Purple going out of business ?

deafaussie · 02-26-2010, 08:09 PM

Hi everyone

Last week, FCC had clarified rules on TRS reimbursement and made an order on all VRS organizations to do what they are told. I had read and re-read an order several times and has come to my realization that FCC may stop monthly payments to Purple until the debt owned based on illegal minutes earned from purple employees, contractors making calls.

What would Purple do if FCC refuses to make monthly payments based on LEGITIMATE minutes earned? Purple is in shambles financially owed millions of dollars in debt and now this.

The only option I can think is to ease operations, file bankruptcy and start selling assets. Unless, purple had pulled off with a magic wand and manage to stay with us

Its unfathomable to see Purple gone.

DoDaDew · 02-26-2010, 08:26 PM

Please post a link to the reimbursement rules so I (and others) can read and participate in this discussion.

**Foxrac** · 02-26-2010, 08:53 PM

Where is SOURCE??????????????????????????????????

deafaussie · 02-26-2010, 09:59 PM

However here is the source. http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_publi...A-10-314A1.pdf

**Chevy57** · 02-26-2010, 11:11 PM

Don Cullen s blog

He is currently employed by Purple Communications as a Customer Care Technician.

Quote:

As many of you already know, I currently work for Purple Communications.

We just received notice from Purple that when FCC had made their ruling on Feb 25th on how VRS providers can be reimbursed, they also included a very interesting requirement:

VRS providers are to pay FCC back for the amounts billed that had to do with employee-related calls. I know I’ve made calls while on my break at work using our VRS pertaining to my cable, electric, and gas bills. I’ve made calls to courts about my speeding tickets. Yes, I get speeding tickets. I’ve made calls to my doctor, to my dentist, to my dog’s vet, and so forth.

Majority of the time, I make those calls from work, since I work a 40+ hour work week. I barely have time to make calls while at home, especially since I usually work from 1p to closing. This prevents me from being able to call when I get off work. When I get up, I usually spend my time going out on errands- laundry, food shopping, and so on. So I opt to make my calls at work.

The end result? Now those calls are not billable. Meaning, now I am not allowed to make VRS calls while I’m at work. Now I am required to wait until I get home to make my calls, or get up early to make VRS calls.

Now before you tell me that I should wait until I get home, I should point out a very important issue: this is all about functional equivalency. Hearing people are able to make phone calls to their families, to their friends, to their gym, doctor, vet, and so forth while they’re at work. By denying the deaf this ability results in an imbalance.

I realize this FCC ruling is to protect taxpayers against abuses by VRS providers, but at the cost of this imbalance? FCC should have been more clear in this, and make exceptions for personal calls from employees to their own personal issues. I can understand denying them the ability to make billable VRS calls when doing it on behalf of their respective VRS provider—I agree with FCC marking that up as an “operating expense”. But I do not agree with them including all VRS-type calls, whether it’s on behalf of the VRS provider or not. This causes an unreasonable imbalance.

Now FCC is demanding reimbursement for previous payments to the VRS providers in the amounts of millions *IN FIVE DAYS*, this results in a large imbalance. Small VRS providers such as ZVRS and Purple will struggle to pay this amount in 5 days, while Sorenson VRS will absorb this easily with their large market penetration. End result? Some may declare bankruptcy and go out of business, some will be forced to massively downsize resulting in loss of hundreds of jobs, while Sorenson’s market share will triple. Sorenson will benefit from this. The rest of the VRS providers will not.

The one positive thing from this though is that those VRS providers who’re small and had recently launched will not have to deal with this recent development, and will go on to grow.

The internal memo that was circulated at Purple had no confidentiality notice, and I also specifically asked my department manager if I could share the memo with the public. My manager had no issue with that. But I’ve opted to not share it because I do not want to risk my job by sharing what actually was supposed to be confidential. So I will check with the executive management to see if I can share it. If so, expect another post.

It also has been brought to my attention from an anonymous source who shared a private work email with me that a different VRS provider has notified all employees that this is very bad news for a specific VRS provider that FCC is requiring them to pay back millions to FCC in five days, that one of the possible paths it will lead towards is bankruptcy. In the memo, it also stated that other VRS providers were also being served notice that they will also need to do the same.

It will be very interesting to see how this affects the VRS industry.

Don's Blog Blog Archive FCC to VRS Providers: PAY US BACK!

diehardbiker · 02-26-2010, 11:29 PM

Wow!

In a way, I think it is good start because many banks, creditors do not trust relay service. This may change because now it is much strictor, no more Nigerian scammers would be able to take advantage of free relay to generate scam incomes. I see that international calls are no longer accepted by FCC.

