Ed’s Telecom Alert

All..

I think it is high time to slack off on pointing fingers. Please read the POLICY tab on edsalert. The purpose of posting the warrants to focus on the nefarious practices. Clearly that has been done. However, frayed emotions are starting to creep up and I want to stop that. I do not want any hard feelings. Purpose of edsalert is to inform and alert folks – not to start a war.

Most of commentators did superb job and a few were probably out of line.

New policy will now be in place. If anyone that posts does not have valid email address, I will not approve it. I get too many posts that are inflammatory and no valid email (fake, anonymous, etc). Any accusations and naming names I may block or delete them as well. So a few may get thru because of past approval now may get deleted. I plan to go thru comments again, and if I see any obvious inflammatory comments, I may delete them.

That aside, now I want to address some concerns. When I became part of VRS industry, I did struggle with the question of maintaining edsalert. So I asked lot of people; from grassroots to savvy technies to politicians and even asked a few VRS providers. I even asked a couple federal agencies. Most of them said “..don’t stop – continue..” or “..if not you, who can do this kind of stuff?” Latter was nice compliment, but that was not the decision making why. Quite a few said something like this: that edsalert has made tremendous impact and helped educate many people on what is happening in the confusing world of TRS regulations. That was the decision making factor for me to continue.

So I analyzed myself. Will I change? No; by that I mean ethics, try to be honest, upfront, etc – I intend to continue that. When my three partners and I discussed becoming partners, I said I will join on a few conditions: the company cannot practice any unethical and illegal practices. That the company serves only deaf/hoh, not to manufacture minutes. These conditions were readily embraced by my partners.

So when I do edsalert, really..it is status quo. I haven’t changed. That said, you all should never lose the sight that I am after all now in VRS world. I intend to keep this upfront.

Now I know a few of you disagree with me strongly. I respect that. There may come to a point where I may need to forego edsalet. I don’t think this moment has come yet – because I still get hundreds of private emails encouraging me to continue. Please continue to let me know how you feel – either way; just send to ed@edsalert.com

Thank you for your consideration.

eyes open & thumbs up,

Ed

All…

This is for folks who may have an inside information of whatever is happening in the VRS industry of wrong doings.

The FCC OIG has asked that I provide you the following information: The FCC OIG would appreciate any information anyone with first-hand, personal knowledge about the practices described in the FBI Warrants and Warning Alert (and in comments on this Alert) could provide. If you are willing to provide such first-hand information, you should contact the OIG Hotline at (888) 863-2244 or hotline@fcc.gov.

I strongly suggest you do that! It is high time to clean up the nefarious actions.

eyes open & thumbs up,

Ed B

All.

FBI has issued affidavits showing support of search warrants, etc.  They are public information. 

ICSD

K Hawkins

Folks, it is very important to understand that although warrants have been issued, in the court of law, person/company/etc are presumed innocent until proved guilty from due process of courts. 

And the following link from one of Edsalert commentators on warning of IP Relay fraud. Thanks..

Warning from FBI on IP RElay

sorrowful eyes closed and thumbs horizional,

Ed

All..

USTA Comment

Comments from United State Telecom Association, in my opinion, were well thought out.   USTA obviously did their homework.  I do not agree with everything it says, but pretty much most of them, though.  I strongly suggest you read this; easy to follow. 

USTA mentioned my letter to the PUC Commissioners as well and supporting it.  I felt honored. 

eyes open & thumbs up,

Ed B