RESOLVED! Thanks to Persistent James..
29 09 2008All..
Check this website out. Basically, James Northcutt had problem with "interoperability" between SNAPVRS and HOVRS. He wanted to use OJO, but use HOVRS as the preferred VRS provider. When HOVRS put in new platform, then problem started. James persistently addressed this problem with both VRS providers and contacted the FCC on this.
James, to his delight, just announced that this is now fixed. He can give his "Purple Number" to any hearing persons, and get video calls or video mail through OJO.
I would say credit goes to all involved parties: Kelby Brick (HOVRS), Jeff Rosen (SNAPVRS), and James Northcutt (consumer). What I find intriguing is all of them are deaf.
eyes open & thumbs up,
Ed B
PS: whole thing took about 5 months.
Wow, 5 months. That’s persistent.
That’s very encouraging, but also discouraging in another way. Do we have full access to all VRS from any device, or must we commit to only one provider?
What if a technical problem occurs that keeps one VRS from providing service, but another is available? This happens frequently with IP Relay providers, so I frequently change providers.
Is there going to be a time in the future where all 10 digit numbers will work with all VRS providers?
Damn … he stopped short of telling what made it work.
Dainrez,
This issue is about incoming calls generated by hearing persons. Obviously, one cannot have one number for all VRS provider - one gotta choose one. Hearing person would not want to get a phone number and then a message comes up and says you have a choice of 14 VRS providers to pick - what if he or she picks one you don’t like?
If you discover you don’t like the default VRS provider (the one you had chosen in the beginning), you can simply change to another VRS provider but keep the same phone number.
Is that what you’re talking about?
Cheers…
Ed
I wish that they would do the same for me! I purchased an Ojo from Snap almost a year ago and they still haven’t given me the interoperability download. Actually, it was interoperable when I unboxed the Ojo, then a few days later they purposefully changed the software so that it was NOT interoperable. I have videos showing pre-post interoperability software change by Snap on my website. http://www.darylcrouse.com
Ed, partially. My question was about what it involves to switch to another VRS provider…just call them? Or does one have to register and all that, and inform the other provider that you are no longer using them?
Ed - Thank you for the Alert posting of my message.
Dianrez…as this 10 numbering system will be new, if I am correct, what you probably will do is call one of your preference VRS provider and give them your “same” 10 number digit that you used previously. The VRS provider will just possibility “add” that number into their system. I do not think we need to go through the “hassle” of registering urself into the required system of theirs. I could possibility be wrong again this is a new method for all of us and after December 31, 2008, we will find out.
Another thing came into play of this new 10 number system in which I tried it out with HOVRS to call one of my family member out of state to test call me on this, they were concern of long distance call if using this new TN (ten numbers) because they have to add a 1 for long distance call per their listening to their phones. I assure them this should not be a long distance charged from them. Kelby Brick (GoAmerica) did a vlog recently telling us all no long distance charges. I could not recall if it is for us calling out only or if it is BOTH calling out and then incoming calla as well. Perhaps Kelby Brick or Jeff Rosen (SNAPVRS) can clarify us here on this posting. Maybe ED may know more. ED - you mind share in if you know of this Incoming call long distance charges?
Thanks!
Dianrez and Jncutt,
James got it right with one small clarification. For first time, yes will have to go thru the hassle of registering and confessing your life facts; this is one-time registration. Thereafter - supposedly - if you don’t like the preferred VRS provider, one only needs to call another VRS provider to change. I think there will be some minimal verification questions to make sure you are not calling to change another person’s profile.
I would not want someone to call my preferred VRS provider on the pretense that he or she is me, and changing to another VRS provider. I would want any VRS provider do a verification check to make sure the person calling is who he or she is.
Ed
James,
To answer your second question. I am assuming that TRS regulation apply to VRS and IP relay services. If that is the case, then any incoming calls that are outside of the local area and do not have a package that includes long distance calls, then long distance calls charges will apply.
Unless, of course, VRS or IP provider “absorb” the cost of incoming long distance charges. VRS providers, care to enlighten us?
Ed