name, telephone number, and postal and email address of the commenter, and if appropriate, its representative in the matter, (2) A statement as to whether the commenter is a U.S. producer, importer, VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:06 Mar 13, 2019 Jkt 247001 government entity, trade association or group, or other, (3) A statement as to whether the comment supports the petition; objects to the petition; or takes no position with respect to the petitions/provides other comment, (4) If the commenter is an importer, a list of the leading source countries of the product, (5) A certification from the commenter that the information supplied is complete and correct to the best of the commenter’s knowledge and belief, and an acknowledgement from the commenter that the information submitted is subject to audit and verification by the Commission, (6) Comments, including any attachments thereto, must comply with the Commission’s Handbook on MTB Filing Procedures as posted on the Commission’s website. (c) Comments from domestic producers. Comments from a firm claiming to be a domestic producer, as defined in § 220.2(g), shall also include: (1) A description of the product alleged to be identical, like, or directly competitive with the product that is the subject of the petition, (2) The Chemical Abstracts Service registry number for the product (if applicable), (3) A statement as to whether an identical, like, or directly competitive product was produced in the current calendar year and, if not, the year in which the product was last produced or in which production is expected to begin within the United States, (4) A statement as to whether such product is commercially available and, if not commercially available, an explanation of its lack of availability, (5) The physical address(es) for the location(s) of the production facility(ies) producing the product within the United States, and (6) Evidence demonstrating the existence of domestic production (e.g., catalogs, press releases, marketing materials, specification sheets, copies of orders for the product). (d) The Commission may provide additional opportunity for public comment and, if so, will announce that comment period in the Federal Register. ■ 8. Amend newly re-designated § 220.12 by revising paragraph (b)(2) to read as follows: § 220.12 Commission preliminary report. * * * * * (b) * * * (2) A list of petitions for duty suspensions and reductions for which the Commission recommends technical corrections in order to meet the PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 requirements of the Act, with the correction specified. * * * * * ■ 9. Amend newly re-designated § 220.13 by revising the section heading to read as follows: § 220.13 Commission final report. 10. Amend newly re-designated § 220.14 by revising the section heading to read as follows: ■ § 220.14 Confidential business information. 11. Amend newly re-designated § 220.15 by revising the section heading to read as follows: ■ § 220.15 rules. Application of other Commission By order of the Commission. Issued: March 1, 2019. Katherine Hiner, Acting Secretary to the Commission. [FR Doc. 2019–04095 Filed 3–13–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7020–02–P FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 47 CFR Part 64 [CG Docket Nos. 03–123 and 13–24; FCC 19–11] IP CTS Improvements and Program Management Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Proposed rule. AGENCY: In this document, the Commission proposes to require IP CTS providers to include user account identifiers in monthly call records submitted for compensation; allow new IP CTS users to receive service for up to two weeks, while their identities are verified in the User Registration Database; and simplify the handling of 911 calls placed by IP CTS users who connect to an IP CTS provider via the internet in order to place a call. These proposals will improve IP CTS by better facilitating compensation of providers by the TRS Fund administrator, preventing unnecessary inconvenience to IP CTS registrants seeking new service, and eliminating outdated 911 rules that no longer appear to serve a valid public safety purpose. DATES: Comments are due April 15, 2019. Reply comments are due April 29, 2019. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by CG Docket Nos. 03–123 and 13–24, by either of the following methods: SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\14MRP1.SGM 14MRP1 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 50 / Thursday, March 14, 2019 / Proposed Rules • Federal Communications Commission’s website: https:// www.fcc.gov/ecfs/. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • People with Disabilities: Contact the FCC to request reasonable accommodations (accessible format documents, sign language interpreters, CART, etc.) by email: FCC504@fcc.gov or phone: 202–418–0530 or TTY: 888– 835–5322. 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: Michael Scott, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, at (202) 418–1264, or email Michael.Scott@ fcc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission’s Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM), CG Docket Nos. 03–123, 13– 24; FCC 19–11, adopted on February 14, 2019, and released on February 15, 2019. The Report and Order in document FCC 19–11 will be published elsewhere in the Federal Register. The full text of this document is available for public inspection and copying via the Commission’s Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS), and during regular business hours at the FCC Reference Information Center, Portals II, 445 12th Street SW, Room CY–A257, Washington, DC 20554. 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) or (202) 418–0432 (TTY). This proceeding shall be treated as a ‘‘permit-but-disclose’’ proceeding in accordance with the Commission’s ex parte rules. 47 CFR 1.1200 et seq. Persons making ex parte presentations must file a copy of any written presentation or a memorandum summarizing any oral presentation within two business days after the presentation (unless a different deadline applicable to the Sunshine period applies). Persons making oral ex parte presentations are reminded that memoranda summarizing the presentation must (1) list all persons attending or otherwise participating in the meeting at which the ex parte presentation was made, and (2) summarize all data presented and arguments made during the presentation. If the presentation consisted in whole or in part of the presentation of data or arguments VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:06 Mar 13, 2019 Jkt 247001 already reflected in the presenter’s written comments, memoranda or other filings in the proceeding, the presenter may provide citations to such data or arguments in his or her prior comments, memoranda, or other filings (specifying the relevant page and/or paragraph numbers where such data or arguments can be found) in lieu of summarizing them in the memorandum. Documents shown or given to Commission staff during ex parte meetings are deemed to be written ex parte presentations and must be filed consistent with rule 1.1206(b). In proceedings governed by rule 1.49(f) or for which the Commission has made available a method of electronic filing, written ex parte presentations and memoranda summarizing oral ex parte presentations, and all attachments thereto, must be filed through the electronic comment filing system available for that proceeding, and must be filed in their native format (e.g., .doc, .xml, .ppt, searchable .pdf). Participants in this proceeding should familiarize themselves with the Commission’s ex parte rules. Initial Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 Analysis The Further Notice in document FCC 19–11 seeks comment on proposed rule amendments that may result in modified information collection requirements. If the Commission adopts any modified information collection requirements, the Commission will publish another notice in the Federal Register inviting the public to comment on the requirements, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act. Public Law 104–13; 44 U.S.C. 3501–3520. In addition, pursuant to the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002, the Commission seeks comment on how it might further reduce the information collection burden for small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees. Public Law 107–198; 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(4). Synopsis 1. IP CTS is a form of TRS that allows individuals with hearing loss to both read captions and use their residual hearing to understand a telephone conversation. Generally, IP CTS employs two network paths: A voice connection between the parties to the call and a separate internet connection that transmits the other party’s voice from the IP CTS user’s phone to a communications assistant (CA) and transmits captions from the CA back to the IP CTS user. In the most widely used version of IP CTS, the CA then revoices everything the hearing party says PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 9277 into a speech recognition program, which automatically transcribes the words into captions. Supporting Data for IP CTS Compensation Requests 2. To facilitate compensation of providers by the TRS Fund administrator, the Commission proposes to amend its rule specifying the data accompanying compensation requests by TRS providers, to expressly state that IP CTS providers must submit a unique account identifier, such as the electronic serial number of the user’s device, the user’s log-in ID, or the user’s email address, to the TRS Fund administrator in monthly call detail records submitted for compensation. IP CTS users’ telephone numbers