Thanks for this note. In face, I am trying out a new video editor. I will try to mute the buzzing sounds.

Ed

I understand that the cost of 800/866 numbers given to VRS users are NOT reimbursable by Interstate TRS Fund, so that means VRS providers absorb the cost. Cost for regionalized area code numbers, on other hand, are reimbursable.

As for huge difference between two, I don’t know. I believe that regionalized area code phone number (not 800/866) are one time charge, and 800/866 are based on a monthly fee plus minute of use.

eyes open & thumbs up,

Ed

I don’t know the answer to that question and I’m assuming that if the FCC approves the 800/866 as real number and compatible with number database service system, then should be ok.

As for brochure, I noticed two VRS providers (probably more but I haven’t seen them) using website to explain the whole system.

eyes open & thumbs up,

Ed

That $24 is just an example. Yes, not all VoIP providers charge the same way.

On Reverse 9-1-1. It is one VI per call. The Reverse 9-1-1 is done in voice. So with the new ten digit ph nbr, it will get to any VRS providers that deaf/hoh have chosen as default VRS provider. So let’s assume New Orleans is hit by hurricane and there were, I’m guessing, 500 deaf/hoh whose pn nbrs will go to VRS providers from NO. It would mean 500 video interpreters (could be from any of 14 VRS providers) would be tied up by this reverse emergency broadcast. If that being the case, maybe not a problem. If it is large scale - like germ warfare over several states, and reverse 9-1-1 is used, then it could be a problem especially if over, say, 5K. However, I think Reverse 9-1-1 does not do it all at once. I think it is divided into time periods as not to overwhelm the telephone system. So presumably this will allow distribution of reverse calls over period of time and hopefully enough video interpreters to cover all calls.

eyes open & thumbs up,

Ed

I’m curious, do you know what the cost is to a company to pay for a 10digit telephone number vs an #800 nbr? Bec regardless of what may appear “free” to the consumer, I’m curious what companies bill the TRS Fund for reimbursement? Is there a huge difference btwn the two?

If a deaf person has a business and has been using an 800/866 number, would that be blocked from use once TN starts?

I could really use a brochure that explains how to choose options available for deaf business owners. Anybody willing to write one?

- you mentioned flat fee of $24 for VoIP - making it sound like all VoIP plans has that plan’s fee, is that right ? I would have thought every VoIP had different plans.

- Reverse 911
It sounds like the dispatcher would make single call which gets broadcasted to every telephones in that area code. how will this work with VRS - if they call 504, will VRS be able to do a single interpreter video stream broadcasted to multiple VP users ? Or is VRS going have to get one interpreter per VP user ? I would; think this could be a problem if an area has large number of VP users, and there are not enough or less # of interpreters ?

The question is will number database service provider also process 800/866 where the numbers will be recognized by all other telephone networks as well? I know a few VRS providers provide “real” 800/866 numbers and “proxy” 800/866 numbers. You want to avoid the proxy ones. How do you know if you have real or proxy, ask your VRS provider who provided that nbrs to you.

eyes open & thumbs up,

Ed

Good comments. That helps a lot.

However, I am still a bit concerned about hearing people getting a relay call (maybe from someone they know) and then having charges show up on their bill when they don’t expect it. If that happens often then it will create a bad reputation for relay calls and will come back to bite us.

I wonder if there is some way to know if there will be a charge for the call - can the relay agent tell you that or will the hearing person be totally responsible. I can see this creating a lot of misunderstanding.

David