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47 U.S.C. § 225 — Telecommunications services for hearing-impaired and speech-impaired individuals
Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities
**(a) Definitions** As used in this section—
(1) **Common carrier or carrier** — The term “common carrier” or “carrier” includes any common carrier engaged in interstate communication by wire or radio as defined in [section 153 of this title](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title47-section153&num=0&edition=prelim) and any common carrier engaged in intrastate communication by wire or radio, notwithstanding sections 152(b) and 221(b) of this title.
(2) **TDD** — The term “TDD” means a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, which is a machine that employs graphic communication in the transmission of coded signals through a wire or radio communication system.
(3) **Telecommunications relay services** — The term “telecommunications relay services” means telephone transmission services that provide the ability for an individual who is deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, or who has a speech disability to engage in communication by wire or radio with one or more individuals, in a manner that is functionally equivalent to the ability of a hearing individual who does not have a speech disability to communicate using voice communication services by wire or radio.
**(b) Availability of telecommunications relay services**
(1) **In general** — In order to carry out the purposes established under [section 151 of this title](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title47-section151&num=0&edition=prelim), to make available to all individuals in the United States a rapid, efficient nationwide communication service, and to increase the utility of the telephone system of the Nation, the Commission shall ensure that interstate and intrastate telecommunications relay services are available, to the extent possible and in the most efficie
Source: Supplied U.S. Code snapshot — release unconfirmed · 47 U.S.C. § 225
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Stable record: federal_law:legal_authorities:record_usc_2072c8dfe002230e68242dc5
Source file: Laws/federal/codes/united-states-code/title-47/section-225-telecommunications-services-for-hearing-impaired-and-speech-impaired-ind--3a5784c28a.md
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Passage SHA-256: 77eb86a8f725fed7802c48ac1bdef6224ad4f1debfd8621390129553c0bc54df
Source location: Title 47, Chapter 5, § 225; chapter-005-wire-or-radio-communication.md
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**(a) Definitions** As used in this section—
(1) **Common carrier or carrier** — The term “common carrier” or “carrier” includes any common carrier engaged in interstate communication by wire or radio as defined in [section 153 of this title](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title47-section153&num=0&edition=prelim) and any common carrier engaged in intrastate communication by wire or radio, notwithstanding sections 152(b) and 221(b) of this title.
(2) **TDD** — The term “TDD” means a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, which is a machine that employs graphic communication in the transmission of coded signals through a wire or radio communication system.
(3) **Telecommunications relay services** — The term “telecommunications relay services” means telephone transmission services that provide the ability for an individual who is deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, or who has a speech disability to engage in communication by wire or radio with one or more individuals, in a manner that is functionally equivalent to the ability of a hearing individual who does not have a speech disability to communicate using voice communication services by wire or radio.
**(b) Availability of telecommunications relay services**
(1) **In general** — In order to carry out the purposes established under [section 151 of this title](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title47-section151&num=0&edition=prelim), to make available to all individuals in the United States a rapid, efficient nationwide communication service, and to increase the utility of the telephone system of the Nation, the Commission shall ensure that interstate and intrastate telecommunications relay services are available, to the extent possible and in the most efficient manner, to hearing-impaired and speech-impaired individuals in the United States.
(2) **Use of general authority and remedies** — For the purposes of administering and enforcing the provisions of this section and the regulations prescribed thereunder, the Commission shall have the same authority, power, and functions with respect to common carriers engaged in intrastate communication as the Commission has in administering and enforcing the provisions of this subchapter with respect to any common carrier engaged in interstate communication. Any violation of this section by any common carrier engaged in intrastate communication shall be subject to the same remedies, penalties, and procedures as are applicable to a violation of this chapter by a common carrier engaged in interstate communication.
**(c) Provision of services** Each common carrier providing telephone voice transmission services shall, not later than 3 years after July 26, 1990, provide in compliance with the regulations prescribed under this section, throughout the area in which it offers service, telecommunications relay services, individually, through designees, through a competitively selected vendor, or in concert with other carriers. A common carrier shall be considered to be in compliance with such regulations—
(1) with respect to intrastate telecommunications relay services in any State that does not have a certified program under subsection (f) and with respect to interstate telecommunications relay services, if such common carrier (or other entity through which the carrier is providing such relay services) is in compliance with the Commission’s regulations under subsection (d); or
(2) with respect to intrastate telecommunications relay services in any State that has a certified program under subsection (f) for such State, if such common carrier (or other entity through which the carrier is providing such relay services) is in compliance with the program certified under subsection (f) for such State.