are not assigned specifically for IP CTS use and are not always the most effective means to access a user’s account information. Therefore, IP CTS providers currently use other identifiers to uniquely identify each IP CTS account, such as electronic serial numbers of IP CTS devices, login IDs, or email addresses. Further, the Commission has amended its rules to require IP CTS providers to include a unique account identifier in their data submissions to the TRS User Registration Database (Database). The Commission believes amending its rules to expressly provide that the same information be included in call detail records will enable the Fund administrator to more efficiently verify compensation requests, by matching call data with the corresponding user data in the Database. The Commission also believes that the costs of collecting and providing this information as part of compensation requests will be minimal, especially because IP CTS providers are already providing an electronic serial number in call detail records for the vast majority of calls. The Commission seeks comment on these assumptions and on the costs and benefits of adopting this proposal. The Commission also seeks comment on whether other changes are warranted in the data elements required with IP CTS providers’ compensation requests. Providing Service to New and Porting Users Pending Database Verification 3. To eliminate unnecessary inconvenience to IP CTS registrants, without a significant increase in the risk of waste, fraud, and abuse, the Commission proposes to allow IP CTS providers to provide service to new and porting users for up to two weeks pending the completion of identity verification by the Database administrator. The Commission believes this change is needed to ensure that E:\FR\FM\14MRP1.SGM 14MRP1 9278 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 50 / Thursday, March 14, 2019 / Proposed Rules service to new and porting IP CTS users can be commenced efficiently and without undue delay or disruption of service, in order to facilitate competition and ensure the functional equivalence of this service. Compensation for calls placed or received by the user during this period would be paid only if the user’s identity is ultimately verified. 4. Experience with VRS user registration has shown that identity verification for most users is completed within hours of data submission to the Database, but for some users, verification can take longer, e.g., due to technical problems or because the user’s identity cannot be verified without the submission of additional information. Under the proposed rule change, a consumer would not be subjected to a delay in commencement of service as a result of verification issues that are often beyond the consumer’s control. The Commission believes that any resulting risk of waste, fraud, or abuse is minimal because, under the proposal, no compensation may be requested or paid until the user’s identity has been successfully verified. The Commission seeks comment on the costs and benefits of this proposal. IP CTS Emergency Call Handling Requirements 5. The emergency call handling requirements for IP CTS apply only to certain forms of this service. For the predominantly used form of IP CTS, where the voice connection for a call is established using an ordinary wireline telephone service and there is a separate internet connection made solely for the IP CTS user to receive captions, the telephone company or voice-overinternet-Protocol (VoIP) service provider is responsible for delivering 911 calls and location information to emergency authorities. However, where IP CTS is configured for web and wireless access, such that the user can initiate a call by connecting to the IP CTS provider via the internet, the IP CTS provider is responsible for handling 911 calls in accordance with § 64.605(a) of the Commission’s rules. 6. The Commission proposes to amend the Commission’s rules to simplify the handling of 911 calls placed by IP CTS users who initiate calls via the internet—generally, weband wireless-based IP CTS—by eliminating any need for IP CTS providers to involve their CAs in 911 call handling and to collect and transmit unnecessary information. The Commission also seeks comment on whether any changes are needed in the scope of the 911 call handling rule VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:06 Mar 13, 2019 Jkt 247001 applicable to IP CTS. If so, the Commission seeks comment on whether and how such changes would affect the 911 responsibilities of underlying service providers. 7. The current rule requires an IP CTS provider, among other things, to transmit the caller’s name, the relay provider’s name, the CA’s callback number, and the CA’s identification number to the Public Service Answering Point (PSAP) or other emergency authority receiving a 911 IP CTS call, and to initiate the reconnection of disconnected calls. These requirements, which were devised to address problems that arose in early versions of VRS and IP Relay, have posed significant implementation issues for providers of web and wireless based IP CTS, largely due to the limited communication capabilities of IP CTS CAs. Further, the Commission believes that the alternative approach proposed below would provide more effective implementation of the policy underlying the rule. 8. First, the Commission proposes to eliminate the current requirements for an IP CTS provider to deliver to the PSAP (or other emergency authority) the name of the caller, the name of the provider, and an identification number and callback number for the CA handling the call. Instead, the Commission proposes to require an IP CTS provider to provide a telephone number to the PSAP that enables the PSAP to call the user back directly, while ensuring that the user receives captions on the callback. This proposed change would decrease the time and cost associated with responding to emergencies reported by web- and wireless-based IP CTS users by relieving both IP CTS providers and PSAPs of the need to collect, transmit, and review information that appears to be unnecessary for handling a 911 call. 9. Second, the Commission proposes to remove the current requirement for an IP CTS provider to initiate the reconnection of a disconnected 911 call. IP CTS CAs generally do not have the capability to connect calls. Accordingly, to comply with the reconnection requirement, IP CTS providers have either configured a unique setup for 911 calls or have used a complicated workaround. Further, the Commission believes that the provider’s assignment to users of an IP CTS-specific telephone number that is transmitted to the PSAP with an emergency call will render it unnecessary for the IP CTS provider to be involved in reconnecting disconnected 911 calls. 10. The Commission believes these amendments are likely to save precious PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 time during an emergency. Less time will be wasted in obtaining unnecessary information from callers, and 911 call takers will be able to reconnect with the caller more rapidly rather than waiting for the TRS provider to reestablish the call. The Commission also believes that implementing this proposal will impose minimal costs—and may actually produce net cost savings, given the elimination of unnecessary CA involvement in call set-up and the reduced amount of information that an IP CTS provider will need to collect and transmit during an IP CTS call. Multiple IP CTS providers have sought waivers of the Commission rules to implement the changes the Commission proposes, suggesting that in their evaluation, the benefits of the proposal outweigh the costs. The Commission seeks comment on these proposals and its underlying assumptions. The Commission also seeks comment on the length of time that would be needed for IP CTS providers to come into compliance with the modified rule. 11. Technical Feasibility of Assigning NANP Numbers. To implement the Commission’s proposal, IP CTS providers must be able to provide their web- or wireless-based users with NANP telephone numbers that enable the users to receive captioned callbacks from a 911 PSAP. Although the record suggests that the assignment of such NANP numbers for the purpose of receiving IP CTS calls is feasible, the Commission seeks comment on whether providing such telephone numbers poses any technical, administrative, legal, or other challenges for IP CTS providers generally and how such issues could be resolved. 12. Scope of the Rule. The Commission also seeks comment on how to define the category of IP CTS providers that would be subject to the proposed 911 call handling rule. Should the Commission continue to define this class as ‘‘providers of forms of IP CTS that allow users to initiate calls by contacting the provider over the internet’’? Are there alternative formulations that would be more appropriate? For example, should the Commission define this provider class as ‘‘IP CTS providers that provide the voice connection, as well as captions, for an IP CTS call’’? To the extent that the current definition is changed to narrow (or expand) the category of IP CTS providers covered by § 64.605 of the Commission’s rules, how would that affect the 911 obligations of other service providers—such as the underlying carriers that transmit IP CTS calls—and what are the costs and E:\FR\FM\14MRP1.SGM 14MRP1 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 50 / Thursday, March 14, 2019 / Proposed Rules benefits of such a shift in responsibility for 911 calls? 