Ed’s Telecom Alert

All..

It seems that the VRS/VRI in England ended because of lack of funds.  They had been depending on charity to process VRS calls, but the charity funds have run out.   They call VRS "SignTalk".

VRS Ends In England

Comments made by UK folks clearly showed how valuable SignTalk had been.  

I sincerely hope that UK Government will take action and help these UK deaf folks get their VRS up and running.  

eyes open & thumbs up,

Ed

All..

Six highly influental organizations got together and submitted a Reply Comments to the VRS Rates that the FCC released not too long time ago.  These six organizations are: TDI, NAD, CCASDHH, HLAA, and ALDA (if you want to know who they are, click the link). 

Nat’l Orgs Responds to VRS Rates

Basically they are saying freeze the reimbursement rate of VRS until a better mousetrap of methodology of figuring out the cost can be made.  Here are some of the reasons why:

• freeze the rates until all issues of figuring out fair reimbursement rates are made
• felt the current computing of reimbursement rates are flawed
• Interstate TRS Fund Council should assume more evaluation responsibility; i.e. be able to review proprietary data and cost breakdowns so they can appropriately advise Commission
• that reimbursement rates cover all reasonable costs including outreach/marketing of generic and brand names as well as R&D to enhance VRS
• at the same time, not to hand in a blank check to VRS providers

These are valid concerns. 

Note of information.  Only the NECA and the FCC know the actual cost breakdowns.  The Interstate TRS Fund Council are not privileged to see such important cost breakdowns.    Also, only the VRS providers provide the cost breakdown to the NECA/FCC.  

All the hulaboo was from VRS providers complaining of the reimbursement rates being reduced so apparently these organizations VRS users listened to the VRS providers and wrote these comments.   I wanted this point to be clear to the Alert Readers.  It was not from the actual review of cost breakdowns that the organizations determined the methodology was flawed. It was from VRS Providers saying so. 

That said, I do, however, agree VERY STRONGLY that the Interstate TRS Fund Council be given authority to review proprietary data.   I’ve been member of this Council for many years and often wished for that.   It would help the Council be in position to advise Commission more articulately.

eyes open & thumbs up,

Ed
RT Admin.