Open the Directory!

Two joint oppositions were filed with FCC on Monday, September 15, 2008. Both documents express opposition to the reconsideration Sorenson filed with FCC. Read more about the reconsideration.

The joint opposition filed by the following Video Relay Service companies:

• CAC
• CSDVRS
• GoAmerica
• Hamilton
• SnapVRS

can be downloaded here (PDF).

The second opposition reads:

Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Inc. (“TDI”), Association of  Late-Deafened Adults, Inc. (“ALDA”), National Association of the Deaf (“NAD”), Deaf and Hard of Hearing Consumer Advocacy Network (“DHHCAN”), California Coalition of Agencies Serving the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (“CCASDHH”) and Hearing Loss Association of America  (“HLAA”) (collectively, the “Consumer Groups”), hereby respectfully submit its opposition to Sorenson’s Petition for Reconsideration and Clarification filed in the above-referenced proceeding.

Download the Consumer Groups’ opposition (PDF).

I mistakenly uploaded the incorrect file showing Sorenson’s request for reconsideration that was filed with FCC. Here it is. I look forward to your analysis.

To get you started, on page one, the filing reads:

 ”…the FCC should: (1) allow continued use of proxy numbers”

Upon seeing that Sorenson has submitted a filing for re-consideration, file your comment with FCC (easy instructions here) and sign the petition!

Here’s the original post “Sorenson Again!“

A couple of months ago, FCC issued an order prohibiting the usage of proxy or fake telephone numbers after Dec 31, 2008. Shortly after, Sorenson asked the FCC to remove this prohibition. (Download PDF Note: this PDF is the correct one)

a. Sorenson wants to keep fake numbers in closed directory
b. Sorenson wants to keep closed directory and not open their directory to every VP user
c. Sorenson does not care about this petition with over 500 signatures
d. Sorenson does not respect consumers’ demand for real 10-digit telephone numbers
e. Sorenson is not listening to consumers

Clearly, Sorenson does not care about you, the VRS consumers… they care only about themselves. You can stop Sorenson’s greed. File your comments/objections with the FCC!

Go to  http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/upload_v2.cgi

1. Proceeding – Type the numbers 03-123
2. Mail correspondence to – Click on Name
3. Name of Applicant/Petitioner – Type in your name
4. Law Firm – Leave blank
5. Attorney name – Leave blank
6. Email-id – Leave blank
7. Mailing address for Correspondence – Type in your street address
8. City – Type in your city
9. State – Type in your state
10. Zip code – Type in your zip code
11. Ex-Parte/Late filed – Leave blank
12. Document type – Click on comment
13. File number – Leave blank

Ignore “Send Comment Files to FCC (Attachments)”

Scroll down to “Send a Brief Comment to FCC” (typed in) and type your comments here.

Here are some comment suggestions you can use (pick one):

1. I support real, not proxy telephone numbers as directed in your recent Order on 10-digit numbering system.  Do not listen to Sorenson’s request to remove this requirement.

2. I support consumers who were loud and clear in their demand for real, not proxy telephone numbers.  Do not listen to Sorenson’s request to remove this requirement.

3. I do not support the practice of using closed directories and fake telephone numbers.  Please deny Sorenson’s request to allow fake numbers and closed directory.

4. Functional equivalency means real, not fake telephone numbers.  Do not let Sorenson continue with fake numbers and closed directory.

When you are finished, click on “Send Brief Comment to FCC”! Share your comments sent to FCC in the comments section below.

Finally, if you haven’t, sign the petition by clicking the below link!

A vlog circulating the internet arrived in my inbox this morning. It’s by Kelby Brick, the former NAD attorney who now is a Vice President at GoAmerica/HOVRS. Brick explains the recent FCC decision clearly in ASL.

They have the 10-digit phone number technology in place, and completed a demonstration recently. The transcriptions of the two calls are available below the vlog.

The FCC decision can be confusing so I’m welcoming any help. (Ed, where’s your series of vlogs that breaks down the decision? Looking forward to that.) Educating the community is an important part of this significant FCC order.

The vlog: Historical Calls for the Deaf Community

Still celebratin’!

P.S. The Bionic Ear Blog pressed concerns about local 10 digit telephone numbers meaning long distance charges. It’s not long distance because videophones are internet-based, comparing more closely to VoIPs than to telephones.

P.S.S. I haven’t heard from any other VRS providers regarding the groundbreaking FCC decision. If anyone knows of anything, let us know in the comments! It would be good to hear of their support.

Released on June 24, this FCC order is a milestone, representing a significant victory, for deaf consumers using videophones.

“We therefore require, consistent with the procedures set forth below, Internet-based TRS providers  to assign Internet-based TRS users NANP telephone numbers. We further require Internet-based TRS  providers to stop issuing “proxy” or “alias” numbers no later than December 31, 2008.”

Sorenson, as well as any other video relay providers, cannot give out fake numbers as they have for years, beyond 2008. If Sorenson follows the FCC order, this will mean the end of their closed directory!

