That is what R&O calls “Porting”. Ability to transfer same TN (telephone number) to a different provider. The answer is YES. I think there may be exceptions like when you move from California to New York, then may need to change TN.

So now u don’t need to wonder anymore ;-]

eyes open & thumbs up,

Ed B

After reading the blog/vlog here and not having a chance to read the detailed R&O, I am wondering if once I have the “real” 10 digits number from a VRS and that later in time I end up not completely satisfied with the first VRS, is it possible to transfer the number to different VRS, just like cell phone users do transfer their cell phone number from old cell phone provider to the new one?

Just wondering . . .
MG

Good question. I don’t know the answer to that. Presumably we’ll find out when companies/people/etc comments to the Rule and Order on Number System and maybe we’ll get an insight and find the answer to ur question.

Ed

When u say u have “real number” – I assume u got that from a local telephone company. I do not fully understand all the technical issues regarding central number database that the FCC will select; the way I understood it, yes it does look like u will need to get another TN from VRS providers if u chose to have one for VP and one for voice/TTY (for hearing spouse/kids/whatever).

Ed

I have real number, so do I have to have another real number?

You’re right about “huge” R&O. Lot of issues there. ;-]

Remember that all the TNs we now get from VRS providers (Sorenson, CSDVRS, GoAmerica and SnapVRS) are proxy/alias numbers. The promised TN by Dec 2008 will be real TN where all carriers – supposedly – will recognize and be able to process.

Glad u had positive experience with Sorenson’s 911. The fact is that it is not “automatic” like landline which is what the FCC wants. Only a real TN will make it possible.

On Registration – the FCC is requiring all VRS and IP users to register to get the TN. FCC is also asking for comments on verificaiton procedure – and hinted that best to leave it up to the VRS and IP providers to determine that, but did say VRS and IP providers need to be very sure that the TN given to the VRS or IP users are the legit users, not not a scammer. This one is gonna be interesting and a real challenge for VRS and IP providers. A couple VRS providers have told me that it is “impossible” to have a foolproof verification procedure. Being eternally optimist, I think it is possible to get at least 95% and that would greatly minimize scammed relay calls. We’ll see how all this plays out.

Glad to see you reading the R&O, not an entertainment to do that ;-] Kudos to you for doing that, sir.

eyes open & thumbs up,

Ed B

I included the comments from the Commissioners as well. ;-] I looked at the content and it said 160 pages so I took it literally.

Ed