Attention: VRS....(mail)

There is nothing from the FCC themselves that states that they plan to reduce the rate for VRS. It's the VRS providers who are lobbying to have the rates set how they want them to be set.
 
I already looked up the official website, FCC numerous of times before. I cannot find the official announcement directly from the FCC. But I did find the info on the official website, NECA.

Whippany, NJ -May 1, 2002 - NECA today filed with the Federal Communications Commission the data needed to determine the size of the interstate Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Fund. TRS enables people with hearing and speech disabilities to make telephone calls using specialized equipment to other people who do not have similar equipment.

The fund size for the July 1, 2002 - June 30, 2003 funding year is $90.3 million. However, due to a $26.1 million balance from the 2001 - 2002 fund year, the actual funding requirement is $64.2 million. The balance was created when actual usage did not meet projected demand. NECA proposes a $1.528 per interstate minute of use rate for traditional TRS and $4.045 per interstate minute of use for Speech-to-Speech (STS) service. Providers are reimbursed separately through state contracts for intrastate TRS and STS calls. For Video Relay Service (VRS), NECA proposes a $17.044 per minute of use rate. The interstate TRS Fund reimburses intrastate and interstate video relay minutes.

The fund size is $20 million larger than the current fund. The increase is due in part to a recent FCC decision that allows reimbursement for calls made using Internet Protocol (IP) to access relay service. The Commission is allowing reimbursement for all costs associated with IP Relay because there is currently no method to determine if the minutes are interstate or intrastate. A significant rise in the cost and demand projections for VRS also contributed to the increase.

The FCC appointed NECA TRS Fund administrator in 1993 when the fund was established as part of the Americans With Disabilities Act. NECA was re-appointed in 1995 and 1999 for four-year terms.

You see, the President of the Sorensons, Pat Nola made a comment toward NECA and FCC.

Sorenson Communications Urges Fair and Predictable Rate for VRS


SALT LAKE CITY (May 1, 2007)-Today, the National Exchange Carrier Association (NECA), filed a report with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on proposed rates for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS), which include Video Relay Service (VRS), TTY, IP Relay, and Speech-to-Speech (STS). NECA failed to recommend any rate for VRS, but, instead, listed various rates based on data supplied to NECA by the VRS providers.

"Everyone involved in providing and using Video Relay Service has been urging the FCC for a year to come up with a fair and predictable rate and rate methodology for VRS," said Pat Nola, president and CEO of Sorenson Communications. "Unfortunately, this report by NECA, which fails to recommend any rate, is a step in the opposite direction, adding more uncertainty and complexity to the process."

The FCC is required to establish a rate for all TRS services by July 1, 2007, for the 2007-2008 rate year, which begins July 1. In the past, NECA has recommended a rate which was the starting point for the FCC's deliberations. Last year, the FCC did not adopt the proposed NECA rate, but, instead, froze the existing rate and suggested an overhaul of the existing rate process.

Ron Burdett, vice president of community relations for Sorenson Communications, said, "Only a small percentage of the deaf community has access to VRS. At Sorenson we have been trying to reach out to the many deaf individuals who don't know about VRS to demonstrate how this communication service can enhance their lives. But this annual struggle over the rate for VRS-and the uncertainty it brings-makes it impossible to invest in and plan how to offer the best quality VRS service to as many deaf people as possible."


I also talked to several of my friends (VRS providers/a former Customer Support tech) and that they were not satisfied with their jobs at the Sorensons because they do not get paid enough even though they have more than 10-20 years of experiences. In fact, some of them quit and followers started joining. They are hoping that they want to be treated fairly, not being taking of advantage like slaves. The Sorenson is really picky and probably wants more money for itself. hmm..
 
[Q]Whippany, NJ -May 1, 2002 - NECA today filed with the Federal Communications Commission the data needed to determine the size of the interstate Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Fund. TRS enables people with hearing and speech disabilities to make telephone calls using specialized equipment to other people who do not have similar equipment.