FCC also requires phone number portability:

“The record is clear that the ability to port numbers (1) from one Internet-based TRS  provider to another, and (2) between Internet-based TRS providers and other entities subject to LNP (such as carriers and interconnected VoIP providers) is a priority in any numbering plan for Internet-based TRS.”

If you choose to use a different VRS provider or device, FCC requires that you be given the option to keep your assigned phone number. Providers cannot prevent you from moving your phone number to another provider.

FCC also is requiring local phone numbers:

“In the interest of functional equivalency, and consistent with the recommendations of the ATIS Report, we find that Internet-based TRS users should be assigned geographically appropriate NANP numbers, as happens today for hearing users.”

FCC recognizes that deaf videophone callers had been since denied the same service granted to hearing callers. Instead of giving 800 phone numbers, or even regional phone numbers that does not appropriately match the caller’s geographical location, VRS providers are required to hand out local phone numbers, or if a such number is not available, the number should be “reasonably close to the Internet-based TRS user’s rate center”.

Finally, FCC has struck an order requiring that E911 be supported by this new system:

“As of December 31, 2008, we require that an Internet-based TRS provider must transmit all 911 and E911 calls, as well as a call back number, the name of the relay  provider, the CA’s identification number, and the caller’s Registered Location for each call, to the PSAP, designated statewide default answering point, or appropriate local emergency authority that serves the caller’s Registered Location.”

If this order is carried out by all providers, it will be at long last functional equivalency for all deaf videophone callers!

Download FCC Order (PDF)

This is a recurring theme I receive in e-mails and comments regarding the Sorenson Boycott: “But… Sorenson gives us free videophones”. Here’s an example comment I recently received:

Sorenson spent millions developing vp for our use and we are asking someone who gave so much money into development and research to just give away the business? Come on other vrs services- develop ur own devices and compete with Sorenson. I am proud of OJO and Viables for developing their own device.. the rest of you should just be quiet and be glad for this wonderful device!

Sounds like a Sorenson employee, doesn’t it? “Keep quiet”. That’s exactly what they would love for us to do. Well, I received numerous communications along this theme so I am putting this issue at rest.

1. It was not until after the FCC approved VRS funding that Sorenson began to distribute the VP-100

Sorenson didn’t play Santa Claus and pass out videophones for charity. It was only after they saw an opportunity to make money. Good old capitalism at work, indeed, but it is not charity. Moreover, FCC funding is taxpayers’ money. Our money. It’s the government that has been kind to the deaf community.

2. Sorenson “bought” our silence

Sorenson gave away free videophones because FCC, not Sorenson, was charitable. FCC is spending millions of taxpayers’ dollars to provide to you, the deaf caller, VRS services. All while this was happening, Sorenson made millions of dollars in profit. Sorenson’s distribution of videophones was pure capitalism. Sorenson was no Santa Claus. Somehow to some people, Sorenson looks like the good guy. How can this be? At the expense of the FCC, Sorenson bought the people’s silence.

3. This petition is all about equality

As I’ve said many times, this petition is all about equality. What is available to hearing people should be equally available to deaf people. Companies should listen to consumers like us to improve their services. Sorenson should not be telling us what is good for us while making tons of money. Remember the postcard blast and the video mail recordings that was done by Sorenson last year? MANY deaf people were scared into thinking VRS would be cut off. It’s not surprising people are afraid to speak up against Sorenson at the expense of equality.

Ed Bosson wasn’t Dr. Bosson yesterday, but today he will be. Ed Bosson is being awarded a honorary doctorate degree today from Gallaudet University for his early work in Video Relay Service.

Thank you, Dr. Bosson. Thank you for VRS!

VRS changed our lives. Throughout years of hard work and persistence, one only needs to look at the VRS call centers, interpreters, devices, and improved video quality today to see what Dr. Bosson has accomplished. Without him, we wouldn’t be where we are today.

Dr. Bosson, you changed our world.

Leaders around America submitted letters asking the world’s only deaf university to consider Bosson for a doctorate degree. A honorary degree from Gallaudet University is indeed honorary. But from where did this inspiration come?

Connections. Connections otherwise not possible. Families thousands of miles apart, smiling together at their monitors. Grandparents seeing their grandchild signing their first word. Friends chatting and laughing in their natural language. Business connections empowered by VRS. Difficult opportunities became potential opportunities. Complete and mainstream access for everyone. At long last a phone for us, the deaf! Bosson, you are our Alexander Graham Bell–inventor of the deaf telephone.

Because Bosson long pushed for, and successfully obtained VRS funding by FCC, videophones have become a permanent device in our homes and a permanent part of our lives.

People magazine published an article which inaccurately implied James Sorenson as the father of VRS. But the deaf community pointed to the humble Ed Bosson. It was not until after the FCC approved VRS funding that Sorenson began to distribute the VP-100. Not again would we allow a hearing man rob the credit rightfully due to a deaf man.

