# 2025-24210: FCC Proposes Ditching Old Tech for Better Deaf Phone Relay 2025-24210, Analog Telecommunications Relay Service Modernization, is a Federal Register proposed rule from Federal Communications Commission published 2026-01-02, effective 2026-01-02 (as of 2026-06-11). - Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2025-24210 - As of: 2026-06-11 - Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts. ## Facts - Document number: 2025-24210 - Title: Analog Telecommunications Relay Service Modernization - Type: Proposed Rule - Agencies: Federal Communications Commission - Citation: 91 FR 104 - Published: 2026-01-02 - Effective: 2026-01-02 - Comments close: not stated - Significant: no - Touches household money: no - Regulation identifier numbers: none - Last updated: 2026-06-11 ## In one line FCC Proposes Ditching Old Tech for Better Deaf Phone Relay ## Summary The FCC wants to update how people use relay services that help those with hearing or speech challenges talk on the phone. They’re planning to phase out old TTY technology, add new internet-based options, and make sure providers and users are properly certified. These changes aim to keep relay services working smoothly as phone networks get modern, with comments open until early March 2026. ## Abstract In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) proposes to modernize its telecommunications relay services (TRS) rules and seeks comment on phasing out the mandatory status of traditional TTY-based relay services (TTY Relay) under state TRS programs; recognizing additional forms of internet-based TRS, such as internet Protocol Speech-to-Speech (IP STS) and real-time text (RTT)-based relay as compensable forms of TRS; establishing a temporary, national certification process for analog relay providers and user registration and verification requirements; and updating or eliminating obsolete rules to all forms of TRS. Through these proposals, the Commission aims to align TRS with today's communications landscape, better serve the needs of relay users, ensure the continued availability of TRS through the transition from legacy communications network, to modern, IP-based networks, and continue to protect the integrity of the TRS program through the prevention of waste, fraud, and abuse. ## Effects PRIA read - Phasing Out Mandatory TTY Relay: cost, high. The FCC proposes letting states stop requiring traditional TTY-based relay services (TTY Relay). The rule notes annual intrastate TTY Relay usage is under 2 million minutes overall and many jurisdictions reported fewer than 1,000 minutes in 2024, and the FCC is seeking comments (comments due Februa… - Consider Nationwide RTT Funding: benefit, medium. The FCC seeks comment on recognizing real-time text (RTT)-based relay as a compensable form of TRS and on whether to provide TRS Fund support for a nationwide RTT-based relay service for states that do not offer RTT. The NPRM explicitly asks whether RTT-based relay should be funded from the Interst… - Authorize IP Speech-to-Speech (IP STS): benefit, medium. The FCC proposes to authorize internet Protocol Speech-to-Speech (IP STS), including video-assisted STS, as a compensable form of TRS and to require certification comparable to other internet-based TRS services. The NPRM asks whether IP STS providers should be certified and compensated through the… - User Registration and Verification Rules: cost, medium. The FCC seeks comment on applying user eligibility, registration, verification, and call-detail record requirements to all forms of TRS to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse. The NPRM asks about specific verification processes and how to balance ease of access with program safeguards. - Transitioning Captioned Telephone Service Users: mixed, medium. The FCC notes many states are winding down analog Captioned Telephone Service (CTS) and asks about transitioning users to IP CTS or native automatic speech recognition (ASR) captions on smart devices. The NPRM asks whether subsidies, equipment distribution programs, or other assistance are needed t… - STS Mandatory Status Preserved Now: benefit, low. The FCC does not propose changing the mandatory status of analog Speech-to-Speech (STS) at this time; STS will remain a required service that states with certified TRS programs must offer. The NPRM notes STS annual usage remains under 400,000 minutes. ## Related documents - [2026-20591](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-20591): Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority, 2026-10-08 - [2026-20590](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-20590): Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission, 2026-10-08 - [2026-20676](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-20676): Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority, 2026-10-08 - [2026-20607](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-20607): Information Collections Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget, 2026-10-08 - [2026-20681](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-20681): Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget, 2026-10-08 - [2026-20486](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-20486): Information Collections Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission, 2026-10-06 ## Sources - [2025-24210 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/02/2025-24210/analog-telecommunications-relay-service-modernization) - [2025-24210 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-01-02/pdf/2025-24210.pdf) ## Related - [Previous: 2025-24200, Proposed Revisions of the Nonattainment Designation for the 2008 and 2015 Ozone…](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2025-24200) - [Next: 2025-24233, Airworthiness Directives; General Atomics AeroTec Systems GmbH (Type Certificat…](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2025-24233) - [All Federal Register documents](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register) Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2025-24210 (as of 2026-06-11).