13. Should an IP CTS provider that provides a voice connection, e.g., through a VoIP service or commercial mobile radio service (CMRS), be deemed a VoIP or CMRS reseller subject to the emergency call handling rules applicable to such resellers? To the extent that an IP CTS provider is deemed to be a VoIP or CMRS reseller, the provider’s 911 location determination obligations are likely to be affected. For example, if an IP CTS provider is deemed a VoIP reseller, the provider would be required to determine a 911 caller’s location by means of the caller’s Registered Location, rather than by asking the caller for his or her location before routing the call to a PSAP, as provided for in § 64.605(a) of the Commission’s rules. Similarly, an IP CTS provider that is deemed a CMRS reseller would be required to determine a 911 caller’s location in accordance with § 20.18 of the Commission’s rules. In the event that an IP CTS provider is deemed to be a VoIP or CMRS reseller, what rule modifications, if any, would be necessary to maintain the IP CTS provider’s obligation to provide captions—and to give such calls priority over other captioned calls—for 911 calls initiated by its registered users, as well as for callbacks by the 911 PSAP? 14. Pursuant to §§ 1.415 and 1.419 of the Commission’s rules, 47 CFR 1.415, 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 the Commission’s Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS). See Electronic Filing of Documents in Rulemaking Proceedings, 63 FR 24121 (1998). • Electronic Filers: Comments may be filed electronically using the internet by accessing the ECFS: https://www.fcc.gov/ ecfs/. • Paper Filers: Parties who choose to file by paper must file an original and one copy of each filing. If more than one docket or rulemaking number appears in the caption of this proceeding, filers must submit two additional copies for 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. All filings must be addressed to the Commission’s Secretary, Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:06 Mar 13, 2019 Jkt 247001 • All hand-delivered or messengerdelivered paper filings for the Commission’s Secretary must be delivered to FCC Headquarters at 445 12th Street SW, Room TW–A325, Washington, DC 20554. The filing hours are 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. All hand deliveries must be held together with rubber bands or fasteners. Any envelopes and boxes must be disposed of before entering the building. • Commercial overnight mail (other than U.S. Postal Service Express Mail and Priority Mail) must be sent to 9050 Junction Drive, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701. • U.S. Postal Service first-class, Express, and Priority mail must be addressed to 445 12th Street SW, Washington DC 20554. People with Disabilities: 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 & Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202–418–0530 (voice), 888– 835–5322 (tty). Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 15. As required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, as amended (RFA), the Commission has prepared this Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) of the possible significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities by the policies and rules proposed in the document FCC 19–11. Written public comments are requested on this IRFA. Comments must be identified as responses to the IRFA and must be filed by the deadline for comments specified in the DATES section. The Commission will send a copy of document FCC 19– 11, to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration (SBA). 9279 Database user verification process is pending, and to collect TRS Fund compensation for calls that are otherwise compensable only if the TRS user is ultimately verified as eligible to use IP CTS by the Database administrator. 17. In addition, for forms of IP CTS that allow users to initiate calls by contacting the provider over the internet, the Commission proposes to update the rules governing the handling of IP CTS calls to 911 emergency services. Specifically, in lieu of the current requirements to deliver to the PSAP the name of the caller, the name of the provider, and an identification number and callback number for the CA handling the call, and to initiate the reconnection of disconnected 911 calls, the Commission proposes to require a provider to provide a telephone number to the PSAP that enables the PSAP to call the user back via IP CTS, so that the user receives captions. This approach will be more consistent with the Commission’s rules for 911 call handling by VRS, IP Relay, and VoIP service providers and will likely save IP CTS users precious time during an emergency. Legal Basis 18. The authority for this proposed rulemaking is contained in sections 1 and 225 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 151, 225. Small Entities Impacted 19. The rules proposed in document FCC 19–11 will affect obligations of IP CTS providers. These services can be included within the broad economic category of All Other Telecommunications. Need For, and Objectives of, the Proposed Rules Description of Projected Reporting, Recordkeeping, and Other Compliance Requirements 16. In document FCC 19–11, the Commission proposes to require that a unique account identifier, such as the electronic serial number of an end user’s device, a user’s log-in identification, or an email address, be included in call detail records (CDRs) submitted for TRS Fund compensation. Such information will facilitate compensation of providers by the TRS Fund administrator. The Commission also proposes to permit IP CTS providers to provide service to new users, after the deadline for submission of user registration information to the Database, for up to two weeks after the user’s registration information has been populated in the Database while the 20. The proposed revisions to the call data reporting requirements would require IP CTS providers to maintain records of unique account identifiers, such as the electronic serial numbers of user devices, users’ log-in identifications, or user email addresses and provide that information to the TRS Fund administrator when seeking compensation for calls. The proposed revision regarding when IP CTS providers may commence service to new users would permit IP CTS providers to provide service to new users at the provider’s own risk for up to two weeks while the Database verification process is pending. PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\14MRP1.SGM 14MRP1 9280 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 50 / Thursday, March 14, 2019 / Proposed Rules 21. The proposed changes to the rules governing the handling of IP CTS calls to 911 emergency services would require IP CTS providers to deliver a user’s assigned telephone number to an emergency authority when 911 is dialed. Steps Taken To Minimize Significant Impact on Small Entities, and Significant Alternatives Considered 22. If the Commission adopts the proposed revisions to the call data collection requirements, it would require IP CTS providers to provide unique account identifiers, such as electronic serial numbers of user devices, users’ log-in identification, or user email addresses, to the TRS Fund administrator when seeking compensation for calls. This requirement is narrowly tailored to help the Commission identify and evaluate risks, monitoring compliance with program rules, and minimize waste, fraud, and abuse in the IP CTS program. The Commission believes that the requirement will not be burdensome because providers already have a record of such unique account identifiers. Thus, the Commission believes that adding this information to already existing call data requirements will have a minimal effect on small entities. 23. If the Commission adopts the proposed revision permitting IP CTS providers to commence service to new users at the provider’s own risk for up to two weeks while the Database verification process is pending, it would afford providers additional flexibility on when to commence service. The rule change is designed to avoid possible burdens on small businesses because the provision of service prior to verification by the Database Administrator at the provider’s own risk is optional, and providers also have the option to wait to provide service to the user until after the user is verified by the Database Administrator. 24. If the Commission adopts the proposed changes to the rules governing the handling of IP CTS calls to 911 emergency services for those forms of IP CTS that allow users to initiate calls by contacting the provider over the internet, the Commission believes it would reduce the burden on IP CTS providers, including small entities, to manually collect and retain information from IP CTS users at the start of an emergency call. This transition could impose implementation costs on providers, but the Commission believes the benefits to the transition would outweigh any such costs. Specifically, during an emergency less time would be wasted in obtaining information from VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:06 Mar 13, 2019 Jkt 247001 callers that is no longer necessary, and 911 call takers would be able to reconnect with the caller more rapidly. In addition to saving time during a 911 call, adoption of the rules could also result in net cost savings due to the reduced amount of information that an IP CTS provider would need to collect and transmit during an IP CTS call. The Commission also believes that IP CTS providers would prefer this approach as evidenced by their requests to implement emergency call handling in accordance with the Commission’s proposal. 