[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 176 (Monday, September 11, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54799-54804]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-23156]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Part 64

[CC Docket No. 92-105; FCC 00-257]


Require 711 Dialing for Nationwide Access to Telecommunications 
Relay Services

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Federal Communications Commission (the Commission) amends 
its regulations to require that all providers of telephone service in 
the United States provide toll-free access to telecommunications relay 
services (TRS) via the abbreviated dialing code 711. The Commission 
takes this action to further a mandate of the Americans with 
Disabilities Act for functionally equivalent use of the telephone 
network by people with hearing or speech disabilities. 711 dialing must 
access all types of relay service in accordance with the Commission's 
minimum service-quality standards for TRS.

DATES: Effective October 11, 2000. Compliance is required by October 1, 
2001.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dennis Johnson or Jamal Mazrui of the 
Network Services Division, Common Carrier Bureau at phone (202) 418-
2320 or TTY (202) 418-0484. E-mail inquiries may also be sent to 
[email protected], and various information about TRS can be found at the 
web address http://www.fcc.gov/cib/dro/trs.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This document summarizes the Second Report 
and Order in a rulemaking proceeding concerned with The Use of N11 
Codes and Other Abbreviated Dialing Arrangements. The Commission 
adopted the order on July 21, 2000 and released it on August 9, 2000. 
The complete text of this Second Report and Order is available for 
inspection and copying during normal business hours

[[Page 54800]]

in the FCC Reference Center, 445 Twelfth Street, SW., Washington, DC 
The complete text may be purchased from the Commission's copy 
contractor, International Transcription Service, Inc., 1231 20th 
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036. The document is also available 
via the Internet at http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Common_Carrier/Orders/2000/fcc00257.doc

