Common carrier services: Telecommunications relay services; State certifications,

[Federal Register: June 17, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 116)]

[Notices]

[Page 33061-33062]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr17jn98-58]

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

[CC Docket No. 90-571; DA 98-1118]

Notice of Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS); Certification

Released: June 11, 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, N.W., Washington, D.C., 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, N.W., Washington, D.C., daily, from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Third Group of States Approved For Certification

File No. TRS-97-06

Applicant: Georgia Public Service Commission

State of: Georgia File No. TRS-97-16

Applicant: Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission

State of: Pennsylvania File No. TRS-97-19

Applicant: Maine Public Utilities Commission

State of: Maine File No. TRS-97-24

Applicant: Misouri Public Service Commission

State of: Missouri File No. TRS-97-28

Applicant: Oklahoma Telephone Association

State of: Oklahoma File No. TRS-97-34

Applicant: Iowa Utilities Board

State of: Iowa File No. TRS-97-35

[[Page 33062]]

Applicant: West Virginia Public Service Commission

State of: West Virginia

For further information, contact Al McCloud, (202) 418-2499, amccloud@fcc.gov: Helene Nankin, (202) 418-1466, hnankin@fcc.gov; or Kris Monteith, (202) 418-1098, kmonteit@fcc.gov, (TTY, 202-418-0484), at the Network Services Division, Common Carrier Bureau, Federal Communications Commission.

Federal Communications Commission. Anna Gomez, Deputy Chief, Network Services Division, Common Carrier Bureau.

[FR Doc. 98-16069Filed6-16-98; 8:45 am]

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