United States of America is proposing to modernize telecommunications relay services by phasing out mandatory TTY Relay and recognizing IP STS and RTT-based services as compensable forms, while also enhancing NG911 network reliability and interoperability through updated certification and reliability standards1, 2.
US Modernizes Relay Services and 911 for IP Networks
Traditional TTY services phased out as IP-based communications become standard.
What changed
TTY Relay phased out from mandatory status under state programs1.
IP STS and RTT recognized as compensable relay services under state programs1.
Temporary national certification established for analog relay providers1.
NG911 reliability standards updated for critical functions including physical diversity and network monitoring2.
Interoperability testing required for interstate 911 traffic transfer between ESInets2.
Who it affects
State telecommunications relay programs must update to recognize IP-based services1.
Analog relay providers need temporary national certification and user verification1.
Covered 911 service providers must meet updated reliability standards for NG911 functions2.
Emergency Services IP Networks require interoperability testing and certification2.
What to do
Phase out mandatory TTY Relay services from state programs1.
Recognize IP STS and RTT as compensable relay services1.
Obtain temporary national certification for analog relay provision1.
Implement NG911 reliability standards for network functions2.
Complete interoperability testing for interstate 911 traffic2.
The United States of America is advancing a comprehensive modernization of its telecommunications relay services by proposing to eliminate the mandatory status of traditional TTY-based relay services and instead recognize IP-based Speech-to-Speech (IP STS) and real-time text (RTT) as valid compensable forms of relay under state programs, aligning with current IP-based communication infrastructure1. Concurrently, the agency is proposing updated NG911 reliability and interoperability rules to ensure seamless interstate transfer of 911 traffic via IP-based networks, including text and video capabilities, by expanding the scope of covered providers and establishing interoperability testing and certification requirements2. These changes aim to improve service accessibility, prevent fraud, and ensure the continued integrity of critical public safety and relay systems through modernized standards1, 2.
Modernization of Telecommunications Relay Services
The Federal Communications Commission proposes to phase out the mandatory status of traditional TTY-based relay services under state programs and recognize IP STS and RTT-based relay as compensable forms of telecommunications relay services, ensuring alignment with modern IP-based networks1.
Temporary National Certification for Analog Relay Providers
A temporary, national certification process will be established for analog relay providers to ensure service quality and prevent fraud, with user registration and verification requirements extended to support accountability in relay service delivery1.
NG911 Network Reliability and Interoperability
The FCC proposes to update the definition of ‘covered 911 service provider’ and establish reliability standards for critical NG911 functions, including physical diversity and network monitoring, to ensure uninterrupted 911 traffic delivery across IP-based networks2.
Interstate Interoperability for 911 Services
The proposed rules include mandatory interoperability testing and certification for interstate transfer of 911 traffic between Emergency Services IP Networks (ESInets), enhancing access to text, video, and data capabilities in public safety communications2.
Sources
- ↩ G/TBT/N/USA/2256 — Analog Telecommunications Relay Service Modernization https://docs.wto.org/imrd/directdoc.asp?DDFDocuments/T/G/TBTN26/USA2256.docx
- ↩ G/TBT/N/USA/2209 — Facilitating Implementation of Next Generation 911 Services (NG911); Improving 911 Reliability https://docs.wto.org/imrd/directdoc.asp?DDFDocuments/T/G/TBTN25/USA2209.DOCX