Synopsis of the Report and Order

    1. In this Second Report and Order, we take another significant 
step toward fulfilling the goals of Title IV of the Americans with 
Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) by requiring the nationwide 
implementation of access to telecommunications relay services (TRS) for 
persons with hearing or speech disabilities via the abbreviated dialing 
code 711. By October 1, 20001, all types of relay service must be 
available through 711 dialing in accordance with the Commission's 
mandatory minimum service-quality standards for TRS.
    2. The Commission first promulgated rules to implement Section 225 
of the ADA in 1991, and telecommunications relay services became 
available on a uniform, nationwide basis pursuant to those requirements 
in July 1993.
    3. In February 1997, the Commission issued the N11 First Report and 
Order and Further Notice in CC Docket No. 92-105, 62 FR 8633 (February 
26, 1997). Among other things, it directed Bellcore, the North American 
Numbering Plan (NANP) administrator at that time, to reserve 711 for 
nationwide access to TRS. The Commission concluded that 711 dialing 
would facilitate improved access to TRS in furtherance of section 225 
and other provisions of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. In 
the accompanying Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (N11 Further 
Notice), the Commission sought comment on whether nationwide 711 
implementation was technically and economically feasible, whether the 
711 number should access all types of relay service, and whether 
implementation could occur within three years from the date of the N11 
Further Notice. In September 1999, the Commission held a public forum 
on 711 implementation in order to supplement and update the record in 
this docket with input from consumers, state relay administrators, and 
industry representatives.
    4. The new 711 dialing arrangement will supplement existing systems 
in most states that require 7 or 10-digit numbers in order to initiate 
relay calls. TRS users will then be able to initiate a call from any 
telephone, anywhere in the United States, without having to remember 
and dial a 7 or 10-digit toll free number, and without having to obtain 
different numbers to access local TRS providers when traveling from 
state to state. 711 access will also facilitate callbacks from voice 
users who may be unfamiliar with relay services and be frustrated when 
having to place a TRS call.
    5. We are satisfied that both switch-based and AIN technologies 
will deliver 711 access to TRS at acceptable quality levels and comport 
with mandatory minimum service quality requirements under the Act and 
our rules. We conclude that it is technically feasible to provide 711 
access to TRS using either AIN or switch-based technology, and do not 
mandate any particular approach for 711 implementation.
    6. We conclude that 711 dialing can be implemented so as to provide 
access to all types of relay service, while still meeting the 
Commission's minimum service-quality standards for TRS, including the 
``Speed of Answer'' requirement. We still encourage the continuation of 
alternate, direct access numbers to reach particular types of relay 
services. This will enable frequent users of specific services, such as 
text-based TRS, voice carryover, and speech-to-speech relay to maximize 
call-processing efficiency. We also encourage relay providers to use 
caller profiling with 711 access, which allows users to designate their 
preferred type of relay service. This, in turn, speeds call processing 
by enabling TRS centers to answer calls using the appropriate mode of 
communication.
    7. We find that, based on the record in this proceeding, it is 
feasible for all telecommunications carriers, including wireline, 
wireless, and payphone providers, to implement 711 access to TRS in 
accordance with Commission standards within one year, regardless of 
whether the carrier deploys switch-based or AIN-based technology.
    8. We expect wireless carriers, relay providers, and any other 
relevant parties to work together to fulfill all of the requirements 
established in this Order, by the one-year implementation deadline, in 
addition to fulfilling existing requirements under our TRS rules. We 
note that states may need to modify their contracts with relay 
providers to facilitate this arrangement. We encourage the states to do 
so as expeditiously as possible.
    9. We strongly encourage wireless carriers, relay providers, and 
other relevant parties to work together in an industry forum or other 
appropriate collaborative process to develop solutions to implement 711 
access to TRS in accordance with our rules.
    10. If within 4 months of the effective date of this Order, 
wireless carriers believe that they will not be able to resolve these 
implementation issues in a timely manner, we urge them, either 
individually or collectively, to file a report with the Commission 
stating that their ability to comply with the one-year deadline is in 
jeopardy. We also encourage relay providers to file a similar report if 
they deem it necessary.
    11. Such a report should contain specific details of any 
collaborative efforts to date, including a timeline, details of the 
implementation issues resolved and of outstanding issues or other 
problems causing the jeopardy, and the names and necessary contact 
information for the individuals participating in any collaborative 
efforts. The report should estimate the impact of the problem, 
including anticipated delay and/or restrictions to market coverage or 
feature support.
    12. We expect that these ``jeopardy'' reports will form the basis 
for discussions with the Commission about possible solutions to the 
outstanding implementation issues. If we do not receive a report of 
this nature, we will assume that the ability to comply with the one-
year timeframe is not in jeopardy. Moreover, as we reminded carriers in 
the Improved TRS Order, if necessary, the Commission may consider 
enforcement action, including forfeitures, should carriers fail to meet 
their obligations regarding access to relay services.
    13. We also recognize that companies providing PBX equipment to 
businesses and organizations will need to program their PBXs to enable 
711 dialing to TRS centers from their user locations. Because many 
individuals work for companies and organizations that utilize PBXs, 
modifying PBXs to accommodate 711 dialing is essential to ensuring that 
all Americans have the opportunity to benefit from this abbreviated 
dialing arrangement.
    14. Our rules provide for specific cost recovery mechanisms for 
costs related to relay providers' provision and maintenance of TRS, and 
therefore, costs that relay providers incur associated with 
implementation and maintenance of 711 access to TRS.
    15. In contrast, there is no specific cost recovery mechanism for 
carrier implementation of access to TRS service, whether or not such 
access is accomplished via 711. Carriers bear and recover their own 
costs associated with providing access to TRS. Recovery of the costs 
associated with implementing 711 may not fall disproportionately on

[[Page 54801]]