The fund size for the July 1, 2002 - June 30, 2003 funding year is $90.3 million. However, due to a $26.1 million balance from the 2001 - 2002 fund year, the actual funding requirement is $64.2 million. The balance was created when actual usage did not meet projected demand. NECA proposes a $1.528 per interstate minute of use rate for traditional TRS and $4.045 per interstate minute of use for Speech-to-Speech (STS) service. Providers are reimbursed separately through state contracts for intrastate TRS and STS calls. For Video Relay Service (VRS), NECA proposes a $17.044 per minute of use rate. The interstate TRS Fund reimburses intrastate and interstate video relay minutes.

The fund size is $20 million larger than the current fund. The increase is due in part to a recent FCC decision that allows reimbursement for calls made using Internet Protocol (IP) to access relay service. The Commission is allowing reimbursement for all costs associated with IP Relay because there is currently no method to determine if the minutes are interstate or intrastate. A significant rise in the cost and demand projections for VRS also contributed to the increase.

The FCC appointed NECA TRS Fund administrator in 1993 when the fund was established as part of the Americans With Disabilities Act. NECA was re-appointed in 1995 and 1999 for four-year terms[/Q]

Now, I tried to find a UPDATED source from NRCA. This is the only one that I could find it directly from NRCA. See those dates? Both have complete different stories. Just FYI
 
I got that mail and signed it and sent it to FCC.

To be honest with you guys, I really hate FCC because they're very selfish ignorants. They thinks they can help deaf people but they're doing it to HARM deaf people! Think about it... They cut alot of programs that involved closed caption only fund it for education programs not in the general. Now they're doing exactly same thing with VRS... This action has to STOP, seriously! I think it will be better way... Get all officals in FCC IMPEACHED and find better leaders that have knowledge of deaf community, and others that involved FCC programs. :rifle:
 
Dennis said:
There is nothing from the FCC themselves that states that they plan to reduce the rate for VRS. It's the VRS providers who are lobbying to have the rates set how they want them to be set.
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Who do you think is cutting funding? You think VRS providers are choosing lower rates?

Dennis said:
It is true that this mailer came from the VRSCA, which is funded by Sorenson as an "advocacy" group. I feel like it's misleading -- the advocacy group seems to be purely a front for one VRS provider to hide behind and get what they want.
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Do you not understand that the FCC pays all VRS providers equally per minute? Sorenson is the biggest dog, that is why they have the loudest mouth. The smaller companies don't HAVE to do anything. They sit back while Sorenson does it, takes all the crap about it, does the work for it, and the smaller companies get the same benefits.
 
already got mine in the mail few days ago and i finish sign the card and mail it back
 
diehardbiker said:
Yeah, third thread about this topic. Of course we got them too. That is why I encouraged all of you who value VRS file petition.

I just learn that British VRS had gone south! (gone out of business). We wouldn't want that to happen here!
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I don't know if there are different laws in England similar to our ADA, but taking VRS away from Deaf is in (if it isn't, it should be!!) violation of #s 500-504! ie EQUAL ACCESS.

And yes Brian, they do have phone sex on VRS. It is completely allowed, just as hearing people are allowed to do it. Same with drug deals.
 
Well, government can decide what they want. Never know what they are planning. We need to continue fight with them to keep the service. If we don't act, then they will think we don't care so can give them opportunity. And if it does happen, then they can speak in court asking why deaf community did nothing? Easy open and close case if we do not act.

Point here is do something before we all regret.
For more information, please check www.vrsca.org/vrsrate


Sheila said:
I don't know if there are different laws in England similar to our ADA, but taking VRS away from Deaf is in (if it isn't, it should be!!) violation of #s 500-504! ie EQUAL ACCESS.

And yes Brian, they do have phone sex on VRS. It is completely allowed, just as hearing people are allowed to do it. Same with drug deals.
Click to expand...
 
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