25. The Commission seeks comment from all interested parties. Small entities are encouraged to bring to the Commission’s attention any specific concerns they may have with the proposals outlined. The Commission expects to consider the economic impact on small entities, as identified in comments filed in response to document FCC 19–11, in reaching its final conclusions and taking action in this proceeding. Federal Rules Which Duplicate, Overlap, or Conflict With, the Commission’s Proposals 26. None. List of Subjects in 47 CFR Part 64 Individuals with disabilities, Telecommunications, Telephones. Federal Communications Commission. Katura Jackson, Federal Register Liaison Officer, Office of the Secretary. Proposed Rules For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Federal Communications Commission proposes to amend 47 part 64 as follows: PART 64—MISCELLANEOUS RULES RELATING TO COMMON CARRIERS 1. The authority citation for part 64 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 201, 202, 217, 218, 220, 222, 225, 226, 227, 228, 251(a), 251(e), 254(k), 262, 403(b)(2)(B), (c), 616, 620, 1401–1473, unless otherwise noted. 2. Amend § 64.604 by redesignating paragraphs (c)(5)(iii)(D)(5) through (7) as paragraphs (c)(5)(iii)(D)(6) through (8) and adding paragraph (c)(5)(iii)(D)(5) to read as follows: ■ § 64.604 * Mandatory minimum standards. * * (c) * * * (5) * * * (iii) * * * (D) * * * PO 00000 Frm 00021 * Fmt 4702 * Sfmt 4702 (5) Additional call data required from internet protocol captioned telephone service providers. In addition to the data required by paragraph (c)(5)(iii)(D)(2) and (3) of this section, internet protocol captioned telephone service providers seeking compensation from the Fund shall submit a unique account identifier identifying the user receiving captions for a call, such as the electronic serial number of the internet protocol captioned telephone service device, the user’s log-in identification, or the user’s email address. * * * * * ■ 3. Amend § 64.605 by revising paragraph (a)(1) and adding paragraph (a)(3) to read as follows: § 64.605 Emergency calling requirements. (a) Additional emergency calling requirements applicable to internetbased TRS providers. (1) As of December 31, 2008, the requirements of paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(iv) of this section shall not apply to providers of VRS and IP Relay to which paragraph (b) of this section applies. As of the effective date of paragraph (a)(3) of this section, the requirements of paragraph (a)(2)(iv) and (v) of this section shall not apply to any provider of IP CTS. * * * * * (3) Providers of forms of IP CTS that allow users to initiate calls by contacting the provider over the internet shall deliver to the PSAP, designated statewide default answering point, or appropriate local emergency authority, at the outset of an emergency call, the location of the emergency, and a telephone number that is assigned to the caller and that enables the PSAP, designated statewide default answering point, or appropriate local emergency authority to call the 911 caller back directly, while ensuring that the caller receives captions on the callback. ■ 4. Amend § 64.611 by revising paragraph (j)(2)(iv) to read as follows: § 64.611 internet-based TRS registration. * * * * * (j) * * * (2) * * * (iv) By the date of initiation of service to an IP CTS user or device, or one year after notice from the Commission that the TRS User Registration Database is ready to accept such information, whichever is later, IP CTS providers shall submit to the TRS User Registration Database the registration information required by paragraph (j)(2)(i) or (iii) of this section. Calls from or to registered IP CTS users or devices whose registration information has not been populated in the TRS User Registration Database by the applicable E:\FR\FM\14MRP1.SGM 14MRP1 9281 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 50 / Thursday, March 14, 2019 / Proposed Rules date shall not be compensable, and an IP CTS provider shall not seek TRS Fund compensation for such calls, provided however, that after the applicable date, IP CTS providers may provide service to new users for up to two weeks after the user’s registration information has been populated in the TRS User Registration Database while the TRS User Registration Database user verification process is pending and will seek TRS Fund compensation for such calls that are otherwise compensable only if the new user is ultimately verified as eligible to use IP CTS by the TRS User Registration Database administrator. * * * * * [FR Doc. 2019–04040 Filed 3–13–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712–01–P FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 47 CFR Part 73 [MB Docket No. 19–57, RM–11827; DA 19– 162] Radio Broadcasting Services; Caliente, Nevada Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Proposed rule. AGENCY: This document requests comments on a Petition for Rule Making filed by SSR Communications Inc., proposing to amend the FM Table of Allotments, by allotting Channel 264A at Caliente, Nevada, as the first local service. A staff engineering analysis indicates that Channel 264A can be allotted to Caliente consistent with the minimum distance separation requirements of the Commission’s rules without a site restriction. The reference coordinates are 37–36–02 NL and 114– 30–32 WL. DATES: Comments must be filed on or before April 29, 2019 and reply comments on or before May 14, 2019. ADDRESSES: Secretary, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554. In addition to filing comments with the FCC, interested parties should serve the petitioner as follows: Matthew K. Wesolowski, SSR Communications, Inc., 740 Highway 49 North, Suite R, Flora, MS 39071. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rolanda F. Smith, Media Bureau, (202) 418–2700. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a synopsis of the Commission’s Notice of Proposed Rule Making, MB Docket No. SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:06 Mar 13, 2019 Jkt 247001 19–57, adopted March 7, 2019, and released March 8, 2019. The full text of this Commission decision is available for inspection and copying during normal business hours in the FCC’s Reference Information Center at Portals II, CY–A257, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554. The full text is also available online at https:// apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/. This document does not contain proposed information collection requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104–13. In addition, therefore, it does not contain any proposed information collection burden ‘‘for small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees,’’ pursuant to the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002, Public Law 107–198, see 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(4). Provisions of the Regulatory Flexibility Act of l980 do not apply to this proceeding. Members of the public should note that from the time a Notice of Proposed Rule Making is issued until the matter is no longer subject to Commission consideration or court review, all ex parte contacts are prohibited in Commission proceedings, such as this one, which involve channel allotments. See 47 CFR 1.1204(b) for rules governing permissible ex parte contacts. For information regarding proper filing procedures for comments, see 47 CFR 1.415 and 1.420. List of Subjects in 47 CFR Part 73 Radio, Radio broadcasting. Federal Communications Commission. Nazifa Sawez, Assistant Chief, Audio Division, Media Bureau. Proposed Rules For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Federal Communications Commission proposes to amend 47 CFR part 73 as follows: PART 73—RADIO BROADCAST SERVICES 1. The authority citation for part 73 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 155, 301, 303, 307, 309, 310, 334, 336 and 339. § 73.202 [Amended] 2. Section 73.202 paragraph (b), the Table of FM Allotments under Nevada, is amended by adding Caliente, Channel 264A to read as follows in alphabetical order: ■ § 73.202 * Table of Allotments. * * * * (b) Table of FM Allotments. PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Nevada * * * Caliente ................................. * * * * * * * * 264A * * [FR Doc. 2019–04744 Filed 3–13–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712–01–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 300 [181022969–9171–01] RIN 0648–BI55 Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Catch Sharing Plan National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments. AGENCY: NMFS proposes to approve changes to the Pacific Halibut Catch Sharing Plan for the International Pacific Halibut Commission’s regulatory Area 2A off Washington, Oregon, and California. In addition, NMFS proposes to implement the portions of the Plan and management measures that are not implemented through the International Pacific Halibut Commission. These measures include the recreational fishery seasons and allocations and management measures for Area 2A. These actions are intended to conserve Pacific halibut and provide angler opportunity where available. DATES: Comments on the proposed rule must be received on or before March 29, 2019. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by NOAA–NMFS–2018–0132, by either of the following methods: • Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov/ #!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-20180132, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments. • Mail: Submit written comments to Kathryn Blair, West Coast Region, NMFS, 1201 NE Lloyd Blvd., Suite 1100, Portland, OR 97232. Instructions: NMFS may not consider comments if they are sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\14MRP1.SGM 14MRP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 50 (Thursday, March 14, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 9276-9281]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-04040]


