FCC announced as of June 10, 2013
FCC will change the way we port our VP number. We do not know what it will be like in next 4 years. Expect significant changes during next 4 years. FCC will take over outreach program. Soon, we will have to contact agency that will be set up and funded by FCC and it will be neutral. This will make all VRS provider focus only providing relay service, not much else. What that means is that all VRS provider may no longer be able to take customer's application, it has to go though agency set up by FCC. That way, customer choices will be neutral, and no more freebies like free Ipad, etc. FCC don't like the idea of free give away. And there won't be any more VRS build their own VP, it will be done by third party (Different company).
Good or bad? I don't know, hard to tell.
When the changes will start, I don't know anytime from now and 4 years from now. I highly doubt within a year but afterwards
I don't have strong source BUT what I heard is that we will be limited to one number and limited to one relay provider.
The intention was to stop from abuse by hearing people, FCC outlaws hearing people from getting 10 digit local number from relay provider, but because over years none of relay provider have verified properly, and they all allows hearing people getting them which pissed FCC off and they decided to take over. So, I see why limit one is because if Deaf can get two or more relay numbers, they would give extra one to their hearing relatives, this is clear violation of FCC regulation. It wasn't VRS provider decision, it was FCC decision. Remember FCC is the one who is "payer" They hold right to decide what regulation to be made.
On brighter side, there will be less barrier when Deaf Americans needs to contact their financial institution though relay, with 10 digit local "Real" number, Financial institution would soon realize that there is no longer abuse there and start to accept relay calls.