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# FCC rule dropping ASCII requirement for TTY relay takes effect
- URL: https://thevoiceofenablingtechnology.pmbofficial.com/live-wire/fcc-rule-dropping-ascii-requirement-for-tty-relay-takes-effect/
- Published: 2026-10-13T13:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-25T21:06:23.000Z
- Description: An FCC rule that drops the ASCII format requirement for TTY-based relay services took effect Oct. 13.
- Author: The Live Wire
- Tags: #live-wire, #wire-policy, #wire-disability

A Federal Communications Commission [rule removing the requirement that TTY-based relay services support the ASCII format](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-09-10/html/2026-18478.htm?ref=thevoiceofenablingtechnology.pmbofficial.com) took effect Oct. 13, 2026.

**What happened:** The FCC adopted the change in [order FCC 26-56](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-09-10/html/2026-18478.htm?ref=thevoiceofenablingtechnology.pmbofficial.com) and [published it in the Federal Register on Sept. 10](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-09-10/html/2026-18478.htm?ref=thevoiceofenablingtechnology.pmbofficial.com). It applies to TTY-based Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS), the service that lets people who are Deaf, hard of hearing or speech disabled place text telephone calls through a relay operator.

**Why it matters:** The rule updates technical obligations for relay providers. Most people use newer options such as captioned or IP-based relay, but some still rely on TTY, especially older adults and people in rural areas.

**Who it affects:** TTY users, relay providers and organizations that support Deaf and hard of hearing people.

**What to watch:** TTY users who notice changes in how calls connect can contact their relay provider or the FCC's Disability Rights Office.

**Source:** Federal Register, Sept. 10, 2026, FCC final rule (2026-18478): [https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-09-10/html/2026-18478.htm](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-09-10/html/2026-18478.htm?ref=thevoiceofenablingtechnology.pmbofficial.com)