Ed’s Telecom Alert

All..

It seems that the old position I have with Texas PUC is now available again.  Only after a very brief time with Texas PUC, Robert Giuntoli has gone on to a greener field and now is working for SorensonVRS as a regional VP installation manager of three states: Texas, Ark, and Okla.   Congrats to RG.

Click to this link to get full description of the Relay Texas Administrator position.  

RT Administrator Position

The range of salary is $4,590.00 and $5,834.00 - salary commensurate with qualifications.

Texas would not lead the nation on many "firsts" if not for wonderful administrative support of the TPUC and its Commissioners and willing to let me explore options for Relay Texas (when I worked for TPUC).  One, however, does have to work within government regulations.   Not always easy to do that - but I say that once one understand the check and balances of a government agency and learn to work within the system, one can go far. 

So good luck to those applicants who may want to take a bold move and apply for the prestigious Relay Texas Administrator position.  

eyes open & thumbs up,

Ed B

All..

Looks like Obama is now considering candidates for the FCC Commissioners positions; I believe two will be vacant; that is, assuming Martin the Chair is not willing to step down to regular Commissioner, so that would give Obama two choices (my opinion on the Martin).  Check out the link..

Obama’s Choices

eyes open & thumbs up,

Ed

 All..

On this one I will remain neutral.  This one is really critical because it has a far-reaching impact on what VRS providers can and cannot do.

When the FCC ruled that TRS providers (actually specifically VRS providers) are not allowed to use Call Database - of which folks sign in to get video phone and Video Relay Service - for any reason whatsoever other than for the purpose of relaying calls.  Meaning that the VRS providers cannot dip into Call Database, get the names and addresses, and then mail or email or call VRS users of a political issue and encourage them to send protests (via postcard, email, snail mail, or fax).

Also, another issue of the FCC rule is that providers are not allowed to use federal fund for political and lobbying purposes.

Well, SorensonVRS and GoAmerica challenged that ruling to the FCC at first.   Then the FCC responded that the rules stand.  Then SorensonVRS and GoAmerican decided to bring them up to the federal court. Both SVRS and GA are Petitioners (that is, they filed a petition with federal court) of which the FCC became the Respondents (the party that must show up at the federal court to defend its ruling).   GA’s petition was filed in a different federal district but this case is being heard in the Tenth District where SVRS filed its petition at, presumely, because Sorenson filed the petition before GA did.   GA is  considered as an "Interventor" because the issues raised in GA’s petition filed in a different district court are similar to the issues raised in SVRS’ petition filed against the FCC.

The link shows that the federal court has decided to temporarily grant Petitioners’ request for "stay" of the FCC rules which means the rules are not to be "activated" for now;  that SorensonVRS and GoAmerica and the FCC will have to fight it out in a federal court.   One that stood out in this order is that the court basically agreed with Petitioners’ argument that TRS compensation is equivalent to a paycheck where the FCC should not care to know how providers spend the compensation they received from the Interstate TRS Fund the same way your employer should not know how you spend your paycheck.  That is an entirely a new analysis.  An oral argument is going to take place within a few months.

It is an eye opener and one to watch carefully and closely.  It appears the court date is next year.   The implications of the ultimate decision will be enormous. 

Federal Order

eyes open & thumbs up,

Ed B