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

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Part 64

[CG Docket Nos. 03-123 and 13-24; FCC 19-11]


IP CTS Improvements and Program Management

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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

SUMMARY: In this document, the Commission proposes to require IP CTS 
providers to include user account identifiers in monthly call records 
submitted for compensation; allow new IP CTS users to receive service 
for up to two weeks, while their identities are verified in the User 
Registration Database; and simplify the handling of 911 calls placed by 
IP CTS users who connect to an IP CTS provider via the internet in 
order to place a call. These proposals will improve IP CTS by better 
facilitating compensation of providers by the TRS Fund administrator, 
preventing unnecessary inconvenience to IP CTS registrants seeking new 
service, and eliminating outdated 911 rules that no longer appear to 
serve a valid public safety purpose.

DATES: Comments are due April 15, 2019. Reply comments are due April 
29, 2019.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by CG Docket Nos. 03-123 
and 13-24, by either of the following methods:

[[Page 9277]]

     Federal Communications Commission's website: https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     People with Disabilities: Contact the FCC to request 
reasonable accommodations (accessible format documents, sign language 
interpreters, CART, etc.) by email: FCC504@fcc.gov or phone: 202-418-
0530 or TTY: 888-835-5322.
    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: Michael Scott, Consumer and 
Governmental Affairs Bureau, at (202) 418-1264, or email 
Michael.Scott@fcc.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's 
Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM), CG Docket Nos. 03-123, 
13-24; FCC 19-11, adopted on February 14, 2019, and released on 
February 15, 2019. The Report and Order in document FCC 19-11 will be 
published elsewhere in the Federal Register. The full text of this 
document is available for public inspection and copying via the 
Commission's Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS), and during 
regular business hours at the FCC Reference Information Center, Portals 
II, 445 12th Street SW, Room CY-A257, Washington, DC 20554. 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) or (202) 418-0432 (TTY).
    This proceeding shall be treated as a ``permit-but-disclose'' 
proceeding in accordance with the Commission's ex parte rules. 47 CFR 
1.1200 et seq. Persons making ex parte presentations must file a copy 
of any written presentation or a memorandum summarizing any oral 
presentation within two business days after the presentation (unless a 
different deadline applicable to the Sunshine period applies). Persons 
making oral ex parte presentations are reminded that memoranda 
summarizing the presentation must (1) list all persons attending or 
otherwise participating in the meeting at which the ex parte 
presentation was made, and (2) summarize all data presented and 
arguments made during the presentation. If the presentation consisted 
in whole or in part of the presentation of data or arguments already 
reflected in the presenter's written comments, memoranda or other 
filings in the proceeding, the presenter may provide citations to such 
data or arguments in his or her prior comments, memoranda, or other 
filings (specifying the relevant page and/or paragraph numbers where 
such data or arguments can be found) in lieu of summarizing them in the 
memorandum. Documents shown or given to Commission staff during ex 
parte meetings are deemed to be written ex parte presentations and must 
be filed consistent with rule 1.1206(b). In proceedings governed by 
rule 1.49(f) or for which the Commission has made available a method of 
electronic filing, written ex parte presentations and memoranda 
summarizing oral ex parte presentations, and all attachments thereto, 
must be filed through the electronic comment filing system available 
for that proceeding, and must be filed in their native format (e.g., 
.doc, .xml, .ppt, searchable .pdf). Participants in this proceeding 
should familiarize themselves with the Commission's ex parte rules.

Initial Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 Analysis

    The Further Notice in document FCC 19-11 seeks comment on proposed 
rule amendments that may result in modified information collection 
requirements. If the Commission adopts any modified information 
collection requirements, the Commission will publish another notice in 
the Federal Register inviting the public to comment on the 
requirements, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act. Public Law 
104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520. In addition, pursuant to the Small 
Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002, the Commission seeks comment on 
how it might further reduce the information collection burden for small 
business concerns with fewer than 25 employees. Public Law 107-198; 44 
U.S.C. 3506(c)(4).

