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Johhny,  Most of the Deaf/HoH-centric communication services, such as Video Relay Services, Text Relay Services, IP Relay Service and to a lesser extent, TTY are FCC supported programs.  The interpreters and operators who assist with those calls are paid by the FCC, so the FCC has always tried to make sure that those services, which they are funding, are only being used by the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.  This is both good and bad.  Good that the FCC is funding a program that helps the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communicate...but also bad, because they get to control who uses it.  For example, IP Relay is almost gone.  Many of the companies that use to provide IP Relay stop doing so, not because they lack the ability or the technology, but because the amount the FCC was paying them to do so had dropped so much that they no longer felt it was profitable enough for them.  So...the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community lost a communication option because of money. As long as the FCC controls the funding, they can control your ability to communicate. 


NexTalk is not an FCC funded company.  As you noticed,  I have been on Alldeaf talking about our ACCESS system a lot.  I always worry that the Deaf community is getting tired of my postings and views them as blatant self promotion.  But I continue to do so because I want the Deaf community to understand that the ACCESS system is an agnostic communication platform design specifically for them...and those with whom they want to communicate.  We do not rely on FCC funding.  The $6.95 a month that subscribers pay is what ensures that they will have a reliable, effective and open communication tool.  As a subscriber supported communication tool,  the Deaf community is not at the whim of the FCC. Please don't misinterpret this as me or NexTalk being anti-FCC.  They provide great service to the deaf and hard of hearing.


So...forgive the long answer.....yes, you can use ACCESS.  Because we don't rely on the FCC for funding, we determine who can use our software and platform.  We designed ACCESS as a dedicated communication platform for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, (it's features are applicable to everyone), but it is also for business, education, and anyone else who wants a tool for effectively communicating with their Deaf and Hard of Hearing customers.


And one last thing,  the ACCESS program includes a personal and universal phone book.  The personal phone books is yours to configure and control.  Add family, friends, co-workers, church members, your insurance agent, your dentist, your day care center,etc.  The Universal phone book is controlled by NexTalk and is intended to be for national and local businesses who also use a NexTalk software program like ACCESS or SimpliciTTY.  This means that you can go to your phone book in ACCESS and you will find businesses that are using communication software with which to communicate with you.   No more searching web sites hoping to find a number or link with which to  communicate.


Again, sorry for the long reply.  I hope I have answered your question.


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