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Before theFederal Communications CommissionWashington, D.C. 20554
In the Matter of Telecommunications Relay Services andSpeech-to-Speech Services forIndividuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities
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CG Docket No. 03-123
COMMENTS OFTHE UNITED STATES TELECOM ASSOCIATION
Its Attorneys: Jonathan BanksGenie Barton607 14
th
Street, NWSuite 400Washington, D.C. 20005(202) 326-7300July 6, 2009
 
TABLE OF CONTENTSPage
I. Introduction and Summary.................................................................................................1II. Background.........................................................................................................................4A. Forms of TRS..............................................................................................................4B. Growth in Video Relay Service..................................................................................5C. VRS Reimbursement Rates.........................................................................................8III. A Reexamination of VRS Compensation...........................................................................9IV. Improving Oversight and Fighting Fraud, Waste and Abuse...........................................12A. The Current Record...................................................................................................12B. Remedial Action.......................................................................................................16V. Conclusion........................................................................................................................19
 
 
Before theFederal Communications Commission
 
Washington, D.C. 20554
In the Matter of Telecommunications Relay Services andSpeech-to-Speech Services forIndividuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities
)))))
CG Docket No. 03-123
COMMENTS OFTHE UNITED STATES TELECOM ASSOCIATIONI. Introduction and Summary
The United States Telecom Association (USTelecom),
1
representing communicationsproviders throughout the broadband industry, strongly supports the statutory aims of Title IV of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA),
2
which requires that the Commission enablepeople with hearing and speech disabilities to enjoy access to telecommunications services thatare functionally equivalent to those available to individuals without such disabilities.Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) is an essential accommodation for people withhearing and speech disabilities and USTelecom is committed to preserving and advancing theseservices through their members’ substantial contributions to the Interstate TRS Fund (Fund) andtheir provision of TRS services.The goals of the ADA are being realized as more functionally equivalenttelecommunications services are provided to those who need them every year. However, withthis growth, comes concern about the efficiency of the Fund. The Fund has grown tremendously,
1
USTelecom is the premier broadband trade association representing service providers and suppliers for the telecomindustry. USTelecom represents companies offering a wide range of services across communications platforms,including voice, video and data over local exchange, long distance, wireless, Internet and cable services.
2
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Pub. L. No. 101-336, 104 Stat. 327, Title IV (1990) (codified at 47U.S.C. § 225) (requiring common carriers to provide telecommunications relay services for individuals with hearingand speech disabilities).
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