About these employees who work for TRS companies, I see two sides on the coin. First of all, hearing people at work generally do not use company telephone for personal purpose. They would bring in their cell phone or use pay phone to make personal calls. So that means telephone equipment at TRS centers are actually company phone, and it is used for business purpose not personal. I think that is how FCC and congress views it.

TechBill · 02-26-2010, 11:50 PM

In my view from all this,

I don't think FCC is going after personal calls minutes if they were made from home or from work.

It seem to me that FCC is going after those calls that was not deem nessasary like a Deaf worker in VRS Customer Service having to connect to thier own relay service interpeter before they can help a Deaf customer so the calls are recorded.

It seem that VRS want to record customer service or tech support calls like every companies out there does it but do it using their own relay service to record the calls instead of recording the video itself because they knew they could generate minutes doing this way.

Don't misunderstood this, they cannot record personal calls but they still can record busniess calls or company calls like customer service or tech support just like every companies out there.

In the past certain VRS would have hearing employee work in tech support and when you dial their tech support number you would get thier own relay service interpeter which would dial to thier tech support employed with hearing workers instead of hiring Deaf workers to do the tech support because they knew they could generate minutes doing this method.

And now pretty much all VRS are using Deaf employee in tech or customer services that you would connect directly via Video Phone however some VRS tried to get around recording the calls with thier own relay service interpeter which I am pretty sure are the minutes that FCC is going after.

.

diehardbiker · 02-27-2010, 01:30 AM

making any TRS calls from home and any companies other than TRS companies would be fine. But a TRS employees that works at one of these TRS companies may or may not be able to make or receive personal calls. It is now up to TRS companies whether to offer employees personal TRS calls, if they do it may not be billable under new rule. That is what I am trying to say, and that is based on my understanding from that new ruling.

Those employees from one of these TRS companies can still place or receive TRS calls from their home, their own cell phone or PDA; these calls are billable under new ruling.

I can see why they no longer able to be billable. How can TRS companies prove those personal calls that employees makes or recieves calls though their company system really legitimate? In other words, any TRS calls made or received are now considered business related operations, thus are not billable.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TechBill

In my view from all this,

I don't think FCC is going after personal calls minutes if they were made from home or from work.

It seem to me that FCC is going after those calls that was not deem nessasary like a Deaf worker in VRS Customer Service having to connect to thier own relay service interpeter before they can help a Deaf customer so the calls are recorded.

It seem that VRS want to record customer service or tech support calls like every companies out there does it but do it using their own relay service to record the calls instead of recording the video itself because they knew they could generate minutes doing this way.

Don't misunderstood this, they cannot record personal calls but they still can record busniess calls or company calls like customer service or tech support just like every companies out there.

In the past certain VRS would have hearing employee work in tech support and when you dial their tech support number you would get thier own relay service interpeter which would dial to thier tech support employed with hearing workers instead of hiring Deaf workers to do the tech support because they knew they could generate minutes doing this method.

And now pretty much all VRS are using Deaf employee in tech or customer services that you would connect directly via Video Phone however some VRS tried to get around recording the calls with thier own relay service interpeter which I am pretty sure are the minutes that FCC is going after.

.

**Chevy57** · 02-27-2010, 07:05 AM

Kelby's Purple Blog

YouTube - FCC Declaratory Ruling on Deaf Employees of Relay Providers

http://www.purple.us/blog/

Someone said: Look like VRS industry is in a bad situation, may end up declaring VRS "dead".
With the new ruling, how will the business gain money by using their service?
How will the business grow?
Doesn't look good for deaf employees...

dkf747 · 02-27-2010, 07:50 AM

The solution is easy. Workers can buy their own P3 netbook, or whichever VP, and make3 personal calls using that. The calls are not being made on company equipment, so no issue. That would be equivalent to hearing using their cell phone at work. Problem solved. The paying back in 5 days is the real problem.

radioman · 02-27-2010, 07:50 AM

Thats sad. Now- I beleive that if a VRS deaf/hoh employee needs to make a personal call or accept a personal call, I would say that it will need to be recorded as a non VRS-employee call .

A company I used to work for had many contracts and you never know which one you will be work on for the day so all you time has to be tracked by the employee by contract numbers and time used. If there is any "downtime" it better be used as a training time so taking tests,learning videos,etc will look better for the employee. Back to the point, any vrs employee like a deaf tech support that needs that 10 min break to make that personal call can simply record time/date and number called. This can be sent to your manager for approval and manager will send to the accounting/billing dept to correct the VRS calls usage log to get paid for it.

Its NOT a problem as the purple employees are creating such hype. You just need to work smarter, not harder.

