All..
Sad testimony to how low people can go to and do not care about the consequences of such nefarious actions. I do not know how long this link will hold.
How to do Prank Calls Via Internet Relay
eyes closed and thumbs down,
Ed
All..
These days, I get complaints from VRS users on various VRS Providers. I know other state relay administrators receive same complaints. According to the federal rule, states do not have jursdiction over VRS providers as they are fully funded by Interstate TRS Fund (federal). What I have done is listen and ask if they have complained directly to the VRS providers. Lot of them have not, so I encourage them to do so. Those who already have complained, but got no where – I would try to "represent" them and contact VRS providers. Usually at this point the problem(s) are resolved. Suppose that did not work, the logical step would be to complain to the FCC. It is best if it came directly from you to send complaint to the FCC.
I copied and pasted from the FCC website on how to file complaint regarding VRS provider(s). Remember, the more details you provide, the better the chances for the FCC to take up investigation. Just to say "I waited forever for [bleep] VRS to respond" will not help nor will this "Video Interpreter I got was awful". Remember it is the details that will catch the FCC’s eyes.
Of course, any Relay Texas issues, you should first contact Sprint Relay, failing that, let me know as I’m Relay Texas Administrator. If you’re not happy with me, then u can report to the FCC and ask them do away with my head (kidding, of course).
eyes open & thumbs up,
Ed
RT Admin.
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How to File a Complaint
If you believe a provider is violating the FCC’s rules or you think you’ve been subject to any improper practice regarding TRS or VRS, you can file a complaint with the FCC.
Include your name, address, a telephone or TTY number where you can be reached during the business day, and the name of the provider involved with your complaint. You should also provide as much of the following information as possible:
an explanation of the circumstances leading to your complaint;
the names and telephone numbers of the provider’s employees that you notified in an effort to resolve your complaint;
the dates that you communicated with these employees; and
any other information that would help the FCC to process your complaint.
To file your complaint electronically, go to www.fcc.gov/cgb/complaints.html. You can also file your complaint with our Consumer Center by e-mail: fccinfo@fcc.gov; telephone: 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) voice, 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) TTY; fax: 1-866-418-0232; or mail to:
Federal Communications Commission
Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau
Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division
445 12th St., SW
Washington, DC 20554.
All..
Remember that a few weeks ago I posted an alert on issues regarding the practice of VRS provider forcing Video Interpreters to sign a non-compete clause where if they resign or be fired or for whatever reason no longer works for that VRS provider cannot work for another VRS providers for period of one year.
Well, here it is again. This time it is a group of VRS providers that filed petition against Sorenson for the practice of forcing Video Interpreters sign non-compete agreement.
Petition by VRS Providers on Non-Compete Clause
Basically the petitioners (5 VRS providers) claim that there are several factors that show why this practice should be discontinued.
The Petition lists several examples such as: when an Interpreter gets a VI position, it is based on his/her prior training in interpreting as opposed to VRS provider the one that trains the person how to be an interpreter therefore the training of interpreter was not as result of that VRS provider; or the fact there are no proprietary information that VI gets hands on such as video codec, technical innovations, etc. It also cites past court decisions on what is appropriate and what is not appropriate for non-compete agreements.
It also mentions that if for some reason Sorenson has to do Reduction In Force (RIF) maybe because other VRS providers come out with better video product, or some features that causes RIF of VIs, and because of the non-compete agreement, RIFed Interpreters would not be able to work for other VRS providers – it went on to explain how it can cause VRS providers fail to meet required answer speed.
There are more. Even though there are 83 pages, I strongly suggest y’all to read this – especially Interpreters.
eyes open & thumbs up,
Ed
RT Admin.
All..
More relay providers making comments. Hamilton Relay still maintain its MARS methodology as being the best, and Verizon basically says to freeze the rate until rate methodology is resolved.
eyes open & thumbs up,
Ed
RT Admin
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TRS
Comments, CG Docket No. 03-123
05/16/07 – The following additional comments have been filed in response to the Commission’s May 2, 2007 Public Notice seeking comment on the annual payment and fund size estimate for the Interstate TRS Fund.
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