Improving Video Relay Service and Direct Video Calling

Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Federal Communications Commission 47 CFR Part 64 [CG Docket Nos. 10-51 and 03-123; FCC 19-39] AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) takes actions to: Enable direct video calling between sign language users and customer support call centers, by adopting procedures for qualified entities to register customer support telephone numbers in the telecommunications relay service (TRS) Numbering Directory; facilitate per-call validation of video relay service (VRS) user registrations via the TRS Numbering Directory querying system; require VRS providers to register enterprise and public videophones in the TRS user registration database (User Database or Database); prohibit VRS providers from offering or providing non-service related inducements to entice consumers to sign up for or use a VRS provider's service; and make technical corrections to the Commission's TRS rules. These actions will improve VRS and direct video calling for people with disabilities and help protect against waste, fraud, and abuse to the TRS program. DATES: Effective Date: These rules are effective July 8, 2019, except for the amendments to §§ 64.611, 64.613, and 64.615, which are delayed. The Commission will publish a document in the Federal Register announcing the effective date. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Scott, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, at (202) 418-1264…