Multiple VRS Providers on ONE VP Permitted
16 02 2009All..
This is another series on LN.
Let’s say you have one VP – oh let’s use VP-200 as an example because that is the VP majority of VRS users use. You decide to have SorensonVRS as your default provider. Can you call other VRS providers with VP-200? Absolutely! Just add other VRS providers to the address book. That is one rule from the relay regulation.
Same thing for any other VP. Let’s say you decide to use Z-150 (CSDVRS) as your default provider, you can add other VRS providers to the address book of Z-150.
Keep in mind that if you give the LN from default provider to businesses, relatives, hearing or deaf/hoh friends, any incoming calls will come through the default provider.
Be aware that if you make an emergency call, use your default VRS provider to call for emergency assistance. Why? Because the system is set up where default provider will be able to get your info immediately and share with emergency dispatcher. If you call for emergency assistance to a non-default VRS provider, video interpreter will have to ask you lot of questions to find out where and who you are. Takes longer.
Tip: One way to get around to this problem is to get LN from ALL of VRS providers that distributes video phones; that way, all of them will have access to your important data immediately. See my previous email on "multiple default LN and VRS Providers".
eyes open & thumbs up,
Ed B
Hello
About 911 if I used it from address book via Sorenson, Hovrs or Sprint Relay. Are they as default? I am not sure what default means.
Thanks
I am a bit confused. Perhaps mistakenly, I was always under the impression that once a VRS provider gives you a ten-digit number for a certain VP, that makes it the default provider? If so, how can a VP have more than one number?
I am not sure that the providers would be happy with the possibility of paying for numbers that may not be used at all.
Another issue that will greatly impact about 80% of VRS users are the rumors/assumptions that once a VP by Sorenson is used by another provider after a porting, Sorenson will disable all non-minimum requirements-related VP features. Is that true? Also, is that permissible?
Jackie,
Let’s say you have SorensonVRS as your default provider. It means SVRS will be able to process emergency calls for you and the emergency dispatcher will be able to know important info on you. Now if you add HOVRS, CSDVRS, etc. to address book, they are not “default” providers. You can call them for VRS for any reason if you prefer.
Is this bit clearer?
Ed
C,
Good questions. First of all ten digit phone number from a VRS provider; yes, this makes it your default provider. The funny thing is you can get ten digit phone number from EACH VRS providers that distribute VP if you wish. It is possible to have “5 default VRS Providers”. I agree with you that if a person have more than one LN, there will be LNs that are not used.
As for having several LN with ONE VP. That is altogether different issue which I will do vlog in the near future.
Finally, on your last question. Yes, that is true if I understand the relay regulations right. VRS providers can remove all the features except possibly two features: one ability to call, and maybe address book (this one is not clear yet).
Ed
Ed:
I have a question to ask you regarding to the emergency call – “911″
Supposedly I need to call 911 right away but the major problem is that I have to wait til the VI operator is on my screen before I make a call…
How long will it take?? Maybe it would be too late!
How will you or FCC committee solve this problem we deafies might face in the near future???
It is similar problem I had while I used TTY in the past… What did I do? I had to run to my hearing neighbor to make call for me and get the service faster than TTY and even VP – believe me!! It happened to me more than 4 times while I lived in Arkansas…
Now I’m living in MD, I do sincerely hope it wont happen to me while my niece is at work or somewhere when arising situation that needed to get faster such as ambulance, fire truck or police……..
May,
Supposedly any deaf/hoh who dials 9-1-1, will be put on very first on queue. This is required by the relay regulations. I guess if you have a very high speed broadband Internet, then may be less of a problem?
I am sure we will find out over the time how well emergency procedure works in the VRS industry.
Ed
“Tip: One way to get around to this problem is to get LN from ALL of VRS providers that distributes video phones; that way, all of them will have access to your important data immediately. See my previous email on “multiple default LN and VRS Providers” This a good tip Ed!!
I got multiple LN from diffrent VRS providers. Here’s a fun sugguestion, for your important calls, Doctors, lawyers, SS office, etc., give em a LN of your most prefered VRS. While give the other numbers to your lease important calls. This way you’ll track if your call was important or not.
Now there is a catch on muti LN provided by VRS. One must maintain a current information for E911 porpose. Which means when ya move dont forget to call all em providers you received a LN and tell em your change of address.
Another tip I must add, for deaf to deaf vp callers share your LN instead of your proxy numbers. This way any VP can contact you directly.
I want to know if I bring vp 200 to another town or out of state. It will work with vp 200 travel with us?
I see what you talk about other vp. I have not get anything yet only vp 200.
thanks
JH,
If you move to another place, yes will work. If you travel, this may not be easy to do. VP-200 is not made for travel.
There are other VP that are made for travel; check them out.
Ed
Never mind the several LN with one VP, I want ONE LN with several VPs!
If I have a Ojo in my office, a VP-200 in my living room, and a VPAD in my bedroom. I would like them all to ring once my LN’s been dialed.
Hearing folks got multiple phones in several rooms and they all will ring with a single number. This may happen in 5-10 years. sigh.
Steven,
Yes, that is an ideal. But you are right, not likely to happen soon. Again, to argue “functional equivalence”, you should get three vp-200, or three ojo, or three vpad instead of having several different VPs from each provider. That should work.
I understand two VRS provider may allow that; you can purchase additional VPs of the same product to do that.
Ed