TRS users, as all carriers are obligated to ensure that TRS users pay 
rates no greater than the rates paid for functionally equivalent voice 
communications services. Carriers may recover education and outreach 
costs associated with providing access to TRS through 711 in the same 
manner that they recover other costs associated with implementing 711 
access.
    16. Wireline carriers may properly include the costs they incur in 
implementing 711 access to TRS with their joint and common costs and 
recover those costs from the rates charged for intrastate and 
interstate services, separated pursuant to the Commission's 
jurisdictional separation rules. Wireless and other carriers that are 
neither subject to economic rate regulation nor to the jurisdictional 
separations rules, may recover their costs of providing access to TRS 
through 711 in any lawful manner that is consistent with their 
obligations under 47 U.S.C. 225 (d)(1)(D) and 47 CFR 64.604(c)(4).
    17. We find that some of the costs imposed upon relay providers 
that are associated with the implementation and operation of 711 access 
to TRS, and education and outreach regarding this service, are likely 
to be intrastate costs. For costs associated with intrastate minutes of 
use, we conclude that the states should establish the appropriate cost 
recovery mechanism as required by section 225(d)(3)(B). Thus, to the 
extent that the state is certified to provide TRS under section 225 (f) 
of the Act, the state must permit relay providers that fall under state 
regulatory jurisdiction to recover intrastate costs related to 711 
implementation, including costs associated with education and outreach. 
We acknowledge that states and relay providers may need to adjust their 
contracts in order to allow relay providers to recover these costs. We 
also find, however, that a portion of these costs may be attributable 
to the provision of interstate TRS.
    18. TRS providers shall submit the costs of providing 711 access, 
including the costs of education and outreach, as part of the annual 
data report of their total TRS operating expenses, to the interstate 
TRS Fund Administrator for purposes of computing payment and revenue 
requirements for the following year. The Fund Administrator must then 
consider these payment and revenue requirements when establishing the 
payment formula to compensate TRS providers for reasonable costs 
associated with 711 access to TRS, including the costs of education and 
outreach, as well as when determining the contributions to the fund 
that interstate telecommunications carriers must make.
    19. We conclude that the benefits of 711 access to TRS described in 
this Order are too great and too immediate to warrant a delay that 
would result from a Commission requirement to implement presubscription 
or multivendoring at this time.
    20. In accordance with our existing rules, we encourage carriers, 
states, and relay providers to implement education and outreach 
programs that will increase public awareness and understanding of 711 
access to TRS. We encourage carriers, states, and relay providers to be 
aware of and target specific segments of the market that would benefit 
from additional information about 711 access.
    21. In order to ensure the successful use of 711 access to TRS, we 
require carriers, in cooperation with relay providers and the states, 
to engage in on-going and comprehensive education and outreach programs 
to publicize its availability in a manner reasonably designed to reach 
the largest number of consumers possible. We recognize that a method 
that is reasonably designed to reach the largest number of consumers in 
one state or location may not be equally effective in another location. 
For that reason, we do not mandate in this Order any specific means of 
advertising 711 access to TRS. While carriers must continue to utilize 
bill inserts and provide information in telephone directories pursuant 
to the Commission's current TRS rules, we also encourage carriers, 
states, and relay providers to disseminate information through the 
mainstream media, including newspaper, radio, and television 
advertisements and articles, which can more effectively reach 
substantial portions of the American public.
    22. Additionally, we encourage the dissemination of information 
about 711 access through conferences and membership publications of 
individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities, 
and of senior citizens, to reach significant segments of the population 
that could benefit from relay services. Furthermore, we suggest that 
carriers, relay providers, and states should implement an outreach 
program similar to that used for 911 access to emergency services.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    23. As required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), an Initial 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) was incorporated into the N11 
Further Notice. The Commission sought written public comment on the 
proposals in the notice, including comment on the IRFA. There were no 
comments received on the IRFA. This present Final Regulatory 
Flexibility Analysis (FRFA) conforms to the RFA.

