FCC Tackles Prison Calls, Video Chats, and Relay-Service Rules
Published Date: 11/5/2026
Rule
Summary
The FCC just got the green light to roll out new rules that improve video relay services and communication options for people in prison. These changes make calling and video chatting easier and fairer, with updated info rules kicking in November 5, 2026. This affects inmates, their families, and service providers, aiming for better access without extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Improved 911 location for TRS users
The rules require fixed internet-based TRS devices to provide automated dispatchable location to Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs). For non-fixed devices, providers must fall back to Registered Location or provide alternative location information, and as a last resort may route calls to Emergency Relay Calling Centers after making a good-faith effort to obtain location data.
Enterprise registration expanded for incarcerated users
The carceral facility enterprise registration rules were amended to allow IP CTS (internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service) and IP Relay enterprise registration and to align those requirements with VRS enterprise registration, combining them into a single paragraph of the rules to help ensure only eligible users access these services in correctional facilities.
Provider outage, notice, and continuity requirements
The rules require internet-based TRS providers to obtain prior authorization for planned interruptions, report unforeseen interruptions, maintain consumer notifications of temporary service outages (including updates on websites), and give customers at least 30 days' notice if the provider will no longer provide service.
New reporting/collection approved (OMB 3060-1089)
The Office of Management and Budget approved the information collection requirements under OMB Control Number 3060-1089 on August 17, 2026, and certain amended rules become effective November 5, 2026. The approved collection covers 165,408 respondents and 1,764,771 responses, with a total annual burden of 282,770 hours and total annual cost of $279,363.
Two-week registration grace period preserved
VRS and IP CTS providers are allowed to provide compensable service to a new user for up to two weeks after submitting the user's information to the TRS User Registration Database (TRS-URD), provided the user's identity is verified within that two-week period.
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