**Chevy57** · 02-27-2010, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkf747

The solution is easy. Workers can buy their own P3 netbook, or whichever VP, and make3 personal calls using that. The calls are not being made on company equipment, so no issue. That would be equivalent to hearing using their cell phone at work. Problem solved. The paying back in 5 days is the real problem.

True, I re-signed Purple sales contractor instead of outreach representative last month. I m part-time worker only. I always buy own netbook and flasher at all. I former worked for Sorenson and got free BB mobile and not charge for phone bills and borrrowed company s notebook. That s unfair!

Royale · 02-27-2010, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chevy57

Kelby's Purple Blog

YouTube - FCC Declaratory Ruling on Deaf Employees of Relay Providers

Purple Communications Blog

Someone said: Look like VRS industry is in a bad situation, may end up declaring VRS "dead".
With the new ruling, how will the business gain money by using their service?
How will the business grow?
Doesn't look good for deaf employees...

Kelby Brick and Mr. Cullen has made excellent points. I hope the VRS companies and FCC will find some ways to find a resolution which is beneficial to them both. I personally know Kelby well cuz he is my friend and former suite mate at Gally.

diehardbiker · 02-27-2010, 12:20 PM

After re-read the new ruling several times, I understand, what they mean is that those calls made by TRS employees at one of these TRS companies are not billable BUT can be used for tax deduction as business expenses. Looks like it is reasonable and not a big deal. The whole idea behind this is to minimize the fraud. And it would be like, if TRS decides to cheat, they will deal with IRS and they may not be able to file bankruptcy on it, instead of cheating FCC and oh have to pay back, hey just file bankruptcy and get away from it.

**Chevy57** · 02-28-2010, 07:30 AM

Update from Don's blog.

Quote:

A message from Kelby Brick (Vice President of Purple Communications, Inc., for Regulatory and Strategic Policy) was recently issued. Keep in mind, the message was compiled in a hurry since he’s currently in Washington DC addressing the situation.

I apologize if this post was hurried, but I just clocked out, and am in the middle of moving to my apartment, but will endeavor to respond to all commentaries.

FCC’s Ruling on Feb-25th is concerning:

o Is a civil rights setback and puts a discriminatory burden on deaf and hard of hearing employees of TRS providers.

o Could lead to reduced employment opportunities among the deaf in a field that serves their community.

o Retroactive impact of the ruling and related financial clawbacks could be financially devasting for the industry.

o If small providers go out of business, the consumers and the FCC will be left with a single, dominant provider with no incentive to innovate

Purple is a good company and worth saving by the FCC:

o We are an active member of the communities we serve

o We are an equal opportunity employer of more than 1,000 people a diverse mix of deaf and hearing throughout all levels of our company

o We are innovative and have led in developing custom software, new products and services for the deaf and hard of hearing community

o We along with other smaller providers, stand in the way of total market domination by the largest provider, and such competition is key in giving deaf and hard of hearing users choices for this important service

· Our respectful request is that the FCC permit the release of funds owed Purple this week which would allow us to resolve any historical issues while continuing to operate our business; innovating and competing on behalf of the deaf and hard of hearing community.

You can convey the above message to:

Chairman Julius Genachowski
Julius.genachowski@fcc.gov
202 418 1000

Commissioner Michael Copps
Michael.copps@fcc.gov
202 418 2000

Commissioner Robert McDowell
Robert.mcdowell@fcc.gov
202 418 2200

Commissioner Mignon Clyburn
Mignon.clyburn@fcc.gov
202 418 2100

Commissioner Meredith Attwell Baker
MeredithAttwell.Baker@fcc.gov

To find your Representative and Senators, go to Congress.org - : Elected Officials

Kelby

Don's Blog Blog Archive PurpleVRS Responds to FCC Ruling

diehardbiker · 02-28-2010, 12:15 PM

What do Kelby mean by "Purple is a good company and worth saving by the FCC:" ?

Does that mean Purple is really in trouble?

It looks like it is really a wake up call for everybody at Purple co.

Tousi · 02-28-2010, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diehardbiker

What do Kelby mean by "Purple is a good company and worth saving by the FCC:" ?

Does that mean Purple is really in trouble?

It looks like it is really a wake up call for everybody at Purple co.

There is another view: A former Purple employee who is deaf has been working with the FCC, the FBI, etc in their investigations of Purple.

Go to You Tube and look for his username: DeafThat and click on his most recent (yesterday, I think) v-log, Part 7. It is an eye opener and if you are still interested, he has six other parts re Purple.

diehardbiker · 02-28-2010, 12:27 PM

Yup!

I am sorry for Purple co and others who opposing this ruling, but I am siding with FCC decisions and I think they are on the right track to either minimize or stop the abuses. I value TRS, and I do not want abuses to go on which could result congress decision to stop subsiding TRS. Stop subsiding TRS could result Deaf and Hard of hearing paying hefty fee for these service.

