Federal Register #FCC 26-56

FCC Removes ASCII Format Requirement for TTY-Based Telecommunications Relay Services

This notice announces a regulatory change by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS): - Government Buyer: - Federal Communications Commission (FCC) - Affected Providers: - T-Mobile Accessibility - Hamilton - Key Rule Change: - Removes the requirement for TTY-based TRS to support the ASCII format - Providers are no longer obligated to maintain obsolete ASCII-compatible hardware and software - Focus Shifts To: - Modern relay technologies such as Baudot (still required), Real-Time Text (RTT), Internet-Protocol Relay, and Video Relay Service - Notable Impacts: - Reduces inefficiencies and costs for TRS providers - Preserves the TRS Fund by eliminating support for rarely used ASCII format - Facilitates network upgrades without impacting functional equivalence for TTY users - No procurement of products or services is requested or awarded in this notice - No specific part numbers, quantities, or OEM products are listed

Description

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) amends its rules to eliminate the requirement that Text Telephone (TTY)-based Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) support the American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) format. This change removes the obligation for TRS providers to maintain costly and obsolete ASCII-compatible hardware and software systems. The amendment aims to reduce inefficiencies, preserve the TRS Fund, and allow providers to focus resources on modern relay technologies without impacting consumers relying on TTY-based TRS. The rule is effective October 13, 2026, and reflects the obsolescence of ASCII in favor of the Baudot format, which remains predominant.

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