This section states that the United States is required to increase the telecommunications relay services availability to the maximum extent possible to hearing impaired and speech impaired individuals. The specific regulations for these services include that they must operate 24 hours a day, it must not be more expensive than the rate for an equivalent communication service, carriers must not be allowed to decline calls, fail to answer, or limit duration of the services, operators are prohibited from sharing any information obtained during the call, and providers are prohibited from altering the conversation in any way. 

Telecommunications Relay Services Under the Telecommunications Act 

47 U.S.C § 225. This section requires that any services and their providers that implement telecommunication have products and services be accessible to people with disabilities if such accessibility is achievable. 

Michigan State University

47 U.S. Code § 151-615b. Signed in 1996, this is one of the first major telecommunications pieces of legislation. Two sections of this act focus on inclusion of services for people with disabilities. 

Telecommunications Act of 1996

Telecommunications Act (1996)

Section 225: Access by Persons with Disabilities 

47 U.S.C. § 610. This legislation requires that the FCC enforces all telephones to be compatible with hearing aids and cochlear implants in the sense that there is a minimum of unwanted noise. 

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