I also think FCC knew about this for few years and need hard evidence proving congress such abuses. Once FCC discovered about Viable VRS abuses, that is when FCC informed congress, here is the proof that we have been trying to tell you all along... BAM!, new ruling.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tousi

There is another view: A former Purple who is deaf has been working with the FCC, the FBI, etc in their investigations of Purple.

Go to You Tube and look for his username: DeafThat and click on his most recent (yesterday, I think) v-log, Part 7. It is an eye opener and if you are still interested, he has six other parts re Purple.

Tousi · 02-28-2010, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diehardbiker

Yup!

I am sorry for Purple co and others who opposing this ruling, but I am siding with FCC decisions and I think they are on the right track to either minimize or stop the abuses. I value TRS, and I do not want abuses to go on which could result congress decision to stop subsiding TRS. Stop subsiding TRS could result Deaf and Hard of hearing paying hefty fee for these service.

I also think FCC knew about this for few years and need hard evidence proving congress such abuses. Once FCC discovered about Viable VRS abuses, that is when FCC informed congress, here is the proof that we have been trying to tell you all along... BAM!, new ruling.

Yeah, DHB. Now, I don't want to upset you but at the end of that video there are text and video comments by others. I noticed DeafThat said, "Sorenson is worse", something like that and he would not go further; he basically said to watch and see what happens. Now Sorenson has about 80% of the VRS market which does not sit well with me because, to make a long story short, I truly believe that complete ownership of all VRS businesses should belong to the deaf community, provided that they are highly qualified, ethical and have the capital to run it.

diehardbiker · 02-28-2010, 01:41 PM

I have no reason to be upset of.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tousi

Yeah, DHB. Now, I don't want to upset you but at the end of that video there are text and video comments by others. I noticed DeafThat said, "Sorenson is worse", something like that and he would not go further; he basically said to watch and see what happens. Now Sorenson has about 80% of the VRS market which does not sit well with me because, to make a long story short, I truly believe that complete ownership of all VRS businesses should belong to the deaf community, provided that they are highly qualified, ethical and have the capital to run it.

Tousi · 02-28-2010, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diehardbiker

I have no reason to be upset of.

Ok, DHB; I guess I thought you worked for Sorenson.

lilbugsb3 · 02-28-2010, 08:40 PM

I got an email from someone who work for Purple

Good afternoon:

Just a few weeks ago we shared with you that we were optimistic about
reaching the other side of the current regulatory crisis. We were
engaged in global settlement discussions with all the relevant agencies
and based on our discussions with the government (after our many months
of cooperating in the industry and Purple investigation) we believed
that we would be able to find a mutually satisfactory resolution and
settlement for Purple. Unfortunately, were surprised and disappointed to
learn from the FCC in the last 7-days that our path via a global
settlement with the government is being blocked at the FCC – this
means unfortunately, but frankly, the company’s future is now at
risk. We share this with you, not to alarm you, but to give you an
honest view of where we are, the options we are considering and to leave
to you to decide how you might help by reaching out to family or friends
that do not want to see Purple go out of business.

BACKGROUND

On Thursday Feb-25th the FCC issued a ruling that clarifies the type of
calls they say are reimbursable to providers under the TRS program.
The FCC has told Purple that these rules are being applied retroactively
for all providers and any minutes submitted historically that meet the
criteria in this ruling are subject to review (and repayment to the
fund).

As we understand that the new ruling, means, among other things, that
any calls made by our employees or contractors (regardless of your job
and regardless of whether the call was a conference call or one-on-one
call between a deaf employee and a hearing person) are NOT eligible for
reimbursement; either historically or in the future. We do not agree
with this policy on a number of levels, including potential
discrimination towards employment of people who are deaf.

In addition to the ruling, the FCC has also made demands to Purple that
we immediately pay them a significant amount (several millions of
dollars) for calls that would appear the FCC deems are in conflict with
the their rules (including these new rules). In addition, unless we
pay the demanded amounts, the FCC has frozen all future funds. As a
result of these actions, we obviously have reached a breaking point and
without those funds, we will not able to continue to operate our
business and will suspend or cease operations as early as during the
next week.

We believe we are among the first to be subjected to this new
withholding and demand for retroactive repayment, however the new rules
will be industry wide and will also affect other providers (who may
likely undergo the same experience).

OUR GOAL

Our goal is to work to end the withholding of payment for December
minutes next week and keep the company alive. We are using all
appropriate resources to persuade the FCC to release the December
payments owed to the company.

