Federal Communications Commission DA 22-98 DA 22-98 Released: January 28, 2022 NWISE AB APPROVED TO ACCESS THE TRS NUMBERING DIRECTORY AS A QUALIFIED DIRECT VIDEO ENTITY CG DOCKET NOS. 03-123 & 10-51 The Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (Bureau) of the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) approves the application of nWise AB (nWise) for access to the Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Numbering Directory (Directory) as a Qualified Direct Video Entity, effective immediately. See 47 CFR § 1.102(b) (providing that non-hearing actions taken pursuant to delegated authority be effective upon release of the document with the full text of such action). As discussed below, we find that nWise demonstrates a legitimate need for access to the TRS Numbering Directory and an awareness of its regulatory obligations. See id. § 64.613(c)(2). The TRS Numbering Directory contains routing information for North American Numbering Plan telephone numbers assigned to video relay service (VRS) users and certain other video communication users. Id. § 64.613. Background. In 2019, to enable more effective direct video communication using American Sign Language (ASL) between consumers with hearing or speech disabilities and customer support call centers, the Commission modified its rules to allow qualifying entities to seek certification for access to the Directory. Structure and Practices of the Video Relay Service Program, Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities, CG Docket Nos. 10-51 and 03-123, Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, 34 FCC Rcd 3396, 3403, para. 11 (2019) (Direct Video Access Order). Such Directory access, which is available to a “Qualified Direct Video Entity,” A “Qualified Direct Video Entity” is an individual or entity that is approved by the Commission for access to the TRS Numbering Directory, that is engaged in direct video customer support, and that (1) is the end-user customer that has been assigned a telephone number used for direct video customer support calls or (2) is the designee of such entity. 47 CFR § 64.601(a)(34). “Direct video customer support,” in turn, is a “telephone customer support operation that enables callers with hearing or speech disabilities to engage in real-time direct video communication in ASL with ASL speakers in a call center operation.” Id. § 64.601(a)(15). facilitates the routing of direct video calls between VRS users and customer support call centers. Direct Video Access Order, 34 FCC Rcd at 3396, para. 1; see also 47 CFR § 64.613(c)(1). These rules became effective October 23, 2020. Federal Communications Commission, Improving Video Relay Service and Direct Video Calling; Implementing Kari’s Law and Section 506 of RAY BAUM’S Act; Inquiry Concerning 911 Access, Routing and Location in Enterprise Communications Systems; Amending the Definition of Interconnected VoIP Service; Video Relay Service Call Handling, 85 FR 67447 (Oct. 23, 2020). On December 17, 2020, nWise filed an application with the Bureau seeking access to the Directory as a Qualified Direct Video Entity. Direct Video Numbering Directory Access Application for nWise AB, CG Docket Nos. 10-51 and 03-123 (filed Dec. 21, 2020), https://ecfsapi.fcc.gov/file/123057310230/nWise%20AB.pdf; see also Direct Video Numbering Directory Access Application Supplement for nWise, CG Docket Nos. 03-123 and 10-51 (filed Oct. 13, 2021) https://ecfsapi.fcc.gov/file/1013101610482/nWise%20AB%20Direct%20Video%20Numbering%20Directory%20Access%20Application%20Supplement.pdf (nWise Application Supplement). Before the Direct Video Access Order became effective, nWise sought a waiver of certain rules to allow it to have Directory access. nWise Petition for Waiver of Sections 64.613(a)(1), 64.613(a)(2), 64.613(a)(4), 64.613(b)(2) and 64.623(c) of the Commission’s Regulations and Request for Declaratory Ruling Authorizing Access to the TRS Numbering Directory for the Provision of Direct Video Services and other Point-to-Point Communications Solutions for the Deaf Community, CG Docket Nos. 10-51 and 03-123 (filed March 1, 2019), https://ecfsapi.fcc.gov/file/103010602720734/nWise%20AB%20Rule%20Waiver%20Petition%20for%20Access%20to%20TRS%20Numbering%20Directory.pdf (nWise Petition for Waiver). On December 17, 2020, nWise withdrew its Petition for Waiver stating that the effectiveness of the Direct Video Access Order “moot[s] the need for [] relief.” nWise Petition for Waiver Withdrawal Request, CG Docket Nos. 10-51 and 03-123 (filed Dec. 17, 2020), https://ecfsapi.fcc.gov/file/1217153845554/nWise%20AB%20Petition%20for%20Waiver%20Withdrawal%20Request.pdf. nWise’s Qualifications. The Commission may approve an application for Directory access if the applicant demonstrates a legitimate need for such access and an awareness of its regulatory obligations. 47 CFR § 64.613(c)(2); Direct Video Access Order, 34 FCC Rcd at 3404, para. 13. These obligations include compliance with the rules and regulations governing VRS providers’ access to use of the Directory, instructions of the TRS Numbering administrator, and applicable standards pertaining to privacy, security, reliability, and interoperability. 47 CFR § 64.613(c)(5); Direct Video Access Order, 34 FCC Rcd at 3405, para. 16 & n.58. We approve nWise’s application for access to the Directory. nWise has provided the following information required by our rules: (1) the applicant’s name, address, telephone number, and email address; (2) a description of the service to be provided; (3) an acknowledgment that Directory access is conditional on compliance with applicable Commission rules, obligations, and standards; (4) contact information for personnel responsible for such compliance; and (5) certification that the applicant’s description of service meets the definition of direct video customer support and that the information provided is accurate and complete. nWise Application at 3-6; nWise Application Supplement at 5-14; 47 CFR § 64.613(c)(1). This information and other material provided in the application sufficiently demonstrate nWise’s legitimate need to access the Directory and its awareness of its regulatory obligations. See nWise Application at 1-3 (providing detail on the service to be provided); see also nWise Application Supplement at 3-11 (detailing nWise’s history in providing support for and the development of direct video calling and listing applicable requirements and detailing its familiarity and prior experience with Commission rules and obligations). This authorization shall remain in effect until terminated pursuant to section 64.613(c)(3) of the Commission’s rules. 47 CFR § 64.613(c)(3)(i)-(iii). People with Disabilities. To request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities (Braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), send an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Bureau at 202-418-0530 (voice). Additional Information. For additional information regarding this Notice, please contact Michael Scott, Disability Rights Office, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, at (202) 418-1264, or email at Michael.Scott@fcc.gov. - FCC- 2