[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 109 (Monday, June 8, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 31219]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-15146]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

[DA 98-1037 and CC Docket No. 90-571]


Notice of Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Certification

Released: June 2, 1998.
    Notice is hereby given that the applications for certification of 
state Telecommunication Relay Services (TRS) programs of the states 
listed below have been granted, subject to the condition described 
below, pursuant to Title IV of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 
1990, 47 U.S.C. 225(f)(2), and section 64.605(b) of the Commission's 
rules, 47 CFR 64.605(b). The Commission will provide further Public 
Notice of the certification of the remaining applications for 
certification once review of those states' applications has been 
completed. On the basis of the states applications, the Commission has 
determined that:
    (1) The TRS program of the listed states meet or exceed all 
operational, technical, and functional minimum standards contained in 
section 64.604 of the Commission's rules, 47 CFR 64.604;
    (2) The TRS programs of the listed states make available adequate 
procedures and remedies for enforcing the requirements of the state 
program; and,
    (3) The TRS programs of the listed states in no way conflict with 
federal law.
    The Commission also has determined that, where applicable, the 
intrastate funding mechanisms of the listed states are labeled in a 
manner that promotes national understanding of TRS and does not offend 
the public, consistent with section 64.605(d) of the Commission's 
rules, 47 CFR 64.605(d).
    On May 14, 1998, the Commission adopted a Notice of Proposed 
Rulemaking that proposes ways to enhance the quality of existing 
telecommunications relay services (TRS) and expand those services for 
better use by individuals with speech disabilities. See 
Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for 
Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities, CC Docket No. 98-67, 
FCC 98-90 (rel. May 20, 1998). Because the Commission may adopt changes 
to the rules governing relay programs, including state relay programs, 
the certification granted herein is conditioned on a demonstration of 
compliance with any new rules ultimately adopted by the Commission. The 
Commission will provide guidance to the states on demonstrating 
compliance with such rule changes.
    This certification, as conditioned herein, shall remain in effect 
for a five year period, beginning July 26, 1998, and ending July 25, 
2003, pursuant to 47 CFR 64.605(c). One year prior to the expiration of 
this certification, July 25, 2002, the states may apply for renewal of 
their TRS program certifications by filing documentation in accordance 
with the Commission's rules, pursuant to 47 CFR 64.605(a) and (b).
    Copies of certification letters are available for public inspection 
at the Commission's Common Carrier Bureau, Network Services Division, 
Room 235, 2000 M Street, NW, Washington, DC, Monday through Thursday, 
8:30 AM to 3:00 PM (closed 12:30 to 1:30 PM), and the FCC Reference 
Center, Room 239, 1919 M Street, NW, Washington, DC, daily, from 9:00 
AM to 4:30 PM.

Second Group of States Approved for Certification

    File No.: TRS-97-01.
    Applicant: Florida Public Service Commission.
    State of: Florida.

    File No.: TRS-97-04.
    Applicant: Michigan Public Service Commission.
    State of: Michigan.

    File No.: TRS-97-09.
    Applicant: Illinois Commerce Commission.
    State of: Illinois.

    File No.: TRS-97-15.
    Applicant: Mississippi Public Service Commission.
    State of: Mississippi.

    File No.: TRS-97-17.
    Applicant: Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Public 
Utilities.
    State of: Utah.

    File No.: TRS-97-27.
    Applicant: Kansas Corporation Commission.
    State of: Kansas.

    File No.: TRS-97-36.
    Applicant: Alaska Public Utilities Commission.
    State of: Alaska.

    File No.: TRS-97-37.
    Applicant: New Mexico Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
    State of: New Mexico.

    File No.: TRS-97-39.
    Applicant: Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.
    State of: Ohio.

    File No.: TRS-97-45.
    Applicant: Minnesota Department of Public Service.
    State of: Minnesota.

    File No.: TRS-97-50.
    Applicant: New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission.
    State of: New Hampshire.

    File No.: TRS-97-51.
    Applicant: Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers.
    State of: Rhode Island.

    File No.: TRS-97-52.
    Applicant: Arkansas Deaf and Hearing Impaired.
    State of: Arkansas.

    For further information contact: Al McCloud, (202) 418-2499, 
[email protected]: Helene Nankin, (202) 418-1466, [email protected]; or 
Kris Monteith, (202) 418-1098, [email protected], (TTY, 202-418-0484), 
at the Network Services Division, Common Carrier Bureau, Federal 
Communications Commission.

Federal Communications Commission.
Geraldine Matise,
Chief, Network Services Division, Common Carrier Bureau.
[FR Doc. 98-15146 Filed 6-5-98; 8:45 am]
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