OUR OPTIONS

If we do not receive payment very soon, we will need to suspend
providing services or take other actions (bankruptcy, etc.). If all
avenues are unsuccessful at getting the funds released we would have no
choice but to cease operations and close the company permanently which
would be a real tragedy for all of us.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

We want to keep Purple alive and if you agree we need your help. In a
separate email, Kelby will provide interested parties with
instructions. This still is a good industry. We’re a good company
and we will continue to fight for all of our families, our customers and
vendors who rely on Purple every day.

We will do our best to keep you posted on progress. In the meanwhile,
please do your best to stay focused on serving our customers.

I am so damn glad that FCC has taken action against Purple! I can't wait for this!

RedWolf · 02-28-2010, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lilbugsb3

I got an email from someone who work for Purple

Good afternoon:

Just a few weeks ago we shared with you that we were optimistic about
reaching the other side of the current regulatory crisis. We were
engaged in global settlement discussions with all the relevant agencies
and based on our discussions with the government (after our many months
of cooperating in the industry and Purple investigation) we believed
that we would be able to find a mutually satisfactory resolution and
settlement for Purple. Unfortunately, were surprised and disappointed to
learn from the FCC in the last 7-days that our path via a global
settlement with the government is being blocked at the FCC – this
means unfortunately, but frankly, the company’s future is now at
risk. We share this with you, not to alarm you, but to give you an
honest view of where we are, the options we are considering and to leave
to you to decide how you might help by reaching out to family or friends
that do not want to see Purple go out of business.

BACKGROUND

On Thursday Feb-25th the FCC issued a ruling that clarifies the type of
calls they say are reimbursable to providers under the TRS program.
The FCC has told Purple that these rules are being applied retroactively
for all providers and any minutes submitted historically that meet the
criteria in this ruling are subject to review (and repayment to the
fund).

As we understand that the new ruling, means, among other things, that
any calls made by our employees or contractors (regardless of your job
and regardless of whether the call was a conference call or one-on-one
call between a deaf employee and a hearing person) are NOT eligible for
reimbursement; either historically or in the future. We do not agree
with this policy on a number of levels, including potential
discrimination towards employment of people who are deaf.

In addition to the ruling, the FCC has also made demands to Purple that
we immediately pay them a significant amount (several millions of
dollars) for calls that would appear the FCC deems are in conflict with
the their rules (including these new rules). In addition, unless we
pay the demanded amounts, the FCC has frozen all future funds. As a
result of these actions, we obviously have reached a breaking point and
without those funds, we will not able to continue to operate our
business and will suspend or cease operations as early as during the
next week.

We believe we are among the first to be subjected to this new
withholding and demand for retroactive repayment, however the new rules
will be industry wide and will also affect other providers (who may
likely undergo the same experience).

OUR GOAL

Our goal is to work to end the withholding of payment for December
minutes next week and keep the company alive. We are using all
appropriate resources to persuade the FCC to release the December
payments owed to the company.

OUR OPTIONS

If we do not receive payment very soon, we will need to suspend
providing services or take other actions (bankruptcy, etc.). If all
avenues are unsuccessful at getting the funds released we would have no
choice but to cease operations and close the company permanently which
would be a real tragedy for all of us.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

We want to keep Purple alive and if you agree we need your help. In a
separate email, Kelby will provide interested parties with
instructions. This still is a good industry. We’re a good company
and we will continue to fight for all of our families, our customers and
vendors who rely on Purple every day.

We will do our best to keep you posted on progress. In the meanwhile,
please do your best to stay focused on serving our customers.

I am so damn glad that FCC has taken action against Purple! I can't wait for this!

In your quote you said, "I am so damn glad that FCC has taken action against Purple! I can't wait for this!"

Looks like you support FCC and wanted to see Purple and many others to go bankrupt. This could happen to ZVRS and many other small VRS would probably go bankrupt as well. I guess this would force all deaf members to stick with SorensonVRS until whenever new big VRS company could beat SVRS someday. This is really pathetic move by FCC to force all small VRS companies to pay back the money in 5 days. This could force ZVRS, SnapVRS, Purple, and many others small VRS to shut down for good and ONLY Sorenson will be left standing with no problem. This is pathetic and unbelieveable move by FCC.

**Dismal Shadow** · 02-28-2010, 09:11 PM

Actions may be taken against VRS...not just Purple.
Would you really like to see Purple go down the drain?

