STATEMENT OF 
COMMISSIONER MICHAEL J. COPPS
Re:  Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with 
Hearing and Speech Disabilities, CG Docket No. 03-123, CC Docket No. 98-67; E911 
Requirements for IP-Enabled Service Providers, WC Docket No. 05-196
Six months ago the Commission required by the end of the year that deaf and hard of 
hearing consumers who use Internet-based Telecommunications Relay Service would be able to 
receive and use a standard ten-digit telephone number and that emergency calls placed by these 
consumers would be automatically directed to providers of emergency assistance.  It took a great 
deal of work in a short amount of time to make this a reality.  I am pleased to support today's item 
because it addresses several issues critical to ensuring a successful transition to the ten-digit 
numbering system by December 31.  In doing so, deaf and hard of hearing Internet-based TRS 
users will be able to get a phone number and provide it to friends, employers, their doctors and 
teachers, and the like, so they can be connected in ways that hearing consumers take for granted 
today. 
The Order addresses important 911 implementation issues, certain user registration 
processes, requires transparent education and outreach efforts, and makes clear that consumers 
who choose to change their provider should continue to receive essential phone services, 
including point-to-point calling between VRS users.  The Commission must be vigilant in 
addressing issues that may arise during the transition, including concerns that were raised 
regarding the portability of devices, promoting equipment competition, and consumer choices.  
Even as the Commission takes these important and necessary steps, we must remain mindful that 
deaf and hard of hearing consumers should be receiving the appropriate services at a reasonable 
cost to the TRS fund. I look forward to working with the Commission as it takes whatever steps 
necessary to oversee the administration of the program and to promote functional equivalency for 
the deaf and hard of hearing users of the program.