The FCC Rule & Order for TN and Emergency Access

25 06 2008

All..
The FCC has finally released a long awaited Rule and Order (R&O) regarding ten-digit telephone number – real telephone numbers, not proxy or aliases – will be assigned to VRS and IP users.   Purpose of this real TN is to make it possible for VRS and IP Users call an emergency call and the system will automatically identify the VRS or IP user who they are and where they are. Just like landline phone.  
Here is the link.  
The R&O is over 160 pages long. So I will try to have series of Vlogs to explain what the R&O is all about.
I’ll start with the obvious…and I know many of you are curious which of the proposals won out.   NeuStar with its TRU (Telephone Number for Relay User) proposal,   Joint Proposal -AT&T, HOVRS, GoAmerica, and Dash – with its ORD (Open Relay Database) proposal, and CSDVRS with its ONS (One Number System) proposal. Which of the proposals won out?    
Ferocious lobbying to the FCC Commissioners and Staff were done by many people and companies; there were lobbying efforts to deaf/hoh Mover and Shakers as well.   In the end, it is the majority of deaf/hoh who has indicated the wish for least resistance, least number of changes, and most seamless system to accommodate future upgrades be the ideal system. So the FCC listened and chose ORD as the basic building system to build from.   Congratulations to the Join Proposal team for coming up with a proposal that ultimately should be a win-win solution. 
As you know I’ve flip-flopped between TRU and ORD, but with inclination towards ORD.   The R&O from the FCC helped put weigh on ORD and so I’m now solidly behind ORD.  
Be on the lookout for subsequent Vlogs that will expand on some of the issues that will impact you all. So far what I’ve read are exciting changes. If you can’t wait, go ahead and read 160 pages and be enlighten and realize that functional equivalence concept is bit truer with the R&O.
eyes open & thumbs up,
Ed B
Comments : 25 Comments »
Categories : Alerts, FCC Issues, VRS, Vlogs

Verizon’s Hands Slapped

24 06 2008

All..

Not related to relay service, but to consumer’s choices and access to proprietary data by telephone companies to get hold of previous subscribers who changed to a new provider.  

FCC Scolds Verizon

I found the article intriguing cuz I can see the same thing happening in Internet-based relay service industry where VRS or IP providers may access their customer database and reach out to these past subscribers or those who do not use their services much.  In fact, it happened to me.  I got a call from one VRS provider asking me to change over to their 800 phone number.  I told the person I prefer to stay with the same VRS provider.   Later, I realized where did that person get the vp nbr to reach me?  I used to have that VRS provider, but I changed to my current VRS provider.   hmmmm and tut tut…

Also the article is interesting that two democrat and two republician voted against FCC Chair Martin.  Unusual to see that.   

Read on and muse…

eyes open & thumbs up,

Ed B

Comments : 6 Comments »
Categories : Alerts, Digress to Other Issues, FCC Issues

Do-Not-Fax-Register

24 06 2008

All..

My first and really only mentor of relay service – way back in 1989 – suggested a link that she felt y’all would appreciate knowing and I agree.

Do-Not-Fax-Register    This is good link to read up on junk fax and good info exactly what you need to do and all that. 

Junk Fax Complaint Form   This is a form to fill out to complain about junk fax you get. 

eyes open & thumbs up,

Ed B

Comments : 3 Comments »
Categories : Alerts, Digress to Other Issues

Do-Not-Call-Register

24 06 2008

All..

This bears worth repeating as I get emails and video calls every so often asking for the information on do-not-call registry.  I saw this article and thought worth sharing with y’all.  It contains a phone number for deaf/hoh.  Easier to use Internet, though.   Article mentions that just because one is on the do-not-call-list does not guarantee 100% blockage of telemarketers.  

Do-Not-Call Article

Ed B

Comments : No Comments »
Categories : Alerts, Digress to Other Issues

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