Ed’s Telecom Alert

Good People,

The FCC has released a public notice announcing that the FCC has conditionally certified Convo for provision of VRS.   This is a GREAT news as Convo is a deaf-owned video relay service provider that is certified to provide VRS.  

I can tell you that this is because of tireless and hard teamwork from Convo employees and owners that made it possible.  There were lot of challenges as the FCC released number of Orders, Clarifications, and Rulings on what VRS providers should do.   Convo was able to follow the FCC rules to the letter because many people were involved and they kept track of items that need to be followed.   From legal, regulatory, technical, funding, and frequent visits to DC contributed to achieving the goal of being certified; truth be told, though, that it is following the FCC to the letter and not overlooking any commas, and periods that made it possible for Convo to get to where it is.  Check out the link:

Convo Certification

Quotable quote:

"..the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (Bureau) hereby grants Convo’s application on a conditional basis, pending inspection of Convo’s facilities and confirmation of Convo’s compliance with all applicable rules and orders."

The FCC conditions are onsite visit by the FCC, and ensuring transition to fully certified VRS provider is done according to the VRS regulations.   

eyes wide open & thumbs way up,

Ed Bosson

Long Link: 

Convo Certification: http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2011/db1115/DA-11-1901A1.pdf

PS: This is an acknowledgement that I have ownership of Convo so take this post for what it is.  

Good People,

President Obama nominates two persons to be the FCC Commissioners.   

• Democrat Jessica Rosenworcel
  
• Republican Ajit Varadaraj Pai
  

WashPostTech Article

"..bringing relatively young but experienced telecom policy experts to an agency trying to redefine itself in the Internet age.  Both FCC nominees are well known for their experience on Capitol Hill and as legal advisors at the agency."

"Rosenworcel serves a a senior staffer to the Senate Commerce Committee. She has worked for the committee’s chairman, Sen. John “Jay” Rockefeller (D-WV.) since 2009 and has taken the lead on legislative proposal to bolster spectrum used by public safety and the private sector. She will replace current Democrat Michael J. Copps, whom she previously served as an advisor, as his tenure ends this year."  She replaces Copp.

"Pai is a partner in the litigation practice of law firm Jenner & Block. Previously, he served in the office of general counsel at the FCC for former chairman Kevin Martin. He has served as chief counsel to the Senate Judiciary Committee’s subcommittee on the constitution, civil rights and property rights. He will fill an empty seat created when Republican Meredith Attwell Baker resigned to join Comcast last spring."

I hope both will be supportive of services to the people with disabilities.  Once the Congress approves these two, let's send them email with congrats to remind them that deaf/hh/speech-disablity/blind/deaf blind/wheelers appreciate them, let them know we exist, and expects them to know and understand underlying issues with people with disabilities. Their nominations will go before the Senate for confirmation and that could take less than a month.  

eyes open & thumbs up,

Ed Bosson

Long Link: WashPost: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-tech/post/obama-names-democrats-rosenworcel-gops-pai-to-fcc/2011/10/31/gIQAKG5raM_blog.html