**Chevy57** · 02-28-2010, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lilbugsb3

I got an email from someone who work for Purple

Good afternoon:

Just a few weeks ago we shared with you that we were optimistic about
reaching the other side of the current regulatory crisis. We were
engaged in global settlement discussions with all the relevant agencies
and based on our discussions with the government (after our many months
of cooperating in the industry and Purple investigation) we believed
that we would be able to find a mutually satisfactory resolution and
settlement for Purple. Unfortunately, were surprised and disappointed to
learn from the FCC in the last 7-days that our path via a global
settlement with the government is being blocked at the FCC – this
means unfortunately, but frankly, the company’s future is now at
risk. We share this with you, not to alarm you, but to give you an
honest view of where we are, the options we are considering and to leave
to you to decide how you might help by reaching out to family or friends
that do not want to see Purple go out of business.

BACKGROUND

On Thursday Feb-25th the FCC issued a ruling that clarifies the type of
calls they say are reimbursable to providers under the TRS program.
The FCC has told Purple that these rules are being applied retroactively
for all providers and any minutes submitted historically that meet the
criteria in this ruling are subject to review (and repayment to the
fund).

As we understand that the new ruling, means, among other things, that
any calls made by our employees or contractors (regardless of your job
and regardless of whether the call was a conference call or one-on-one
call between a deaf employee and a hearing person) are NOT eligible for
reimbursement; either historically or in the future. We do not agree
with this policy on a number of levels, including potential
discrimination towards employment of people who are deaf.

In addition to the ruling, the FCC has also made demands to Purple that
we immediately pay them a significant amount (several millions of
dollars) for calls that would appear the FCC deems are in conflict with
the their rules (including these new rules). In addition, unless we
pay the demanded amounts, the FCC has frozen all future funds. As a
result of these actions, we obviously have reached a breaking point and
without those funds, we will not able to continue to operate our
business and will suspend or cease operations as early as during the
next week.

We believe we are among the first to be subjected to this new
withholding and demand for retroactive repayment, however the new rules
will be industry wide and will also affect other providers (who may
likely undergo the same experience).

OUR GOAL

Our goal is to work to end the withholding of payment for December
minutes next week and keep the company alive. We are using all
appropriate resources to persuade the FCC to release the December
payments owed to the company.

OUR OPTIONS

If we do not receive payment very soon, we will need to suspend
providing services or take other actions (bankruptcy, etc.). If all
avenues are unsuccessful at getting the funds released we would have no
choice but to cease operations and close the company permanently which
would be a real tragedy for all of us.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

We want to keep Purple alive and if you agree we need your help. In a
separate email, Kelby will provide interested parties with
instructions. This still is a good industry. We’re a good company
and we will continue to fight for all of our families, our customers and
vendors who rely on Purple every day.

We will do our best to keep you posted on progress. In the meanwhile,
please do your best to stay focused on serving our customers.

I am so damn glad that FCC has taken action against Purple! I can't wait for this!

Yes, I know name of him. I had gotten email from Purple vice preident of outreach about his story.

Please email to FCC and your local congress folks

lilbugsb3 · 02-28-2010, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chevy57

Yes, I know name of him. I had gotten email from Purple vice preident of outreach about his story.

Please email to FCC and your local congress folks

I will email to FCC and local congress for supporting their decision! I do not want to keeping on pay purple from my taxes!

**Chevy57** · 02-28-2010, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lilbugsb3

I will email to FCC and local congress for supporting their decision! I do not want to keeping on pay purple from my taxes!

I had gotten email for Purple VP

he said:

Yes Dan did inform employees last Friday afternoon about the FCC status. We will be hoping to hear update sometime this week with FCC. FCC had asked us to pay back all of the deaf employees and contractors’ minutes related to work since FCC had published new ruling last Thursday and this ruling will be retroactive. This had impacted deaf issues as employment and can lead to let go or not hiring deaf employees due potential higher expenses.

This was sad day for all of us and deaf community. deaf community need to realize that this impact civil right issues.

**JClarke** · 02-28-2010, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lilbugsb3

I will email to FCC and local congress for supporting their decision! I do not want to keeping on pay purple from my taxes!

Then don't pay any taxes.

lilbugsb3 · 02-28-2010, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JClarke

Then don't pay any taxes.

well everyone is paying TAXES anyway. Like phone bill, cell phone, i had to do this because FCC gets money from our tax. so do the math

lilbugsb3 · 02-28-2010, 09:36 PM

I just read sorensonvrs.com and im shocked to see this!

Sorenson Communications - Connecting You

this is great for Sorenson, I bet Sorenson will have more than 1,000 deaf workers, I am a former Sorenson worker, they paid me very well. I made 3 to 4 k per months from them. how awesome!