Synopsis

    1. IP CTS is a form of TRS that allows individuals with hearing 
loss to both read captions and use their residual hearing to understand 
a telephone conversation. Generally, IP CTS employs two network paths: 
A voice connection between the parties to the call and a separate 
internet connection that transmits the other party's voice from the IP 
CTS user's phone to a communications assistant (CA) and transmits 
captions from the CA back to the IP CTS user. In the most widely used 
version of IP CTS, the CA then re-voices everything the hearing party 
says into a speech recognition program, which automatically transcribes 
the words into captions.

Supporting Data for IP CTS Compensation Requests

    2. To facilitate compensation of providers by the TRS Fund 
administrator, the Commission proposes to amend its rule specifying the 
data accompanying compensation requests by TRS providers, to expressly 
state that IP CTS providers must submit a unique account identifier, 
such as the electronic serial number of the user's device, the user's 
log-in ID, or the user's email address, to the TRS Fund administrator 
in monthly call detail records submitted for compensation. IP CTS 
users' telephone numbers are not assigned specifically for IP CTS use 
and are not always the most effective means to access a user's account 
information. Therefore, IP CTS providers currently use other 
identifiers to uniquely identify each IP CTS account, such as 
electronic serial numbers of IP CTS devices, log-in IDs, or email 
addresses. Further, the Commission has amended its rules to require IP 
CTS providers to include a unique account identifier in their data 
submissions to the TRS User Registration Database (Database). The 
Commission believes amending its rules to expressly provide that the 
same information be included in call detail records will enable the 
Fund administrator to more efficiently verify compensation requests, by 
matching call data with the corresponding user data in the Database. 
The Commission also believes that the costs of collecting and providing 
this information as part of compensation requests will be minimal, 
especially because IP CTS providers are already providing an electronic 
serial number in call detail records for the vast majority of calls. 
The Commission seeks comment on these assumptions and on the costs and 
benefits of adopting this proposal. The Commission also seeks comment 
on whether other changes are warranted in the data elements required 
with IP CTS providers' compensation requests.

Providing Service to New and Porting Users Pending Database 
Verification

    3. To eliminate unnecessary inconvenience to IP CTS registrants, 
without a significant increase in the risk of waste, fraud, and abuse, 
the Commission proposes to allow IP CTS providers to provide service to 
new and porting users for up to two weeks pending the completion of 
identity verification by the Database administrator. The Commission 
believes this change is needed to ensure that

[[Page 9278]]

service to new and porting IP CTS users can be commenced efficiently 
and without undue delay or disruption of service, in order to 
facilitate competition and ensure the functional equivalence of this 
service. Compensation for calls placed or received by the user during 
this period would be paid only if the user's identity is ultimately 
verified.
    4. Experience with VRS user registration has shown that identity 
verification for most users is completed within hours of data 
submission to the Database, but for some users, verification can take 
longer, e.g., due to technical problems or because the user's identity 
cannot be verified without the submission of additional information. 
Under the proposed rule change, a consumer would not be subjected to a 
delay in commencement of service as a result of verification issues 
that are often beyond the consumer's control. The Commission believes 
that any resulting risk of waste, fraud, or abuse is minimal because, 
under the proposal, no compensation may be requested or paid until the 
user's identity has been successfully verified. The Commission seeks 
comment on the costs and benefits of this proposal.

IP CTS Emergency Call Handling Requirements

    5. The emergency call handling requirements for IP CTS apply only 
to certain forms of this service. For the predominantly used form of IP 
CTS, where the voice connection for a call is established using an 
ordinary wireline telephone service and there is a separate internet 
connection made solely for the IP CTS user to receive captions, the 
telephone company or voice-over-internet-Protocol (VoIP) service 
provider is responsible for delivering 911 calls and location 
information to emergency authorities. However, where IP CTS is 
configured for web and wireless access, such that the user can initiate 
a call by connecting to the IP CTS provider via the internet, the IP 
CTS provider is responsible for handling 911 calls in accordance with 
Sec.  64.605(a) of the Commission's rules.
    6. The Commission proposes to amend the Commission's rules to 
simplify the handling of 911 calls placed by IP CTS users who initiate 
calls via the internet--generally, web- and wireless-based IP CTS--by 
eliminating any need for IP CTS providers to involve their CAs in 911 
call handling and to collect and transmit unnecessary information. The 
Commission also seeks comment on whether any changes are needed in the 
scope of the 911 call handling rule applicable to IP CTS. If so, the 
Commission seeks comment on whether and how such changes would affect 
the 911 responsibilities of underlying service providers.
    7. The current rule requires an IP CTS provider, among other 
things, to transmit the caller's name, the relay provider's name, the 
CA's callback number, and the CA's identification number to the Public 
Service Answering Point (PSAP) or other emergency authority receiving a 
911 IP CTS call, and to initiate the reconnection of disconnected 
calls. These requirements, which were devised to address problems that 
arose in early versions of VRS and IP Relay, have posed significant 
implementation issues for providers of web and wireless based IP CTS, 
largely due to the limited communication capabilities of IP CTS CAs. 
Further, the Commission believes that the alternative approach proposed 
below would provide more effective implementation of the policy 
underlying the rule.
    8. First, the Commission proposes to eliminate the current 
requirements for an IP CTS provider to deliver to the PSAP (or other 
emergency authority) the name of the caller, the name of the provider, 
and an identification number and callback number for the CA handling 
the call. Instead, the Commission proposes to require an IP CTS 
provider to provide a telephone number to the PSAP that enables the 
PSAP to call the user back directly, while ensuring that the user 
receives captions on the callback. This proposed change would decrease 
the time and cost associated with responding to emergencies reported by 
web- and wireless-based IP CTS users by relieving both IP CTS providers 
and PSAPs of the need to collect, transmit, and review information that 
appears to be unnecessary for handling a 911 call.
    9. Second, the Commission proposes to remove the current 
requirement for an IP CTS provider to initiate the reconnection of a 
disconnected 911 call. IP CTS CAs generally do not have the capability 
to connect calls. Accordingly, to comply with the reconnection 
requirement, IP CTS providers have either configured a unique setup for 
911 calls or have used a complicated work-around. Further, the 
Commission believes that the provider's assignment to users of an IP 
CTS-specific telephone number that is transmitted to the PSAP with an 
emergency call will render it unnecessary for the IP CTS provider to be 
involved in reconnecting disconnected 911 calls.
    10. The Commission believes these amendments are likely to save 
precious time during an emergency. Less time will be wasted in 
obtaining unnecessary information from callers, and 911 call takers 
will be able to reconnect with the caller more rapidly rather than 
waiting for the TRS provider to reestablish the call. The Commission 
also believes that implementing this proposal will impose minimal 
costs--and may actually produce net cost savings, given the elimination 
of unnecessary CA involvement in call set-up and the reduced amount of 
information that an IP CTS provider will need to collect and transmit 
during an IP CTS call. Multiple IP CTS providers have sought waivers of 
the Commission rules to implement the changes the Commission proposes, 
suggesting that in their evaluation, the benefits of the proposal 
outweigh the costs. The Commission seeks comment on these proposals and 
its underlying assumptions. The Commission also seeks comment on the 
length of time that would be needed for IP CTS providers to come into 
compliance with the modified rule.
    11. Technical Feasibility of Assigning NANP Numbers. To implement 
the Commission's proposal, IP CTS providers must be able to provide 
their web- or wireless-based users with NANP telephone numbers that 
enable the users to receive captioned callbacks from a 911 PSAP. 
Although the record suggests that the assignment of such NANP numbers 
for the purpose of receiving IP CTS calls is feasible, the Commission 
seeks comment on whether providing such telephone numbers poses any 
technical, administrative, legal, or other challenges for IP CTS 
providers generally and how such issues could be resolved.
    12. Scope of the Rule. The Commission also seeks comment on how to 
define the category of IP CTS providers that would be subject to the 
proposed 911 call handling rule. Should the Commission continue to 
define this class as ``providers of forms of IP CTS that allow users to 
initiate calls by contacting the provider over the internet''? Are 
there alternative formulations that would be more appropriate? For 
example, should the Commission define this provider class as ``IP CTS 
providers that provide the voice connection, as well as captions, for 
an IP CTS call''? To the extent that the current definition is changed 
to narrow (or expand) the category of IP CTS providers covered by Sec.  
64.605 of the Commission's rules, how would that affect the 911 
obligations of other service providers--such as the underlying carriers 
that transmit IP CTS calls--and what are the costs and

