FCC Acts to Improve Video Relay Service & Expand Options for Users

The Federal Communications Commission adopted new rules to improve Video Relay Service (VRS), which enables people with hearing and speech disabilities who use sign language to make telephone calls over broadband with a videophone. The FCC also takes steps to safeguard the program from waste, fraud, and abuse. Today’s action will expand VRS users’ access to direct video communications with people who know sign language by enabling direct video calling between VRS users and customer support call centers in appropriate circumstances. Specifically, it permits qualified entities to enter video-capable customer support telephone numbers in the Telecommunications Relay Service Numbering Directory. This will make it possible for VRS users to make direct point-to-point video calls to customer support call centers and to speak directly with a sign-language fluent customer support agent, without the need for an interpreter and at no cost to the program.