Comments on: Ex-FCC Chair Martin Defends His Actions

By: edsalert

edsalert — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 21:43:28 +0000

David et others,

Thanks to Jeff for finding an url addy for the Martin’s letter, I now have the link a-working…

eyes open & thumbs up,

By: David Pierce

David Pierce — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:23:56 +0000

The link doesn’t seem to be working. Please check it.

By: edsalert

edsalert — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 01:04:06 +0000

Jane,

Eek is right! Quite a few state relay administrators share same concerns as yours. The Number Order is now required, but VRS providers have yet to meet all the specified requirements. So while the VRS Industry, FCC and NeuStar work things out, we have a reprieve…but for how long?

Yes, Deaf/HOH need to be alert and take appropriate actions to ensure that the rights and assets of various funding sources are protected for the Deaf/HOH.

eyes open & thumbs up,

By: jane knojk-II

jane knojk-II — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 23:08:50 +0000

Ed, thanks for sharing this.

In New Mexico, SB 79 was introduced yesterday (01/21/2009). That bill will raid the NM TRS fund and transfer $8 million dollars to the general fund. That money built up in the fund because Deaf/deaf are not using local TTY relay.

The BIG problem is – we can see from Martin’s response to the Majority Staff report – things are about to change. Now that we have local numbering, the FCC and NECA can stop funding VRS and give it back to the states.

States will need lots of start up money. In New Mexico, we need to get reliable affordable broadband out to Deaf/deaf living in rural areas and subsidize broadband for that portion of Deaf/deaf living in poverty in the cities.

When the NM legislature takes away the $8 million already in the fund and when the FCC hands off VRS to the states, we may lose access to VRS services in New Mexico!

Eek! Time for the Deaf/deaf community to pay attention to their local state TRS funds!!!

(jk-II)