[[Page 9279]]

benefits of such a shift in responsibility for 911 calls?
    13. Should an IP CTS provider that provides a voice connection, 
e.g., through a VoIP service or commercial mobile radio service (CMRS), 
be deemed a VoIP or CMRS reseller subject to the emergency call 
handling rules applicable to such resellers? To the extent that an IP 
CTS provider is deemed to be a VoIP or CMRS reseller, the provider's 
911 location determination obligations are likely to be affected. For 
example, if an IP CTS provider is deemed a VoIP reseller, the provider 
would be required to determine a 911 caller's location by means of the 
caller's Registered Location, rather than by asking the caller for his 
or her location before routing the call to a PSAP, as provided for in 
Sec.  64.605(a) of the Commission's rules. Similarly, an IP CTS 
provider that is deemed a CMRS reseller would be required to determine 
a 911 caller's location in accordance with Sec.  20.18 of the 
Commission's rules. In the event that an IP CTS provider is deemed to 
be a VoIP or CMRS reseller, what rule modifications, if any, would be 
necessary to maintain the IP CTS provider's obligation to provide 
captions--and to give such calls priority over other captioned calls--
for 911 calls initiated by its registered users, as well as for 
callbacks by the 911 PSAP?
    14. Pursuant to Sec. Sec.  1.415 and 1.419 of the Commission's 
rules, 47 CFR 1.415, 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 the Commission's Electronic 
Comment Filing System (ECFS). See Electronic Filing of Documents in 
Rulemaking Proceedings, 63 FR 24121 (1998).
     Electronic Filers: Comments may be filed electronically 
using the internet by accessing the ECFS: https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/.
     Paper Filers: Parties who choose to file by paper must 
file an original and one copy of each filing. If more than one docket 
or rulemaking number appears in the caption of this proceeding, filers 
must submit two additional copies for 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. All filings must be addressed to the Commission's Secretary, 
Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission.
     All hand-delivered or messenger-delivered paper filings 
for the Commission's Secretary must be delivered to FCC Headquarters at 
445 12th Street SW, Room TW-A325, Washington, DC 20554. The filing 
hours are 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. All hand deliveries must be held 
together with rubber bands or fasteners. Any envelopes and boxes must 
be disposed of before entering the building.
     Commercial overnight mail (other than U.S. Postal Service 
Express Mail and Priority Mail) must be sent to 9050 Junction Drive, 
Annapolis Junction, MD 20701.
     U.S. Postal Service first-class, Express, and Priority 
mail must be addressed to 445 12th Street SW, Washington DC 20554.
    People with Disabilities: 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 & Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202-418-0530 (voice), 888-
835-5322 (tty).

Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

    15. As required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, as 
amended (RFA), the Commission has prepared this Initial Regulatory 
Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) of the possible significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities by the policies and rules 
proposed in the document FCC 19-11. Written public comments are 
requested on this IRFA. Comments must be identified as responses to the 
IRFA and must be filed by the deadline for comments specified in the 
DATES section. The Commission will send a copy of document FCC 19-11, 
to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration 
(SBA).

Need For, and Objectives of, the Proposed Rules

    16. In document FCC 19-11, the Commission proposes to require that 
a unique account identifier, such as the electronic serial number of an 
end user's device, a user's log-in identification, or an email address, 
be included in call detail records (CDRs) submitted for TRS Fund 
compensation. Such information will facilitate compensation of 
providers by the TRS Fund administrator. The Commission also proposes 
to permit IP CTS providers to provide service to new users, after the 
deadline for submission of user registration information to the 
Database, for up to two weeks after the user's registration information 
has been populated in the Database while the Database user verification 
process is pending, and to collect TRS Fund compensation for calls that 
are otherwise compensable only if the TRS user is ultimately verified 
as eligible to use IP CTS by the Database administrator.
    17. In addition, for forms of IP CTS that allow users to initiate 
calls by contacting the provider over the internet, the Commission 
proposes to update the rules governing the handling of IP CTS calls to 
911 emergency services. Specifically, in lieu of the current 
requirements to deliver to the PSAP the name of the caller, the name of 
the provider, and an identification number and callback number for the 
CA handling the call, and to initiate the reconnection of disconnected 
911 calls, the Commission proposes to require a provider to provide a 
telephone number to the PSAP that enables the PSAP to call the user 
back via IP CTS, so that the user receives captions. This approach will 
be more consistent with the Commission's rules for 911 call handling by 
VRS, IP Relay, and VoIP service providers and will likely save IP CTS 
users precious time during an emergency.

Legal Basis

    18. The authority for this proposed rulemaking is contained in 
sections 1 and 225 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 
U.S.C. 151, 225.

Small Entities Impacted

    19. The rules proposed in document FCC 19-11 will affect 
obligations of IP CTS providers. These services can be included within 
the broad economic category of All Other Telecommunications.

