The FCC has adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to modernize several telecommunications relay services (TRS) rules as the FCC moves towards all-IP based interconnectivity. In line with a November 2025 NPRM seeking to modernize analog-based forms of TRS, the FCC now proposes to enhance Internet Protocol (IP) Relay through automatic speech recognition for speech-to-text conversion, more advanced text-to speech technologies, and increased compatibility of IP Relay with Real-Time Text technology. The FCC also proposes to enhance Video Relay Services (VRS) by adding captioning to VRS platforms, modifying VRS rules for calls to U.S. embassies made while abroad, and modifying call center requirements. Finally, the FCC proposes to streamline the TRS provider certification and user registration processes by updating or deleting obsolete rules.
Comments are due 30 days after publication in the Federal Register, and Reply Comments are due 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