A. Need for, and Objectives of, This Report and Order

    24. This rulemaking proceeding was initiated in order to improve 
the uniformity and efficiency of services provided through 
telecommunications relay services (TRS) for the benefit of TRS users 
and members of the general public with whom they communicate. The 
Commission's goal was to improve the convenience and consistency of 
dialing for TRS by implementing the 711 code previously reserved for 
this purpose.
    25. In the Notice, the Commission sought public comment on the 
technical feasibility of implementing 711 access to TRS. The Notice 
also asked parties: (1) If it would be possible to develop within a 
reasonable time an N11 ``gateway'' offering access to multiple TRS 
providers; (2) whether, with such gateway access, TRS calls would still 
be answered within the Commission's mandatory minimum standards for TRS 
answer times; (3) whether such a gateway would be consistent with 
section 255 of the Telecommunications Act of 1934, as amended by the 
Telecommunications Act of 1996; and (4) whether any other important 
disability services could be accessed through the same gateway. The 
Notice also requested comment from interested parties, particularly TRS 
providers, about the possibility of providing both voice and text TRS 
services through the same abbreviated N11 code (711).
    26. In this Second Report and Order, we adopt rules that require 
all carriers to provide 711 access to all types of relay services. We 
require all wireline carriers, CMRS carriers, and payphone providers to 
implement 711 dialing on or before October 1, 2001. We also require 
carriers and relay providers, in cooperation with the states, to engage 
in on-going and comprehensive education and outreach programs that 
publicize the availability of 711 access to TRS in a manner reasonably 
designed to reach the largest number of consumers possible.
    27. By requiring uniform, nationwide 711 access to TRS, we further 
our Congressional mandate under the Americans with Disabilities Act to 
establish relay services that are functionally equivalent to voice 
telephone services. We expect that 711 dialing will make TRS easier and 
more convenient for all Americans. TRS users will be able to initiate a 
call from any

[[Page 54802]]

telephone, anywhere in the United States, without having to remember 
and dial a 7 or 10-digit number, and without having to search for 
different numbers to access local TRS providers when traveling from 
state to state. We also expect an increase in the number of first-
initiated and return relay calls by individuals without disabilities.

