Press Release

PUC Approves Hamilton Relay Inc. as New Telecommunications Relay Service Provider

Published on 9/11/2014

Filed under: Telecommunications

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved Hamilton Relay Inc. (Hamilton) as the telecommunications relay service (TRS) vendor in Pennsylvania. Hamilton will replace AT&T, which will withdraw from the provision of TRS service at the end of this year.

TRS is a service that enables deaf, hard-of-hearing or speech-impaired individuals to communicate using traditional methods. These methods would include the use of text telephone, voice carry over, hearing carry over and speech-to-speech services. These services are also offered in Spanish without translation, meaning the message is relayed in the original language.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve Hamilton as the preferred vendor and enter into final negotiations for TRS services. As required by the RFP, the company will file an application for a certificate of public convenience and a draft tariff for operations to commence on or before Dec. 31, 2014, for an initial period of five years. After that, the vendor’s obligation will automatically renew for successive two-year periods, unless the Commission or the vendor wishes to terminate the agreement one year in advance.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

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Docket No. M-2014-2399871

Contact:

• Deputy Press Secretary
  717-787-5722