Hiking IP Relay Charges Generally Backed

Increasing maximum potential rates for some telecom services used by the deaf and hard of hearing, as the FCC would propose, is generally backed by stakeholders. They noted in recent interviews that the proposed changes could ultimately increase some per-minute rates. They said that would ensure the service is sustainable for users who can't rely on other services. Commissioners are to vote Aug. 5 on an NPRM (see 2107150066).

The draft would update IP relay compensation methodology for the first time in 14 years and set base costs on reasonable projected demand and costs provided by an IP relay service provider. The changes are needed to “support the long-term viability and availability of IP relay,” emailed National Association of the Deaf Policy Counsel Zainab Alkebsi. Since methodology for determining such compensation was adopted, “circumstances have drastically changed,” Alkebsi said: “Changes that reflect the current market would ensure that the sole provider can continue providing IP relay services and also foster competition in a way that new providers can enter the market.”

The current IP relay compensation period ends in June, and the FCC is “starting the process of examining whether the compensation methodology should be modified” now, said a spokesperson. The FCC banned outreach cost recovery in 2013 because providers were using that money for marketing. Four of the five IP relay service providers have since left the market.

More consumers use other types of relay services, per Telecom Relay Service Fund administrator Rolka Loube. T-Mobile, the sole remaining IP provider, didn't comment. The draft proposes lifting the ban, as long as outreach focuses on education. The commission would seek comment on whether to allow overhead cost recovery.

The NPRM would continue setting per-minute rates for a three-year period, which should let providers “invest in longer-term projects and technology improvements,” said Director-Regulatory Affairs Cristina Duarte of relay service InnoCaption. More certainty could help make the market “more attractive” and bring more providers in again. Other TRS providers didn’t comment.

The last time the FCC updated the TRS Fund was in November when it expanded the contribution base for video relay and IP relay services to include intrastate telecom and VoIP provider revenue (see 2011180058). The FCC is “going absolutely in the right direction when asking about setting long-term rates to ensure greater certainty for the purposes of long-term planning,” Duarte said.