I think that with the new Rule & Order, the TN that is compatible with VRS/Video conference will be kept at two places: one at the central database service (contracted by the FCC) where all VRS providers have access to, and one at the preferred (chosen by VRS user) VRS provider. It won’t be in 800’s. It will be in your area code plus 7 digit phone number.

So if you chose CAC as your preferred VRS provider, the TN will be kept at the CAC server. If you chose SorensonVRS as your preferred VRS provider, then the TN will be kept at the SorensonVRS server.

Clear as mud? ;-]

eyes open & thumbs up,

Ed B

I will check this out. If correct, then I stand corrected. Thanks for the info. This, of course, is still limited to Sorenson’s vp, and not be able to call to other non-sorenson vp products, right?

Ed B

Let me correct you in that SorensonVRS 800 number works both ways.
* You can give your 800 number for hearing to call you through SorensonVRS
* You can give your 800 number to deaf friends to call you point-to-point.
* Still, your original VP # still works point-to-point, if desired.

Again, works both ways hearing/deaf with 800 number. Try it. Smile.

DA

Right. SorensonVRS has a 800 number for hearing person to call deaf person and thus do not need “cumbersome” two TN. You can’t give that 800 to deaf person to call you, though. So that means u need to give to deaf person ur proxy number and the 800 number to hearing person.

With the new TN that is coming up in Dec 2008. You will be able to give just one TN (same number) to both deaf and hearing person. Hearing person will call you and automatically connect to VRS of your choice; and deaf call you and connect directly to you. Nice!

eyes open & thumbs up,

Ed B

I talked with Ron B who you know is VP at Sorenson at length about the 800 number - he was quite very clear that the 800 is for hearing persons to use to call us instead of cumbersome 2 TNs.

As for the relay providers to provide the TNs - it is all but Sorenson who have to change from IP addresses to TNs. I do have MY real TN already. It’s the same the LECs assigned you for your hearing children, spouses, etc.

Even more so, FCC is requiring relay service users to register with their preferred VRS. No more choices, just like the hearing counterparts have to with their phone companies, partially to try to put an end to IP relay fraud.

Also FCC requires that those VRS to have 911 and e911 connection systems in place asap.

Ed - you need to explain to those the difference of 911 and e911
(911, you have to have your address and phone number ready, while e911 you are already registered with the local 911.) Large cities usually have e911 but they need to know that you are deaf and use VRS or IP relay so they can have the important information in their databanks for quick response.

And to that David about 800, you will have to choose one VRS as your primary service provider. FCC is asking for comments about the alternative provider in case of emergency.

to Troy, my mother has no problem contacting to get through every time. Even when I wasn’t home, she knew to leave a SignMail message for me.

All VRS providers have read the Rule and Order so they are aware of the regulation. I think that 800 is one of the Further Notice list which means the FCC is asking for opinions on 800. Let me double check and will get back to y’all either via this or vlog. OK?

Ed

Also when I try to register via Internet and the form ask for home number, I put down 800 nbr, and it rejects it - grrrrrr…

Ed