Description of Projected Reporting, Recordkeeping, and Other Compliance 
Requirements

    20. The proposed revisions to the call data reporting requirements 
would require IP CTS providers to maintain records of unique account 
identifiers, such as the electronic serial numbers of user devices, 
users' log-in identifications, or user email addresses and provide that 
information to the TRS Fund administrator when seeking compensation for 
calls. The proposed revision regarding when IP CTS providers may 
commence service to new users would permit IP CTS providers to provide 
service to new users at the provider's own risk for up to two weeks 
while the Database verification process is pending.

[[Page 9280]]

    21. The proposed changes to the rules governing the handling of IP 
CTS calls to 911 emergency services would require IP CTS providers to 
deliver a user's assigned telephone number to an emergency authority 
when 911 is dialed.

Steps Taken To Minimize Significant Impact on Small Entities, and 
Significant Alternatives Considered

    22. If the Commission adopts the proposed revisions to the call 
data collection requirements, it would require IP CTS providers to 
provide unique account identifiers, such as electronic serial numbers 
of user devices, users' log-in identification, or user email addresses, 
to the TRS Fund administrator when seeking compensation for calls. This 
requirement is narrowly tailored to help the Commission identify and 
evaluate risks, monitoring compliance with program rules, and minimize 
waste, fraud, and abuse in the IP CTS program. The Commission believes 
that the requirement will not be burdensome because providers already 
have a record of such unique account identifiers. Thus, the Commission 
believes that adding this information to already existing call data 
requirements will have a minimal effect on small entities.
    23. If the Commission adopts the proposed revision permitting IP 
CTS providers to commence service to new users at the provider's own 
risk for up to two weeks while the Database verification process is 
pending, it would afford providers additional flexibility on when to 
commence service. The rule change is designed to avoid possible burdens 
on small businesses because the provision of service prior to 
verification by the Database Administrator at the provider's own risk 
is optional, and providers also have the option to wait to provide 
service to the user until after the user is verified by the Database 
Administrator.
    24. If the Commission adopts the proposed changes to the rules 
governing the handling of IP CTS calls to 911 emergency services for 
those forms of IP CTS that allow users to initiate calls by contacting 
the provider over the internet, the Commission believes it would reduce 
the burden on IP CTS providers, including small entities, to manually 
collect and retain information from IP CTS users at the start of an 
emergency call. This transition could impose implementation costs on 
providers, but the Commission believes the benefits to the transition 
would outweigh any such costs. Specifically, during an emergency less 
time would be wasted in obtaining information from callers that is no 
longer necessary, and 911 call takers would be able to reconnect with 
the caller more rapidly. In addition to saving time during a 911 call, 
adoption of the rules could also result in net cost savings due to the 
reduced amount of information that an IP CTS provider would need to 
collect and transmit during an IP CTS call. The Commission also 
believes that IP CTS providers would prefer this approach as evidenced 
by their requests to implement emergency call handling in accordance 
with the Commission's proposal.
    25. The Commission seeks comment from all interested parties. Small 
entities are encouraged to bring to the Commission's attention any 
specific concerns they may have with the proposals outlined. The 
Commission expects to consider the economic impact on small entities, 
as identified in comments filed in response to document FCC 19-11, in 
reaching its final conclusions and taking action in this proceeding.

Federal Rules Which Duplicate, Overlap, or Conflict With, the 
Commission's Proposals

    26. None.

List of Subjects in 47 CFR Part 64

    Individuals with disabilities, Telecommunications, Telephones.

Federal Communications Commission.
Katura Jackson,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, Office of the Secretary.

Proposed Rules

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Federal 
Communications Commission proposes to amend 47 part 64 as follows:

PART 64--MISCELLANEOUS RULES RELATING TO COMMON CARRIERS

0
1. The authority citation for part 64 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 201, 202, 217, 218, 220, 222, 225, 
226, 227, 228, 251(a), 251(e), 254(k), 262, 403(b)(2)(B), (c), 616, 
620, 1401-1473, unless otherwise noted.

0
2. Amend Sec.  64.604 by redesignating paragraphs (c)(5)(iii)(D)(5) 
through (7) as paragraphs (c)(5)(iii)(D)(6) through (8) and adding 
paragraph (c)(5)(iii)(D)(5) to read as follows:


Sec.  64.604  Mandatory minimum standards.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (5) * * *
    (iii) * * *
    (D) * * *
    (5) Additional call data required from internet protocol captioned 
telephone service providers. In addition to the data required by 
paragraph (c)(5)(iii)(D)(2) and (3) of this section, internet protocol 
captioned telephone service providers seeking compensation from the 
Fund shall submit a unique account identifier identifying the user 
receiving captions for a call, such as the electronic serial number of 
the internet protocol captioned telephone service device, the user's 
log-in identification, or the user's email address.
* * * * *
0
3. Amend Sec.  64.605 by revising paragraph (a)(1) and adding paragraph 
(a)(3) to read as follows:


Sec.  64.605  Emergency calling requirements.

    (a) Additional emergency calling requirements applicable to 
internet-based TRS providers. (1) As of December 31, 2008, the 
requirements of paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(iv) of this section 
shall not apply to providers of VRS and IP Relay to which paragraph (b) 
of this section applies. As of the effective date of paragraph (a)(3) 
of this section, the requirements of paragraph (a)(2)(iv) and (v) of 
this section shall not apply to any provider of IP CTS.
* * * * *
    (3) Providers of forms of IP CTS that allow users to initiate calls 
by contacting the provider over the internet shall deliver to the PSAP, 
designated statewide default answering point, or appropriate local 
emergency authority, at the outset of an emergency call, the location 
of the emergency, and a telephone number that is assigned to the caller 
and that enables the PSAP, designated statewide default answering 
point, or appropriate local emergency authority to call the 911 caller 
back directly, while ensuring that the caller receives captions on the 
callback.
0
4. Amend Sec.  64.611 by revising paragraph (j)(2)(iv) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  64.611  internet-based TRS registration.

* * * * *
    (j) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (iv) By the date of initiation of service to an IP CTS user or 
device, or one year after notice from the Commission that the TRS User 
Registration Database is ready to accept such information, whichever is 
later, IP CTS providers shall submit to the TRS User Registration 
Database the registration information required by paragraph (j)(2)(i) 
or (iii) of this section. Calls from or to registered IP CTS users or 
devices whose registration information has not been populated in the 
TRS User Registration Database by the applicable

[[Page 9281]]

date shall not be compensable, and an IP CTS provider shall not seek 
TRS Fund compensation for such calls, provided however, that after the 
applicable date, IP CTS providers may provide service to new users for 
up to two weeks after the user's registration information has been 
populated in the TRS User Registration Database while the TRS User 
Registration Database user verification process is pending and will 
seek TRS Fund compensation for such calls that are otherwise 
compensable only if the new user is ultimately verified as eligible to 
use IP CTS by the TRS User Registration Database administrator.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2019-04040 Filed 3-13-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6712-01-P
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