FCC Takes First Step to Address Rules for Obsolete Format for TTY
Today’s Action is the Latest in the Agency’s “Delete, Delete, Delete” Initiative
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WASHINGTON, June 26, 2025—The Federal Communications Commission today proposed updating the Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) standards to be more consistent with current usage of TTY-based relay services.  TRS services ensure functionally equivalent communication for Americans with hearing and speech disabilities.  In this proceeding, the FCC is looking to delete the requirement that TRS providers support the ASCII format of text telephony (TTY) technology on analog telephone networks. 

ASCII calls account for approximately 0.01% of TTY-based communications, resulting in manufacturers no longer including support for the ASCII format in TTY devices.  Therefore, continuing to apply the ASCII rule causes TTY-based TRS providers to incur unnecessary costs to keep their hardware and software systems compatible.  This deletion, which follows a 2022 petition to eliminate the ASCII requirement, will reduce costs by eliminating an outdated regulatory requirement established in 1991. 

Today’s action continues the FCC’s work to unleash a new wave of economic opportunity by ending unnecessary, outdated, and burdensome regulations.  In keeping with this “Delete, Delete, Delete” initiative, today’s proposal would help companies invest more resources in modernization efforts to ensure continued U.S. leadership in telecommunications.

Action by the Commission June 26, 2025 by Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 25-35).  Chairman Carr, Commissioners Gomez and Trusty approving.  Chairman Carr and Commissioner Trusty issuing separate statements.

CG Docket No. 03-123

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Media Contact: MediaRelations@fcc.gov / (202) 418-0500
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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).