Today, we again point to Bosson giving him the credit he rightfully deserves. Congratulations!

Did Dr. Bosson realize what he was building? Whether he did or not, standing on the stage at Gallaudet, he can gaze into the audience’s eyes and realize what he has built. Closer communities. Better opportunities. Improved access!

I get asked this a lot. Why petition Sorenson? Why not other companies? Aren’t they all in this? None of them are yet taking the bold step to fully commit to a solution bringing 10 digit phone numbers to videophones, so why did I choose Sorenson? I explain below.

1. It is normal to choose larger companies within an industry for a petition/boycott–for the purpose of creating the most noise or attention. They are known as “800-lb gorillas”. Unnecessarily the monopolistic company, a company is chosen based on this factor.

Apple Inc. isn’t the monopoly in the computer industry, however Greenpeace has continually picked on Apple. Greenpeace eventually admitted it grabbed the most attention. These actions have one goal: make the most impact.

What I’m trying to say is: Sorenson being the monopoly in VRS calls alone isn’t the reason entirely.

2. Larger or monopolistic companies have most impact on the industry. Industry standards need the support of the majority of players. Often, without these companies’ support, progress is either nil or slow.

It was a coincidence the petition was launched the day before Sorenson submitted their request asking for more time. Or did everyone know Sorenson would do this? It’s their past pattern. By asking for more time, other VRS companies cannot move forward (unless they work together).

Sorenson, by their monopolistic hold on the industry, is delaying the efforts of many, including FCC, consumer groups (NAD, TDI, etc) and VRS companies.

3. Sorenson reached monopolistic levels by distributing videophones. Almost everyone I know has or had a VP-100 or VP-200. Those devices are the ones that need to be changed. Under the new 10 digit telephone number system, Sorenson will need to issue a software upgrade to make it compatible. Without this change, the 10 digit telephone number system will fail.

All told, it’s lonely at the top.

I took time to create a FAQ with more answers to common questions I’ve been asked and have seen. Here’s the the FAQ link!

For some time, the Sorenson VP-100 videophone would not allow you to make VRS calls through any other VRS company. On May 10, 2006, FCC passed a mandate requiring interoperability. You may already know this.

However, I had an online conversation with a friend who is young, tech-savvy and knowledgeable about VRS. He shared that he recently discovered that he could make a VRS call using any provider on his videophone device. While I find this surprising, I don’t blame this friend. When the FCC mandate was passed, it proved difficult to communicate this change to the public.

Tell your friends and family that they can make VRS calls using any of the below providers on any device!

ATTVRS.TV

CACVRS.TV

CSDVRS.TV

HamiltonVRS.tv

HawkRelay.TV

i711.tv

tv.ipvrs.com

HOVRS.TV

LLVRS.tv

call.SnapVRS.com

SprintVRS.TV

ViableVRS.TV

That is plenty of choices. That’s all this is about: choice.

Need Instructions to dial those VRS providers with your videophone? I found some.

Remember, you can dial any VRS with any videophone!

Hello This is Tayler Mayer and I have with me an expert on 911 services. Working with various local governments and national organizations, he is knowledgable in 911 calling issues. Not only that, he is an advocate for providing effective 911 services to all deaf people. Allow me to introduce Richard Ray!

Hi! I’m Richard Ray. Today I will be discussing 911 services. There are three different types of 911 systems. They are:

1. Basic 911
2. e911
3. NG911 (Next Generation 911)

The first one, basic 911, receives calls from phones and TTYs but the 911 call center will not have the ability to automatically pull up your information, such as your address from where you are calling.

Next, callers connecting to 911 call centers that support e911 will automatically send their information to the dispatcher. This caller information includes your address and phone number.

Finally, NG911 is the latest in 911 technology and is quite advanced. We use different pagers and videophones nowadays. Using NG911 means you can call 911 centers regardless of the device; might they be regular phones, TTYs, SMS (Short Message System), e-mail, pictures and video. Pictures and video can be sent to 911 call centers, upon which the dispatcher can better assess the emergency and send appropriate teams to provide help. Using NG911, you will be able to connect directly to 911 call centers using videophones, bypassing VRS providers.

Why are videophones beneficial in the deaf community? Of course it provides the ability to communicate in our natural language. After the dispatcher recognizes that a caller is deaf, a VRI (Video Remote Interpreter) is brought into the call to translate the three way conversation.

We need to encourage and educate the community to know what NG911 is about. I also encourage you to advocate and communicate with your state and local governments, asking them to support the NG911 project. This project isn’t just for the deaf, but for all emergency callers.

This means you can call at any time, from anywhere, and from any device.

Thank you!

Tayler: That’s quite advanced technology and I want this and I’m sure you do too. The VRS and IP Relay service industry needs to work together to agree on something and move forward to make their systems compatible with current 911 services. When the 911 service upgrades to the new technology, NG911, the VRS companies will be ready to provide smooth communication access to emergency services for all!

Read more about NG911