B. Summary of Significant Issues Raised by Public Comments in 
Response to the IRFA

    28. No comments were filed in response to the IRFA.

C. Description and Estimate of the Number of Small Entities to 
Which Rules Will Apply

    29. The RFA directs agencies to provide a description of, and, 
where feasible, an estimate of the number of small entities that may be 
affected by the proposed rules, if adopted. The Regulatory Flexibility 
Act defines the term ``small entity'' as having the same meaning as the 
terms ``small business,'' ``small organization,'' and ``small business 
concern'' under section 3 of the Small Business Act. A small business 
concern is one which: (1) Is independently owned and operated; (2) is 
not dominant in its field of operation; and (3) satisfies any 
additional criteria established by the SBA.
    30. TRS Providers. Neither the Commission nor the SBA has developed 
a definition of small entity specifically applicable to providers of 
TRS. The closest applicable definition under the SBA rules is for 
telephone communications companies other than radiotelephone (wireless) 
companies. The SBA defines such establishments to be small businesses 
when they have no more than 1,500 employees. According to our most 
recent data, there are 11 interstate TRS providers, which consist of 
interexchange carriers, local exchange carriers, state-managed 
entities, and non-profit organizations. We do not have data specifying 
the number of these providers that are either dominant in their field 
of operations, are not independently owned and operated, or have more 
than 1,500 employees, and we are thus unable at this time to estimate 
with greater precision the number of TRS providers that would qualify 
as small business concerns under the SBA's definition. We note, 
however, that these providers include large interexchange carriers and 
incumbent local exchange carriers. Consequently, we estimate that there 
are fewer than 11 small TRS providers that may be affected.
    31. The most reliable source of information regarding the total 
numbers of certain common carrier and related providers nationwide, as 
well as the number of commercial wireless entities, appears to be data 
the Commission publishes in its Trends in Telephone Service report. 
However, in a recent news release, the Commission indicated that there 
are 4,144 interstate carriers. These carriers include, inter alia, 
local exchange carriers, wireline carriers and service providers, 
interexchange carriers, competitive access providers, operator service 
providers, pay telephone operators, providers of telephone service, 
providers of telephone exchange service, and resellers.
    32. The SBA has defined establishments engaged in providing 
``Radiotelephone Communications'' and ``Telephone Communications, 
Except Radiotelephone'' to be small businesses when they have no more 
than 1,500 employees. Further, we discuss the total estimated number of 
telephone companies falling within the two categories and the number of 
small businesses in each, and we then attempt to refine further those 
estimates to correspond with the categories of telephone companies that 
are commonly used under our rules.
    33. Total Number of Telephone Companies Affected. The U.S. Bureau 
of the Census (Census Bureau) reports that, at the end of 1992, there 
were 3,497 firms engaged in providing telephone services, as defined 
therein, for at least one year. This number contains a variety of 
different categories of carriers, including local exchange carriers, 
interexchange carriers, competitive access providers, cellular 
carriers, mobile service carriers, operator service providers, pay 
telephone operators, covered specialized mobile radio providers, and 
resellers. It seems certain that some of these 3,497 telephone service 
firms may not qualify as small entities or small ILECs because they are 
not ``independently owned and operated.'' For example, a PCS provider 
that is affiliated with an interexchange carrier having more than 1,500 
employees would not meet the definition of a small business. It is 
reasonable to conclude that fewer than 3,497 telephone service firms 
are small entity telephone service firms or small ILECs that may be 
affected.
    34. We have included small incumbent LECs in this present RFA 
analysis. As noted above, a ``small business'' under the RFA is one 
that, inter alia, meets the pertinent small business size standard 
(e.g., a telephone communications business having 1,500 or fewer 
employees), and ``is not dominant in its field of operation.'' The 
SBA's Office of Advocacy contends that, for RFA purposes, small 
incumbent LECs are not dominant in their field of operation because any 
such dominance is not ``national'' in scope. We have therefore included 
small incumbent LECs in this RFA analysis, although we emphasize that 
this RFA action has no effect on Federal Communications Commission 
analyses and determinations in other, non-RFA contexts.
    35. Local Exchange Carriers. Neither the Commission nor the SBA has 
developed a definition for small providers of local exchange services 
(LECs). The closest applicable definition under the SBA rules is for 
telephone communications companies other than radiotelephone (wireless) 
companies. According to the most recent Telecommunications Industry 
Revenue data, 1,348 incumbent carriers reported that they were engaged 
in the provision of local exchange services. We do not have data 
specifying the number of these carriers that are either dominant in 
their field of operations, are not independently owned and operated, or 
have more than 1,500 employees, and thus are unable at this time to 
estimate with greater precision the number of LECs that would qualify 
as small business concerns under the SBA's definition. Consequently, we 
estimate that fewer than 1,348 providers of local exchange service are 
small entities or small ILECs that may be affected.
    36. Competitive Local Service Providers. This category includes 
competitive access providers (CAPs), competitive local exchange 
providers (CLECs), shared tenant service providers, local resellers, 
and other local service providers. Neither the Commission nor the SBA 
has developed a definition of small entities specifically applicable to 
competitive local service providers. The closest applicable definition 
under the SBA rules is for telephone communications companies other 
than radiotelephone (wireless) companies. According to the most recent 
Locator data, 145 carriers reported that they were engaged in the 
provision of competitive local service. We do not have data specifying 
the number of these carriers that are not independently owned or 
operated, and thus are unable at this time to estimate with greater 
precision the number of competitive local service providers that would 
qualify as small business concerns under the SBA's definition. 
Consequently, we estimate that there are fewer than 145 small entity 
competitive local service providers.
    37. Wireless Telephony and Paging and Messaging. Wireless telephony

[[Page 54803]]

