Why It Matters

Companies that provide video relay service and relay services for incarcerated people now face new reporting and registration requirements, which the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) put into effect Nov. 5. ​

The FCC estimates the information collection covers 165,408 respondents. The requirements stem from three orders adopted in 2023 and 2024 whose information-collection provisions awaited approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The FCC says the purpose is "to ensure the accessibility of communications service for incarcerated people."

The Big Picture

The provisions now in effect, organized by the orders from which they originate:

  • Order adopted Dec. 20, 2023 (published March 21, 2024): Changes rules on communications assistants working at home, contractors used for video relay interpreting and registered users who travel abroad. The FCC says an order dated Jan. 31, 2020, converted the at-home program from a pilot to a permanent program.
  • Order adopted July 18, 2024 (published Sept. 20, 2024): Extends enterprise registration, previously limited to video relay service, to internet protocol captioned telephone service and internet protocol relay service in correctional facilities. It replaces the framework from an order dated Sept. 30, 2022.
  • Order adopted Sept. 27, 2024 (published Dec. 13, 2024): Requires video relay service providers that integrate the service into video conferences to include in their annual reports an explanation of the instructions and training provided to communications assistants on those requirements and on identifying the requesting users.

The FCC describes enterprise registration as a way to ensure only eligible users access the service, prevent waste, fraud and abuse, and protect the Telecommunications Relay Service Fund. It says the relay program "enables access to the nation's telephone network by persons with hearing and speech disabilities."

The FCC's estimates for the information collection, each stated separately:

  • 1,764,771 responses annually.
  • A total annual burden of 282,770 hours.
  • A total annual cost of $279,363.
  • Time per response ranging from 0.05 hours (three minutes) to 300 hours.

Respondents include businesses, individuals or households, nonprofit institutions, and state, local or tribal governments. Filings occur on annual, monthly, quarterly, occasional, ongoing, and one-time schedules, and the collection also covers recordkeeping and third-party disclosure. The underlying authority is Section 225 of the Communications Act. The FCC says respondents must comply to obtain or retain benefits.

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Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the FCC says an agency may not conduct or sponsor an information collection unless it displays a current, valid OMB control number. The notice confirms that OMB granted final approval, allowing the information-collection provisions adopted in 2023 and 2024 to take effect.

The Bottom Line

OMB approved the collection Aug. 17 under OMB Control Number 3060-1089, and the approval runs through Aug. 31, 2029. All listed provisions took effect Nov. 5. The FCC says no one may be penalized for failing to comply with a collection that lacks a valid control number.

Direct questions to Cathy Williams of the FCC Office of the Managing Director at (202) 418-2918. The notice appears at 91 FR 69726 under CG Docket Nos. 03-123, 10-51, 10-213 and 23-161, and WC Docket Nos. 12-375 and 23-62.

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