FCC May Take Action That Will Hurt VRS

Chevy57

Chevy57

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The FCC has asked for public comment on a proposal to reduce the rate provided for VRS for 2009 - 2010; unfortunately if the FCC reneges on its promise to provide a fair, stable and predictable rate, VRS will be hurt. Based on the promise of a three-year rate, investments have been made that have improved VRS - more and better interpreters, new technology, local numbers, 911 emergency service, and more. Now the FCC is threatening to cut the third year of the rate, which will inevitably force VRS providers to cut back on VRS.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) May Take Action That Will Hurt VRS - Latest News - VRSCA
 
Here is story, it's because Obama hired someone to take care of FCC to be admin. So, that person isn't familiar with VRS and decide to cut the fund.

Yet, we would have to push them to use again
 
I dislike too many VRS providers over 18 or more. Waste money for many video deaf interprefers and many providers. I like five or six major VRS providers like Sorenson, Purple, CSDVRS, ViableVRS, OJO and more on limit. FCC should force to cut other vrs providers.
 
Chevy57 said:
I dislike too many VRS providers over 18 or more. Waste money for many video deaf interprefers and many providers. I like five or six major VRS providers like Sorenson, Purple, CSDVRS, ViableVRS, OJO and more on limit. FCC should force to cut other vrs providers.
Click to expand...

I agree so... but since it's a free market therefore FCC cannot do that therefore it's impossible. Though most of those small VRS providers will likely fail in time due, probably.
 
If you guys look at the TTY history, FCC did the same thing. they keep reducing it until it became non-existant. TRS'es ended up putting in bids to the state government and continued business as well. Can anyone here dispute this ? I doubt it. However with VRS, we cannot allow this to happen due to the fast pace of technology changes and features still being added, modified and refined.

The other issue is tracking IP addresses to VP's for 911 calls. Videophones are harder for 911 centers to pinpoint and relies on us actually being able to sign. We can't be hurt or have someone there to do it. What happens if we are alone? then what ? The MVP's are portable. Going to a coffee shop will have a different address then whats on your 911 VRS profile computer records. What if you moved and you forgot to update your address? Or you updated the address before shutting down your VP and move then next day but the emergency was day you get in the moving truck?

We have come a loooong way from TTY's/TDD's and look at where we are now. We have accomplished alot but still need to continue to refine the features and issues until it stablized and same as hearing phone features. We need these same features in order to be able to compete or integrate with the world.

So let's stand together and show our voices (signs) for what we want and what we need.
 
Jeff Rosen provided an excellent and clear information in ASL regarding why SnapVRS (and other providers) are very considered about the FCC's possible action which will hurt the VRS providers ahead at: Snap!VRS' General Counsel Jeff Rosen Vlogs About VRS Rate

Also another ASL vlog about it by VRSca at: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) May Take Action That Will Hurt VRS - Latest News - VRSCA

We really need to support their consideration against FCC's possible action to reduce VRS minute rates. Sign up and support your "voice" along on the second link above (it's on far below in its site on the link).
 
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) May Take Action That Will Hurt VRS

Latest VRS News

June 4, 2009
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) May Take Action That Will Hurt VRS
The FCC has asked for public comment on a proposal to reduce the rate provided for VRS for 2009 – 2010; unfortunately if the FCC reneges on its promise to provide a fair, stable and predictable rate, VRS will be hurt. Based on the promise of a three-year rate, investments have been made that have improved VRS – more and better interpreters, new technology, local numbers, 911 emergency service, and more. Now the FCC is threatening to cut the third year of the rate, which will inevitably force VRS providers to cut back on VRS.
ACT NOW! Send your comments to the FCC »

The FCC is asking for comments from the Deaf community, so please send your comments to the FCC by July 6, 2009.
If the FCC reneges on its promise to provide a fair, stable and predictable rate for three years, it could have a devastating effect of VRS. Improvements in VRS have come about because of investments made on the promise of a three year rate plan. If the rate is cut now, providers will be extremely reluctant to invest in improvements to VRS, and VRS will suffer, with fewer Deaf having access to VRS and fewer improvements to VRS.
If the FCC cuts the rate drastically, providers will have no choice but to reduce the number of interpreters, lengthening hold times, cut back on installers, and stop investing in research and development. These cutbacks will result in VRS service that is not as good as the service that is available today, which would be a tragedy. A drastic cut in the rate could also put some providers out of business, again reducing options for the Deaf. Outreach efforts to provide access to VRS to more Deaf people would be undercut. Development of new and better videophones would be undercut.
The FCC should not renege on its promise to provide a fair, stable and predictable rate for three years. Instead of threatening to hurt VRS, the FCC should be looking for ways to improve VRS. President Obama has announced that broadband for vulnerable populations is a national priority; the FCC should be doing the same, not threatening to cut back on VRS.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) May Take Action That Will Hurt VRS - Latest News - VRSCA
 
Mod note:

Thread's merged.
 
radioman said:
If you guys look at the TTY history, FCC did the same thing. they keep reducing it until it became non-existant. TRS'es ended up putting in bids to the state government and continued business as well. Can anyone here dispute this ? I doubt it. However with VRS, we cannot allow this to happen due to the fast pace of technology changes and features still being added, modified and refined.

The other issue is tracking IP addresses to VP's for 911 calls. Videophones are harder for 911 centers to pinpoint and relies on us actually being able to sign. We can't be hurt or have someone there to do it. What happens if we are alone? then what ? The MVP's are portable. Going to a coffee shop will have a different address then whats on your 911 VRS profile computer records. What if you moved and you forgot to update your address? Or you updated the address before shutting down your VP and move then next day but the emergency was day you get in the moving truck?

We have come a loooong way from TTY's/TDD's and look at where we are now. We have accomplished alot but still need to continue to refine the features and issues until it stablized and same as hearing phone features. We need these same features in order to be able to compete or integrate with the world.

So let's stand together and show our voices (signs) for what we want and what we need.
Click to expand...

Then use your mobile to text 911.
 
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