**(d) Regulations**
(1) **In general** — The Commission shall, not later than 1 year after July 26, 1990, prescribe regulations to implement this section, including regulations that—
(A) establish functional requirements, guidelines, and operations procedures for telecommunications relay services;
(B) establish minimum standards that shall be met in carrying out subsection (c);
(C) require that telecommunications relay services operate every day for 24 hours per day;
(D) require that users of telecommunications relay services pay rates no greater than the rates paid for functionally equivalent voice communication services with respect to such factors as the duration of the call, the time of day, and the distance from point of origination to point of termination;
(E) prohibit relay operators from failing to fulfill the obligations of common carriers by refusing calls or limiting the length of calls that use telecommunications relay services;
(F) prohibit relay operators from disclosing the content of any relayed conversation and from keeping records of the content of any such conversation beyond the duration of the call; and
(G) prohibit relay operators from intentionally altering a relayed conversation.
(2) **Technology** — The Commission shall ensure that regulations prescribed to implement this section encourage, consistent with [section 157(a) of this title](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title47-section157/a&num=0&edition=prelim), the use of existing technology and do not discourage or impair the development of improved technology.
(3) **Jurisdictional separation of costs**
(A) *In general* — Consistent with the provisions of [section 410 of this title](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title47-section410&num=0&edition=prelim), the Commission shall prescribe regulations governing the jurisdictional separation of costs for the services provided pursuant to this section.
(B) *Recovering costs* — Such regulations shall generally provide that costs caused by interstate telecommunications relay services shall be recovered from all subscribers for every interstate service and costs caused by intrastate telecommunications relay services shall be recovered from the intrastate jurisdiction. In a State that has a certified program under subsection (f), a State commission shall permit a common carrier to recover the costs incurred in providing intrastate telecommunications relay services by a method consistent with the requirements of this section.
**(e) Enforcement**
(1) **In general** — Subject to subsections (f) and (g), the Commission shall enforce this section.
(2) **Complaint** — The Commission shall resolve, by final order, a complaint alleging a violation of this section within 180 days after the date such complaint is filed.
**(f) Certification**
(1) **State documentation** — Any State desiring to establish a State program under this section shall submit documentation to the Commission that describes the program of such State for implementing intrastate telecommunications relay services and the procedures and remedies available for enforcing any requirements imposed by the State program.
(2) **Requirements for certification** — After review of such documentation, the Commission shall certify the State program if the Commission determines that—
(A) the program makes available to hearing-impaired and speech-impaired individuals, either directly, through designees, through a competitively selected vendor, or through regulation of intrastate common carriers, intrastate telecommunications relay services in such State in a manner that meets or exceeds the requirements of regulations prescribed by the Commission under subsection (d); and
(B) the program makes available adequate procedures and remedies for enforcing the requirements of the State program.
(3) **Method of funding** — Except as provided in subsection (d), the Commission shall not refuse to certify a State program based solely on the method such State will implement for funding intrastate telecommunication relay services.
(4) **Suspension or revocation of certification** — The Commission may suspend or revoke such certification if, after notice and opportunity for hearing, the Commission determines that such certification is no longer warranted. In a State whose program has been suspended or revoked, the Commission shall take such steps as may be necessary, consistent with this section, to ensure continuity of telecommunications relay services.
**(g) Complaint**
(1) **Referral of complaint** — If a complaint to the Commission alleges a violation of this section with respect to intrastate telecommunications relay services within a State and certification of the program of such State under subsection (f) is in effect, the Commission shall refer such complaint to such State.
(2) **Jurisdiction of Commission** — After referring a complaint to a State under paragraph (1), the Commission shall exercise jurisdiction over such complaint only if—
(A) final action under such State program has not been taken on such complaint by such State—
(i) within 180 days after the complaint is filed with such State; or
(ii) within a shorter period as prescribed by the regulations of such State; or
(B) the Commission determines that such State program is no longer qualified for certification under subsection (f).
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Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities
For the purposes of this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires—
(1) **Advanced communications services** — The term “advanced communications services” means—
(A) interconnected VoIP service;
(B) non-interconnected VoIP service;
(C) electronic messaging service;
(D) interoperable video conferencing service; and
(E) any audio or video communications service used by inmates for the purpose of communicating with individuals outside the correctional institution where the inmate is held, regardless of technology used.
(2) **Affiliate** — The term “affiliate” means a person that (directly or indirectly) owns or controls, is owned or controlled by, or is under common ownership or control with, another person. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “own” means to own an equity interest (or the equivalent thereof) of more than 10 percent.