02-26-2010, 08:09 PM	#1 (permalink)
deafaussie Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 338	Purple going out of business ? Hi everyone Last week, FCC had clarified rules on TRS reimbursement and made an order on all VRS organizations to do what they are told. I had read and re-read an order several times and has come to my realization that FCC may stop monthly payments to Purple until the debt owned based on illegal minutes earned from purple employees, contractors making calls. What would Purple do if FCC refuses to make monthly payments based on LEGITIMATE minutes earned? Purple is in shambles financially owed millions of dollars in debt and now this. The only option I can think is to ease operations, file bankruptcy and start selling assets. Unless, purple had pulled off with a magic wand and manage to stay with us Its unfathomable to see Purple gone.

02-26-2010, 08:26 PM	#2 (permalink)
DoDaDew Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 223	Please post a link to the reimbursement rules so I (and others) can read and participate in this discussion. __________________ Jack of all trades, master of none.

02-26-2010, 08:53 PM	#3 (permalink)
Foxrac Need Stormtroopers? Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Zaphias Posts: 32,544	Where is SOURCE?????????????????????????????????? __________________ In Moto We Trust

02-26-2010, 11:29 PM	#6 (permalink)
diehardbiker Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: In back of Superduty Posts: 11,265	Wow! In a way, I think it is good start because many banks, creditors do not trust relay service. This may change because now it is much strictor, no more Nigerian scammers would be able to take advantage of free relay to generate scam incomes. I see that international calls are no longer accepted by FCC. About these employees who work for TRS companies, I see two sides on the coin. First of all, hearing people at work generally do not use company telephone for personal purpose. They would bring in their cell phone or use pay phone to make personal calls. So that means telephone equipment at TRS centers are actually company phone, and it is used for business purpose not personal. I think that is how FCC and congress views it. __________________ J-MAC's quote: "People who try and fail are more superior than people who don't try at all" "If people let the government decide what foods they eat and what medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as the souls who live under tyranny." Thomas Jefferson (1778) Avatar picture is Cape Hatteras light house in OBX.

02-27-2010, 12:20 PM	#14 (permalink)
diehardbiker Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: In back of Superduty Posts: 11,265	After re-read the new ruling several times, I understand, what they mean is that those calls made by TRS employees at one of these TRS companies are not billable BUT can be used for tax deduction as business expenses. Looks like it is reasonable and not a big deal. The whole idea behind this is to minimize the fraud. And it would be like, if TRS decides to cheat, they will deal with IRS and they may not be able to file bankruptcy on it, instead of cheating FCC and oh have to pay back, hey just file bankruptcy and get away from it. __________________ J-MAC's quote: "People who try and fail are more superior than people who don't try at all" "If people let the government decide what foods they eat and what medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as the souls who live under tyranny." Thomas Jefferson (1778) Avatar picture is Cape Hatteras light house in OBX.

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02-26-2010, 09:59 PM	#4 (permalink)
deafaussie Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 338	However here is the source. http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_publi...A-10-314A1.pdf

02-26-2010, 11:50 PM	#7 (permalink)
TechBill Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 1,090	In my view from all this, I don't think FCC is going after personal calls minutes if they were made from home or from work. It seem to me that FCC is going after those calls that was not deem nessasary like a Deaf worker in VRS Customer Service having to connect to thier own relay service interpeter before they can help a Deaf customer so the calls are recorded. It seem that VRS want to record customer service or tech support calls like every companies out there does it but do it using their own relay service to record the calls instead of recording the video itself because they knew they could generate minutes doing this way. Don't misunderstood this, they cannot record personal calls but they still can record busniess calls or company calls like customer service or tech support just like every companies out there. In the past certain VRS would have hearing employee work in tech support and when you dial their tech support number you would get thier own relay service interpeter which would dial to thier tech support employed with hearing workers instead of hiring Deaf workers to do the tech support because they knew they could generate minutes doing this method. And now pretty much all VRS are using Deaf employee in tech or customer services that you would connect directly via Video Phone however some VRS tried to get around recording the calls with thier own relay service interpeter which I am pretty sure are the minutes that FCC is going after. .

02-27-2010, 07:50 AM	#10 (permalink)
dkf747 Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: DC Area Posts: 916	The solution is easy. Workers can buy their own P3 netbook, or whichever VP, and make3 personal calls using that. The calls are not being made on company equipment, so no issue. That would be equivalent to hearing using their cell phone at work. Problem solved. The paying back in 5 days is the real problem.

02-27-2010, 07:50 AM	#11 (permalink)
radioman Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: In the good ole USA ! Posts: 2,551	Thats sad. Now- I beleive that if a VRS deaf/hoh employee needs to make a personal call or accept a personal call, I would say that it will need to be recorded as a non VRS-employee call . A company I used to work for had many contracts and you never know which one you will be work on for the day so all you time has to be tracked by the employee by contract numbers and time used. If there is any "downtime" it better be used as a training time so taking tests,learning videos,etc will look better for the employee. Back to the point, any vrs employee like a deaf tech support that needs that 10 min break to make that personal call can simply record time/date and number called. This can be sent to your manager for approval and manager will send to the accounting/billing dept to correct the VRS calls usage log to get paid for it. Its NOT a problem as the purple employees are creating such hype. You just need to work smarter, not harder.

