To:     Consumer Contact List
From:  Karen Peltz Strauss
Re:      IP relay, TRS rates, HAC, VRS provider ruling
Date:  June 22, 2007

 
In an effort to catch up on some older FCC actions that were not included in prior CCL updates, I am forwarding this information.  All of the items below were released within the past 3 months, but all still have current relevance.
 
1.  FCC releases alert on IP relay abuse.  In May, the FCC released a public notice alerting both the public and merchants about IP relay calls involving the fraudulent use of credit cards.  Among other things, the notice reminds merchants that generally hanging up on calls made through relay services is not permissible under the Americans with Disabilities Act.  The notice is noted below.
 
Released:  05/04/2007.  FCC ALERTS PUBLIC AND MERCHANTS OF FRAUDULENT
CREDIT CARD PURCHASES THROUGH INTERNET PROTOCOL (IP) RELAY SERVICE, A FORM OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS RELAY SERVICE (TRS). (DA No.  07-2006).  CGB.
Contact:  Dana Jackson at (202) 418-2247, email: Dana.Jackson@fcc.gov,
TTY: (202) 418-7898
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-07-2006A1.doc>
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-07-2006A1.pdf>
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-07-2006A1.txt>
 
2. NECA Payment Formula Proposed.  In May, the TRS Fund Administrator, NECA, offered to the FCC various proposals to reimburse all types of telecommunications relay services providers for the 2007-08 funding year.  The FCC is now considering these proposals, along with various comments from VRS providers and consumers, and will release its decision on the rates by the end of June, 2007. 
 
Released:  05/02/2007.  NATIONAL EXCHANGE CARRIER ASSOCIATION (NECA) SUBMITS THE PAYMENT FORMULA AND FUND SIZE ESTIMATE FOR THE INTERSTATE TELECOMMUNICATIONS RELAY SERVICES (TRS) FUND FOR THE JULY 2007 THROUGH JUNE 2008 FUND YEAR. (DA No.  07-1978). (Dkt No 03-123). Comments Due: 05/16/2007. Reply Comments Due:  05/23/2007.  CGB.
Contact:  Diane Mason at (202) 418-7126,
email: Diane.Mason@fcc.gov, TTY: (202) 418-7828
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-07-1978A1.doc>
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-07-1978A1.pdf>
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-07-1978A1.txt>
 
3.  FCC rules on HAC Waiver Requests.  In April, the FCC responded to requests made by various carriers for waivers from its hearing aid compatibility regulations, granting some of the waivers, and denying others.  Carriers that were denied waivers were found to be in violation of the rules, and have been referred to the Enforcement Bureau for further action.  Many of these have since appealed the FCC's ruling.  The Order and PN are noted below.
 
SECTION 68.4(A) OF THE COMMISSION'S RULES GOVERNING HEARING AID COMPATIBLE TELEPHONES.   The FCC Acts On Requests For Waiver From Hearing Aid Compatibility Rules. (Dkt No.  01-309). Action by:  the Commission. Adopted:  04/06/2007 by MO&O. (FCC No. 07-51).  WTB
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-07-51A1.doc>
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-07-51A1.pdf>
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-07-51A1.txt>

FCC ACTS ON REQUESTS FOR WAIVER FROM HEARING AID COMPATIBILITY RULES.  The FCC released a Memorandum Opinion and Order that addresses waiver requests filed by 19 non-nationwide wireless carriers seeking relief from certain portions of the FCC's hearing aid compatibility rules.
News Release. (Dkt No 01-309). News Media Contact: Chelsea Fallon at
(202) 418-7991  WTB. Contact Peter Trachtenberg at (202) 418-7369,
email: Peter.Trachtenberg@fcc.gov
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-272268A1.doc>
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-272268A1.pdf>
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-272268A1.txt>

4.  Dismissal of SNAP request for waiver of the VRS interoperability requirement.  Back in March, the FCC dismissed Snap's request for a waiver of the interoperability requirement for VRS providers as moot, after Snap informed the FCC that it was in compliance with this minimum standard. 
Released:  03/22/2007.  DISMISSAL OF SNAP TELECOMMUNICATIONS, INC.'S REQUEST FOR LIMITED WAIVER OF THE VIDEO RELAY SERVICE (VRS) INTEROPERABILITY REQUIREMENTS. (DA No.  07-1374). (Dkt No 03-123).  CGB.
Contact:  Gregory Hlibok at (800) 311-4381, TTY: (202) 418-0431;
email:Gregory.Hlibok@fcc.gov
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-07-1374A1.doc>
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-07-1374A1.pdf>
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-07-1374A1.txt

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