(3) **Amateur station** — The term “amateur station” means a radio station operated by a duly authorized person interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest.
(4) **AT&T Consent Decree** — The term “AT&T Consent Decree” means the order entered August 24, 1982, in the antitrust action styled United States v. Western Electric, Civil Action No. 82–0192, in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, and includes any judgment or order with respect to such action entered on or after August 24, 1982.
(5) **Bell operating company** — The term “Bell operating company”—
(A) means any of the following companies: Bell Telephone Company of Nevada, Illinois Bell Telephone Company, Indiana Bell Telephone Company, Incorporated, Michigan Bell Telephone Company, New England Telephone and Telegraph Company, New Jersey Bell Telephone Company, New York Telephone Company,
Source: Supplied U.S. Code snapshot — release unconfirmed · 47 U.S.C. § 153
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Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities
This chapter may be cited as the “Communications Act of 1934.”
Source: Supplied U.S. Code snapshot — release unconfirmed · 47 U.S.C. § 609
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Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities
For the purpose of regulating interstate and foreign commerce in communication by wire and radio so as to make available, so far as possible, to all the people of the United States, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, or sex, a rapid, efficient, Nation-wide, and world-wide wire and radio communication service with adequate facilities at reasonable charges, for the purpose of the national defense, for the purpose of promoting safety of life and property through the use of wire and radio communications, and for the purpose of securing a more effective execution of this policy by centralizing authority heretofore granted by law to several agencies and by granting additional authority with respect to interstate and foreign commerce in wire and radio communication, there is created a commission to be known as the “Federal Communications Commission”, which shall be constituted as hereinafter provided, and which shall execute and enforce the provisions of this chapter.
Source: Supplied U.S. Code snapshot — release unconfirmed · 47 U.S.C. § 151
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Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities
**(a) State joint boards; reference of communication matters; composition; jurisdiction, powers, duties, and obligations; conduct of proceedings; force and effect of joint board action; members: nomination, appointment, and rejection; allowances for expenses** Except as provided in [section 409 of this title](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title47-section409&num=0&edition=prelim), the Commission may refer any matter arising in the administration of this chapter to a joint board to be composed of a member, or of an equal number of members, as determined by the Commission, from each of the States in which the wire or radio communication affected by or involved in the proceeding takes place or is proposed. For purposes of acting upon such matter any such board shall have all the jurisdiction and powers conferred by law upon an examiner provided for in [section 3105 of title 5](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title5-section3105&num=0&edition=prelim), designated by the Commission, and shall be subject to the same duties and obligations. The action of a joint board shall have such force and effect and its proceedings shall be conducted in such manner as the Commission shall by regulations prescribe. The joint board member or members for each State shall be nominated by the State commission of the State or by the Governor if there is no State commission, and appointed by the Federal Communications Commission. The Commission shall have discretion to reject any nominee. Joint board members shall receive such allowances for expenses as the Commission shall provide.
**(b) State commissions; conferences with Commission regarding matters of carriers subject to their jurisdiction; joint hearings; cooperation with Commission*
Source: Supplied U.S. Code snapshot — release unconfirmed · 47 U.S.C. § 410
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Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities
**(a) Findings** The Congress finds that—
(1) physical or mental disabilities in no way diminish a person’s right to fully participate in all aspects of society, yet many people with physical or mental disabilities have been precluded from doing so because of discrimination; others who have a record of a disability or are regarded as having a disability also have been subjected to discrimination;
(2) historically, society has tended to isolate and segregate individuals with disabilities, and, despite some improvements, such forms of discrimination against individuals with disabilities continue to be a serious and pervasive social problem;
(3) discrimination against individuals with disabilities persists in such critical areas as employment, housing, public accommodations, education, transportation, communication, recreation, institutionalization, health services, voting, and access to public services;
(4) unlike individuals who have experienced discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, or age, individuals who have experienced discrimination on the basis of disability have often had no legal recourse to redress such discrimination;
(5) individuals with disabilities continually encounter various forms of discrimination, including outright intentional exclusion, the discriminatory effects of architectural, transportation, and communication barriers, overprotective rules and policies, failure to make modifications to existing facilities and practices, exclusionary qualification standards and criteria, segregation, and relegation to lesser services, programs, activities, benefits, jobs, or other opportunities;
(6) census data, national polls, and other studies have documented that people with disabilities, as a group, occupy an inferio
Source: Supplied U.S. Code snapshot — release unconfirmed · 42 U.S.C. § 12111
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Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities
**(a) In general** Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, nothing in this chapter shall be construed to apply a lesser standard than the standards applied under title V of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ([29 U.S.C. 790](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title29-section790&num=0&edition=prelim) et seq.) or the regulations issued by Federal agencies pursuant to such title.