includes cellular, personal communications service (PCS) and 
specialized mobile radio (SMR) service providers. Neither the 
Commission nor the SBA has developed a definition of small entities 
applicable to cellular licensees, or to providers of paging and 
messaging services. The closest applicable SBA definition for a 
reseller is a telephone communications company other than 
radiotelephone (wireless) companies. According to the most recent 
Locator data, 732 carriers reported that they were engaged in the 
provision of wireless telephony and 137 companies reported that they 
were engaged in the provision of paging and messaging service. We do 
not have data specifying the number of these carriers that are not 
independently owned or operated, and thus are unable at this time to 
estimate with greater precision the number that would qualify as small 
business concerns under the SBA's definition. Consequently, we estimate 
that fewer than 732 carriers are engaged in the provision of wireless 
telephony and fewer than 137 companies are engaged in the provision of 
paging and messaging service.
    38. Wireline Carriers and Service Providers. The SBA has developed 
a definition of small entities for telephone communications companies 
except radiotelephone (wireless) companies. The Census Bureau reports 
that there were 2,321 such telephone companies in operation for at 
least one year at the end of 1992. According to the SBA's definition, a 
small business telephone company other than a radiotelephone company is 
one employing no more than 1,500 persons. All but 26 of the 2,321 non-
radiotelephone companies listed by the Census Bureau were reported to 
have fewer than 1,000 employees. Thus, even if all 26 of those 
companies had more than 1,500 employees, there would still be 2,295 
non-radiotelephone companies that might qualify as small entities or 
small ILECs. We do not have data specifying the number of these 
carriers that are not independently owned and operated, and thus are 
unable at this time to estimate with greater precision the number of 
wireline carriers and service providers that would qualify as small 
business concerns under the SBA's definition. Consequently, we estimate 
that fewer than 2,295 small telephone communications companies other 
than radiotelephone companies are small entities or small ILECs.
    39. Pay Telephone Operators. Neither the Commission nor the SBA has 
developed a definition of small entities specifically applicable to pay 
telephone operators. The closest applicable definition under SBA rules 
is for telephone communications companies other than radiotelephone 
(wireless) companies. According to the most recent Trends in Telephone 
Service data, 615 carriers reported that they were engaged in the 
provision of pay telephone services. We do not have data specifying the 
number of these carriers that are not independently owned and operated 
or have more than 1,500 employees, and thus are unable at this time to 
estimate with greater precision the number of pay telephone operators 
that would qualify as small business concerns under the SBA's 
definition. Consequently, we estimate that there are less than 615 
small entity pay telephone operators.

D. Description of Projected Reporting, Recordkeeping, and Other 
Compliance Requirements

    40. This order mandates that, on or before October 1, 2001, all 
carriers must obtain the telephone number for the state-certified relay 
center in each state of operation. This number can be obtained by 
contacting either the state agency for TRS or the Federal 
Communications Commission. The cost of obtaining and maintaining this 
number on file is nominal for all businesses, including small entities. 
In addition, all state agencies for TRS must accept and address 
complaints regarding 711 access to TRS. The annual reports of these 
state agencies to the Federal Communications Commission must include a 
summary of such complaints. Therefore, the burden of monitoring 
complaints and compliance falls not upon small entities, but upon the 
appropriate state agencies.

E. Steps Taken To Minimize Significant Economic Impact on Small 
Entities and Significant Alternatives Considered

    41. The RFA requires an agency to describe any significant 
alternatives that it has considered in reaching its proposed approach, 
which may include the following four alternatives (among others): (1) 
The establishment of differing compliance or reporting requirements or 
timetables that take into account the resources available to small 
entities; (2) the clarification, consolidation, or simplification of 
compliance or reporting requirements under the rule for small entities; 
(3) the use of performance, rather than design, standards; and (4) an 
exemption from coverage of the rule, or any part thereof, for small 
entities. 5 U.S.C. 603(c).
    42. We considered the status quo alternative that is, leaving 711 
access to TRS up to voluntary, cooperative efforts among carriers, TRS 
providers, and state relay administrators. We concluded, however, that 
uniform, nationwide 711 access to TRS would not occur without a 
Commission mandate, and without such uniformity, the great benefits of 
711 access to TRS would be thwarted. We considered whether to permit 
compliance exemptions or time extensions for small carriers. Given the 
Congressional mandate that all carriers facilitate TRS that is 
``functionally equivalent'' to voice transmission services, the burden 
would be especially high to justify waivers in 711 implementation. 
Since the record in this docket has shown the economic and technical 
feasibility of implementing 711 access to TRS by all carriers within a 
six-month period, we concluded that a year is ample time for all 
carriers to comply with this Order, including those small entities who 
might be affected by these new rules.
    43. This order focuses on performance not design criteria to 
achieve 711 access to TRS. We do not require any particular network 
technology for 711 implementation. We anticipate that larger carriers 
with AIN technology will use that approach, whereas smaller carriers 
without it will use a switch-based approach. This latter approach was 
estimated to require 1.5 labor hours to reconfigure each switch, a cost 
we consider to be affordable over the course of a year, during which 
time other switch maintenance would probably occur. We expect that 
small payphone providers are likely to pass the 711 code to the local 
switch for translation, rather than making the translation in each of 
their payphones, thus assuring the affordability of 711 implementation 
to them.

