STATEMENT OF 
COMMISSIONER DEBORAH TAYLOR TATE
Re:  Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and 
Speech Disabilities; E911 Requirements for IP-Enabled Service Providers, CG Docket No. 03-123 and WC 
Docket No. 05-196, Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.
On March 19, 2008, in our VRS 911 Order, we adopted interim emergency call handling requirements 
for Internet-based TRS providers.  Pursuant to that Order on April 29, 2008, the Commission held a 
Stakeholder Workshop in which consumers and a cross-section of industry representatives discussed 
numbering issues, including three comprehensive numbering proposals reflected in the record.  Today we 
fulfill our commitment in that Order and adopt a ten-digit telephone numbering system for users of 
Internet-based TRS, specifically Video Relay Service and IP Relay.  Significantly, the ten-digit 
numbering system will further the functional equivalency mandate by permitting voice telephone users to 
call VRS and IP Relay users by dialing the relay user’s ten-digit telephone number, the same way that 
voice telephone users call other voice telephone users.  In addition, the item adopts registered location 
requirements similar to those applicable to interconnected VoIP providers to ensure that consumers can 
call emergency services via VRS and IP Relay and have their call automatically route to appropriate 
emergency services authorities.
As the Commission continues to consider the needs of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, we 
must ensure that all Americans benefit from advances in telecommunications services and equipment.  
Today we acknowledge that significant numbers of persons with hearing disabilities are seeking 
innovative services.  I look forward to implementation of this plan by the end of 2008.