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Federal Communications Commission 1919 - M Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20554 |
News media information 202 / 418-0500 Fax-On-Demand 202 / 418-2830 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov ftp.fcc.gov |
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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974). |
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Commission Proposes Ways to Improve Telecommunications Relay Services,
Extend Services to More People With Disabilities |
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The Commission today proposed ways to enhance the quality of existing
telecommunications relay services (TRS) and expand those services for better use by
the 2.5 million Americans with speech disabilities. Today's proposals are intended
to promote access to telecommunications and improve the overall effectiveness of
both interstate and intrastate TRS programs. TRS enables people with hearing and speech disabilities to communicate with people who use voice telephones. The service typically involves a three-way call between a person using a text telephone, an operator -- known as a Communications Assistant -- and a person using a voice telephone. The Communications Assistant relays messages between the callers. TRS, which has been in existence for more than a decade, is currently available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and operates at no extra cost to the caller. Among the proposals included in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking adopted today:
Action by the Commission May 14, 1998, by Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 98-90). Chairman Kennard, Commissioners Ness, Furchtgott-Roth, Powell and Tristani .
News Media contact: Rochelle Cohen at (202) 418-0253 (voice),(202) 418-2555 (TTY).
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