NAD Files FCC Comments on Compatibility and Interoperability of Relay Products and Services

The NAD filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) arguing that relay products and services should be compatible and interoperable. The NAD asked the FCC to establish standards that will apply across all relay providers. Such standards should be all encompassing, and yet flexible enough to encompass existing and future technologies (whether it is video, Internet any other new form of relay that is developed in the future). The NAD also argued that the FCC will also need to take steps to prohibit blocking practices.

"Deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing people should be able to make and receive calls through any relay providers they want.  It is unacceptable for FCC-regulated funds to support equipment, software and services that limits full telecommunications access," stated Kelby Brick, NAD Director of Law and Advocacy. "Relay services, whether it is Instant Messaging, Internet, TTY, or Video Relay, should be open to all individuals."

The NAD has always taken a strong position in favor of open interoperability in communication systems — dating back to the issue of interoperability of text messaging systems. Most recently, at the 2004 NAD Conference in Kansas City, Missouri, delegates passed as one of the Conference’s priorities, a resolution that the NAD advocate for VRS to become a mandated telecommunications services with quality assurances — including interoperability.

The NAD appreciates the fact that competing technologies now allow companies to develop faster, better and more user-friendly equipment and services that bring deaf and hard of hearing consumers closer to true functional equivalency. However, the lack of interoperability among relay services and products is now requiring consumers to juggle different products/devices—each of which have their own software and connectivity protocols.

Deaf and hard of hearing individuals should be able to use relay anytime with anyone using any relay provider, just as two persons who can hear, can call each other, regardless of their telephone product or service provider. 

Video and other Internet relay services and products have become valuable tools for deaf and hard of hearing individuals. However, these services have severe limitations because they are not compatible with everyone who is able to use them. Numerous individuals are prevented from having access to certain relay services and products either because of a lack of interoperability or because of blocking practices. This is inconsistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act’s (ADA’s) statutory requirements, as well as Congressional intent in establishing relay services.

The NAD encourages everyone to let the FCC know how important this issue is to deaf and hard of hearing Americans. You can "Take Action" on this issue on the NAD website at:
http://www.nad.org/OpenRelayAction [2]

More information about this issue and a copy of the NAD’s comments can be found at:
http://www.nad.org/openrelay [3]