The Public Programs Branch staff of the Telecommunications Division (TD) conducted a workshop on April 11, 2001. The purpose of the workshop was to discuss issues relating to the implementation of the 711 abbreviated dialing code for access to the California Relay Service (CRS) including implementation deadlines and schedule, rate structure, technical specifications, education and outreach requirements, and signage requirements for payphones.
The workshop report covers background information regarding 711, the workshop discussion and TD staff's proposals and recommendations based on workshop discussions and policies adopted by the Commission for other public programs.
After consideration of the parties' comments, TD recommends the following to ensure successful implementation of 711 in the state of California:
Schedule
TD recommends a Commission vote on July 12, 2001 to give sufficient time for tariff adjustments and outreach and education.
· Education and Outreach
TD recommends bill inserts that include alternative relay provider 800 numbers to strengthen competitive elements between CRS providers.
· Technical specifications
TD recommends carriers use the switching method of their choice to connect 711 calls to the relay service as long as the minimum quality standards required by the FCC are met or exceeded.
· Rate Structures
TD recommends there be no charge for connection to CRS via 711 and that toll or long distance charges occur only after the dialed party is contacted through CRS. Additionally TD recommends that toll and long distance calls be billed at a reduced rate consistent with 225.1.d of the ADA.
· Signage Requirements for Payphones
TD recommends payphones be required to change signage by January 1, 2002 to indicate 711 is a free call.
· Expansion of Basic Service Definition
TD recommends the addition of free connection to CRS via the 711 abbreviated dialing code to the definition of basic service.
· Miscellaneous Items
TD recommends the service list include attendees of the April 11, 2001 workshop and those requesting formal inclusion of the service list as well as parties on the service lists from OIR R00-05-001 and OII I-8711031, excluding duplicates and those parties who formally request being removed from the service list.
The workshop was held in a training room in the state building at 455 Golden Gate Avenue from 9:30am to 12:15pm on April 11, 2001. The workshop adjourned earlier than scheduled after all the items on the agenda were discussed.
The workshop was open to the public (see Appendix B for a list of attendees and Appendix C for the public announcement with the workshop agenda). Excluding TD staff, 25 individuals attended the workshop. There was diversity of representation across the spectrum of effected parties. Participants included representatives of payphone operators and the Payphone Service Providers Enforcement (PSPE), the California Telephone Association (CTA), a variety of Local Exchange Carriers (LECs) and Competitive Local Carriers (CLCs), national and local wireless providers, members of the deaf community, the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program (DDTP), and both of the state's major relay service providers.
Comments on the draft workshop report were due by May 4th, 2001. The following parties submitted comments by the end of the business day May 4th.
Cooper, White & Cooper [on behalf of Roseville Telephone Company (Roseville)]
Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program (DDTP)
Pacific Telesis (Pacific)
Verizon
Hale Zukas - World Institute on Disability
Comments were also received by:
AT&T Wireless
Nossman, Guthner, Knox & Elliot [on behalf of California Payphone Association (CPA)]
These comments are included in the report where applicable.
TD Proposals, Public Comments and Discussion
TD proposed the following schedule to ensure implementation of 711 abbreviated dialing consistent with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandated October 1, 2001 deadline.
1. April 11, 2001 Workshop
2. April 18 Mail Draft Workshop Report
3. May 4 Comments on Draft Workshop Report due
4. June 12 Mail Draft Resolution
5. June 22 Comments on Draft Resolution due
6. June 29 Reply Comments due
7. July 12 Commission approves Draft Resolution
8. August 13 Tariffs filed
8. September Educational program(s) take place
9. October 1, 2001 Tariffs effective, implementation finalized
10.January 2, 2002 Pay telephone signage effective
As detailed in FCC 00-257, carriers that have already implemented 711 dialing have found time requirements for implementation of switching mechanisms to be minimal. In addition to the documented minimal time requirements for implementation carriers were required to file hazard notices with the FCC within four months of the release of FCC 00-257 with regard to implementation problems. No such notices were filed indicating no outstanding compliance problems. TD believes that a July approval by the Commission provides adequate time for all physical switching needs as well as customer education and outreach via bill inserts for all carriers regardless of size.
Workshop Responses
Multiple carriers indicated they preferred August 13 instead of July 12 for the Commission to vote on the Draft Resolution.
Discussion