02-28-2010, 12:15 PM	#16 (permalink)
diehardbiker Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: In back of Superduty Posts: 11,265	What do Kelby mean by "Purple is a good company and worth saving by the FCC:" ? Does that mean Purple is really in trouble? It looks like it is really a wake up call for everybody at Purple co. __________________ J-MAC's quote: "People who try and fail are more superior than people who don't try at all" "If people let the government decide what foods they eat and what medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as the souls who live under tyranny." Thomas Jefferson (1778) Avatar picture is Cape Hatteras light house in OBX.

02-28-2010, 08:40 PM	#22 (permalink)
lilbugsb3 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Huntington, West Virginia Posts: 175	breaking news I got an email from someone who work for Purple Good afternoon: Just a few weeks ago we shared with you that we were optimistic about reaching the other side of the current regulatory crisis. We were engaged in global settlement discussions with all the relevant agencies and based on our discussions with the government (after our many months of cooperating in the industry and Purple investigation) we believed that we would be able to find a mutually satisfactory resolution and settlement for Purple. Unfortunately, were surprised and disappointed to learn from the FCC in the last 7-days that our path via a global settlement with the government is being blocked at the FCC – this means unfortunately, but frankly, the company’s future is now at risk. We share this with you, not to alarm you, but to give you an honest view of where we are, the options we are considering and to leave to you to decide how you might help by reaching out to family or friends that do not want to see Purple go out of business. BACKGROUND On Thursday Feb-25th the FCC issued a ruling that clarifies the type of calls they say are reimbursable to providers under the TRS program. The FCC has told Purple that these rules are being applied retroactively for all providers and any minutes submitted historically that meet the criteria in this ruling are subject to review (and repayment to the fund). As we understand that the new ruling, means, among other things, that any calls made by our employees or contractors (regardless of your job and regardless of whether the call was a conference call or one-on-one call between a deaf employee and a hearing person) are NOT eligible for reimbursement; either historically or in the future. We do not agree with this policy on a number of levels, including potential discrimination towards employment of people who are deaf. In addition to the ruling, the FCC has also made demands to Purple that we immediately pay them a significant amount (several millions of dollars) for calls that would appear the FCC deems are in conflict with the their rules (including these new rules). In addition, unless we pay the demanded amounts, the FCC has frozen all future funds. As a result of these actions, we obviously have reached a breaking point and without those funds, we will not able to continue to operate our business and will suspend or cease operations as early as during the next week. We believe we are among the first to be subjected to this new withholding and demand for retroactive repayment, however the new rules will be industry wide and will also affect other providers (who may likely undergo the same experience). OUR GOAL Our goal is to work to end the withholding of payment for December minutes next week and keep the company alive. We are using all appropriate resources to persuade the FCC to release the December payments owed to the company. OUR OPTIONS If we do not receive payment very soon, we will need to suspend providing services or take other actions (bankruptcy, etc.). If all avenues are unsuccessful at getting the funds released we would have no choice but to cease operations and close the company permanently which would be a real tragedy for all of us. HOW YOU CAN HELP We want to keep Purple alive and if you agree we need your help. In a separate email, Kelby will provide interested parties with instructions. This still is a good industry. We’re a good company and we will continue to fight for all of our families, our customers and vendors who rely on Purple every day. We will do our best to keep you posted on progress. In the meanwhile, please do your best to stay focused on serving our customers. I am so damn glad that FCC has taken action against Purple! I can't wait for this!

02-28-2010, 09:11 PM	#24 (permalink)
Dismal Shadow Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Ivalice Posts: 3,476	Actions may be taken against VRS...not just Purple. Would you really like to see Purple go down the drain? __________________ Atheism in the name of God is an abandonment of all religious beliefs … giving up the attempt to make sense of the world in terms of any fixed idea or intellectual system. It is becoming again as a child and laying oneself open to reality as it is actually and directly felt, experiencing it without trying to categorize, identify or name it. – Alan Watts

02-28-2010, 09:36 PM	#30 (permalink)
lilbugsb3 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Huntington, West Virginia Posts: 175	I just read sorensonvrs.com and im shocked to see this! Sorenson Communications - Connecting You this is great for Sorenson, I bet Sorenson will have more than 1,000 deaf workers, I am a former Sorenson worker, they paid me very well. I made 3 to 4 k per months from them. how awesome!

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