F. Report to Congress

    44. The Commission will send a copy of this Report and Order, 
including this FRFA, in a report to be sent to Congress pursuant to the 
SBREFA. In addition, the Commission will send a copy of this Report and 
Order, including this FRFA, to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the 
Small Business Administration. A copy of this Report and Order and FRFA 
(or summaries thereof) will also be published in the Federal Register.

Final Paperwork Reduction Act Analysis

    45. The Notice did not propose changes to the Commission's 
information collection requirements, and therefore, an initial 
paperwork reduction analysis was not required by the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995. The Commission certifies that no information 
collection changes are imposed by the rules adopted in this

[[Page 54804]]

order. The action contained herein has been analyzed with respect to 
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and found to impose no new or 
modified reporting and/or record-keeping requirements or burdens on the 
public.

Ordering Clauses

    46. Accordingly, pursuant to authority found in sections 1, 4(i) 
and 4(j), 201-205, 218, 225, and 251(e)(1) of the Communications Act as 
amended, 47 U.S.C. Sections 151, 154(i), 154(j), 201-205, 218, 225, and 
251(e)(1) this Report and Order Is Adopted, and Part 64 of the 
Commission's rules Are Amended as set forth in the rule changes.
    47. Each common carrier providing telephone voice transmission 
services shall provide, not later than October 1, 2001, access via the 
711 dialing code to all relay services as a toll free call.
    48. The amendments to Secs. 64.601 through 64.604 of the 
Commission's rules as set forth in the rule changes are Adopted, 
effective October 11, 2000. The action contained herein has been 
analyzed with respect to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and found 
to impose no new or modified reporting and/or record-keeping 
requirements or burdens on the public.
    49. The Commission's Consumer Information Bureau, Reference 
Information Center, Shall Send a copy of this Report and Order, 
including the Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis, to the Chief 
Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration.
    50. Pursuant to sections 1, 4(i) and 4(j), 201-205, 218, 225, and 
251(e)(1) of the Communications Act as amended, 47 U.S.C. sections 151, 
154(i), 154(j), 201-205, 218, 225, and 251(e)(1) this Report and Order 
is adopted.

List of Subjects in 47 CFR Part 64

    Communications common carriers, Individuals with disabilities, 
Relay service, Telecommunications, Telephone.

Federal Communications Commission.
Magalie Roman Salas,
Secretary.

Rule Changes

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, amend part 64 of title 
47 of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows:

PART 64--MISCELLANEOUS RULES RELATING TO COMMON CARRIERS

    1. The authority citation for part 64 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 47 U.S.C. 225, 47 U.S.C. 251(e)(1).


    2. In Sec. 64.601, paragraphs (1) through (9) are redesignated as 
paragraphs (2) through (10), and a new paragraph (1) is added to read 
as follows:


Sec. 64.601  Definitions.

    (1) 711. The abbreviated dialing code for accessing all types of 
relay services anywhere in the United States.
* * * * *

    3. In Sec. 64.603, the undesignated introductory text is revised to 
read as follows:


Sec. 64.603  Provision of services.

    Each common carrier providing telephone voice transmission services 
shall provide, not later than July 26, 1993, in compliance with the 
regulations prescribed herein, throughout the area in which it offers 
services, telecommunications relay services, individually, through 
designees, through a competitively selected vendor, or in concert with 
other carriers. Speech-to-speech relay service and interstate Spanish 
language relay service shall be provided by March 1, 2001. In addition, 
each common carrier providing telephone voice transmission services 
shall provide, not later than October 1, 2001, access via the 711 
dialing code to all relay services as a toll free call. A common 
carrier shall be considered to be in compliance with these regulations:
* * * * *

    4. In Sec. 64.604, add the following sentence to the end of 
paragraph (c)(3) to read as follows:


Sec. 64.604    Mandatory minimum standards.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (3) * * * In addition, each common carrier providing telephone 
voice transmission services shall conduct, not later than October 1, 
2001, ongoing education and outreach programs that publicize the 
availability of 711 access to TRS in a manner reasonably designed to 
reach the largest number of consumers possible.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 00-23156 Filed 9-8-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P