**(b) Relationship to other laws** Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to invalidate or limit the remedies, rights, and procedures of any Federal law or law of any State or political subdivision of any State or jurisdiction that provides greater or equal protection for the rights of individuals with disabilities than are afforded by this chapter. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to preclude the prohibition of, or the imposition of restrictions on, smoking in places of employment covered by subchapter I, in transportation covered by subchapter II or III, or in places of public accommodation covered by subchapter III.
**(c) Insurance** Subchapters I through III of this chapter and title IV of this Act shall not be construed to prohibit or restrict—
(1) an insurer, hospital or medical service company, health maintenance organization, or any agent, or entity that administers benefit plans, or similar organizations from underwriting risks, classifying risks, or administering such risks that are based on or not inconsistent with State law; or
(2) a person or organization covered by this chapter from establishing, sponsoring, observing or administering the terms of a bona fide benefit plan that are based on underwriting risks, classifying risks, or administering such risks that are based on or not inconsistent with State law; or
(3) a person or organizati
Source: Supplied U.S. Code snapshot — release unconfirmed · 42 U.S.C. § 12204
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Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities
**(a) Plan for assistance**
(1) **In general** — Not later than 180 days after July 26, 1990, the Attorney General, in consultation with the Chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Secretary of Transportation, the Chair of the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, and the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, shall develop a plan to assist entities covered under this chapter, and other Federal agencies, in understanding the responsibility of such entities and agencies under this chapter.
(2) **Publication of plan** — The Attorney General shall publish the plan referred to in paragraph (1) for public comment in accordance with subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5 (commonly known as the Administrative Procedure Act).
**(b) Agency and public assistance** The Attorney General may obtain the assistance of other Federal agencies in carrying out subsection (a), including the National Council on Disability, the President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, the Small Business Administration, and the Department of Commerce.
**(c) Implementation**
(1) **Rendering assistance** — Each Federal agency that has responsibility under paragraph (2) for implementing this chapter may render technical assistance to individuals and institutions that have rights or duties under the respective subchapter or subchapters of this chapter for which such agency has responsibility.
(2) **Implementation of subchapters**
(A) *Subchapter I* — The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Attorney General shall implement the plan for assistance developed under subsection (a), for subchapter I.
(B) *Subchapter II*
(i) *Part A* — The Attorney General shall implement such plan for assistance for part A of subchap
Source: Supplied U.S. Code snapshot — release unconfirmed · 42 U.S.C. § 12209
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Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities
Page 63
TITLE 47—TELECOMMUNICATIONS
§ 225
1 So in original. Probably should be ‘‘nondiscriminatory’’.
of 5 years beginning on the effective date of such
regulations.
(f) Nondiscriminatory access
(1) A utility shall provide a cable television
system or any telecommunications carrier with
nondiscriminatory access to any pole, duct, con-
duit, or right-of-way owned or controlled by it.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a utility
providing electric service may deny a cable tele-
vision system or any telecommunications car-
rier access to its poles, ducts, conduits, or
rights-of-way, on a non-discriminatory 1 basis
where there is insufficient capacity and for rea-
sons of safety, reliability and generally applica-
ble engineering purposes.
(g) Imputation to costs of pole attachment rate
A utility that engages in the provision of tele-
communications services or cable services shall
impute to its costs of providing such services
(and charge any affiliate, subsidiary, or asso-
ciate company engaged in the provision of such
services) an equal amount to the pole attach-
ment rate for which such company would be lia-
ble under this section.
(h) Modification or alteration of pole, duct, con-
duit, or right-of-way
Whenever the owner of a pole, duct, conduit,
or right-of-way intends to modify or alter such
pole, duct, conduit, or right-of-way, the owner
shall provide written notification of such action
to any entity that has obtained an attachment
to such conduit or right-of-way so that such en-
tity may have a reasonable opportunity to add
to or modify its existing attachment. Any entity
that adds to or modifies its existing attachment
after receiving such notification shall bear a
proportionate share of the costs incurred by the
owner in making such pol
Source: Supplied 2024 U.S. Code historical extraction · 47 U.S.C. § 225
Stored review status: historical_2024_not_currentness_verified. Same stored citation; legal effect and authority still require review.