Ed’s Telecom Alert

All..

Texas Public Utility Commission along with Sprint Relay is proud to announce a still another FIRST in Relay Texas.    

Before I tell you what it is, here is the rationale.  I’ve received feedback from persons with speech disabilities that it often is difficult to make a 7-1-1 call.  The issue is that sometimes relay agent does not understand what he/she wants which is just to transfer the relay call to Speech-to-Speech (STS) service or relay agent simply hang up thinking it is a prank call or STS user wait forever to finally get transferred and connected to STS service.  

In checking with Father of STS, Dr Bob Segelman, he suggested why not add an option to the 7-1-1 where a person with speech disability simply have to hit one number and be routed directly to the STS center.    Well, I checked with Sprint Relay and they said can be done.    A few weeks ago Sprint Relay with TPUC’s blessing went ahead and changed 7-1-1 to add the STS option.  

For those of you who can’t hear, the new 7-1-1 message goes like this:

 "You have reached Relay Texas

Press 1 to place a relay call

Press 2 for a speech to speech relay call"

Approx after 10 seconds or so of no action, TTY message from relay agent automatically pick up.

I wanted to mention that TPUC fully appreciates Sprint Relay for not charging for this wonderful service. 

eyes open & thumbs up,

Ed B
RT Admin

Texans who live in or near Corpus Christi, Texas,

On April 14th, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM, Sprint Relay and Texas PUC will have a Town Hall meeting in Corpus Christi.  THM will be held at

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center
5151 McArdle
Corpus Christi, TX  78411

You will meet Robert "RG" Giuntoli from Sprint Relay and Ed Bosson, Relay TX Administrator with TX Public Utility Commission.   The purpose of this is just to share with you what’s happening with Relay Service on state and federal level.  We especially want to hear your feedback about anything you wish to talk about. Compliments or gripes, all remarks are encouraged.

Free PIZZA and beverages will be served.  

We’ve had several town hall meetings; we try for 5 town hall meetings per year.  Spread the word and let us have some fun and learn a few things from each other!

eyes open & thumbs up,

Ed B
RT Admin

All

CEO of GoAmerica, Dan Luis, wrote a letter to CEO of SorensonVRS, Pat Nola, to urge Sorenson’s assistance to collaborate in toto with all other VRS providers to push for one technology solution for Uniform Numbering and 911 Emergency Service as soon as possible. 

Remember that GA bought Verizon IP and Relay Service as well as HOVRS.  So that means GA now is a major player in the world of TRS.  

Click to the link and read this public letter (this letter was in several websites).   Basically GA is saying that now GA is involved in VRS as well as Relay Service, that they would like to try and colloborate with Sorenson to reach common goals that are desired by the VRS/Relay Users. 

GoAmerica Letter to Sorenson

GoAmerica deserves a round of flying hands up in the air for writing this letter.   

I know I speak for everyone that we want to see Uniform Numbering implemented as soon as humanly possible and to have access to emergency services where they would instantly recognize who and where the person is calling from.  I just learned that Sorenson responded to the GoAmerica Letter.   I hope someone will post the letter or let me know of a link so I can post for y’all to read.  

eyes open & thumbs up,

Ed Bosson
RT Administrator