Ed’s Telecom Alert

(video clip still has some noise; I haven’t figured out how to remove this yet - my apologies. I’m using Roxio’s VideoWave - video editor.  Hopefully next video clip this will not be an issue)

All..

South Dakota Gov’t raided TRS Fund for other non-relay uses.   This can start a dominoe effect where other gov’t will find readily source of TRS funds to use for other non-relay operations.  This is not good.   Read the article and be on alert for greedy politicians.  

Article on State Stealing TRS Fund

States need to start worrying about how to pay for VRS and IP in the future cuz that will happen one way or the other.  

Unfortunately this raiding of funds to be used for other operations are all too common and happens all the time. 

Way back it started with blind using TRS funds to read news over the phone for the blind - I think that was in NY.  I’ve no objection to the concept, but to raid TRS funds for that; I think is simply wrong.  A few years ago, Texas legislators tried that for blind people; fortunately, the decision-makers approached me and I encouraged them to get the fund from the USF, not from TRS fund.   The folks listened and did just that.   

Rest of you need to keep an eye on your government and make sure they don’t dip into TRS Funds!   

Keep eyes open and thumbs down on requests to dip into TRS funds.

Ed

All..

This link will lead you to position available for Sprint Relay Texas Center.  The title of position is:

Business Development Manager

Sprint Position in Texas

I retired, then RG (Robert Giuntoli) took my place at the TPUC, thus the position at Sprint Relay Texas Center now is vacant.  I can tell you from working with Sprint Relay the last 18 years that working with Sprint Relay folks has been enjoyable work.   Sometimes they’re obstinate, but really most of the time we’ve been able to resolve lot of issues easily.

Now that RG is with TPUC and he understands Sprint Relay very well so I see a marriage in the making.  Maybe not?  ;-] 

Now the TRS industry is going downhill, so what is the security of this Texas Manager?  Safe cuz the Texas Request for Proposal had included required resident manager - meaning must have Sprint employee at the RT Center. The next RFP - is several years away.   If Sprint Relay wins the contract again, then safe; if not, then manager will either be laid off or transferred to another state (latter more likely).  

Well..if you apply, good luck! 

eyes open & thumbs up,

Ed

All..

Based on feedback from quite a few of you, I think the long distance charges for the new ten digit phone numbers are confusing.  

First of all the ten-digit phone numbers you get from a VRS providers are real numbers - not proxy and not 800/866).  These "real" numbers use regional-based area codes like 281 (Houston, Texas), 512 (Austin, Texas) or 415 (San Fransisco, Calif) and so on.   This will happen before Dec 31, 2008. 

Important to remember that these numbers are where ALL telephone service providers including traditional, VoIP, and Cell Phone recognize and be able to utilize into their network systems.  These same telephone service providers DO NOT recognize proxy numbers.   What about 800/866? It depends.  Some of the 800/866 are proxy, and some are not.   If proxy, answer is no - telephone co will not recognize, if real 800/866 then answer is yes.   

Anyway, real TN (telephone number) will make it possible for VRS providers to know the phone numbers of the party calling and the party receiving; in other words if you call from Tallahassee, Florida and you are calling to a hearing person at SF, California, with new system, VRS providers will know that.

Now let’s focus on deaf/hoh making VRS calls.    No matter where and who deaf/hoh calls to anywhere in the USA, there will be no long distance charges for the deaf person.  In other words if using video phone I call from Austin, Texas to a hearing person in New York city, no charges to me.  

What about hearing person RECEIVING VRS calls, any LD charges?  Keep in mind that we have different telephone networks.

• traditional line
• cell phone
• VoIP (Internet phone service)

If hearing person has traditional line, then no charges.  If hearing person has cell phone or VoIP, the LD charges may or may not apply - depending on the person’s billing plan. Some of the cell phone plans charge both incoming and outgoing calls.   Remember I’m talking about hearing persons receiving VRS calls.  

Now what about hearing persons using VRS to call deaf/hoh?   Any LD charges? Again, it depends on the billing plan of the hearing person has with his/her telephone service company.  LD charges may or may not be incurred.   If VoIP, likely not cuz they have $24 a month flat fee. Cell phone or traditional line?  Depends on the billing plan hearing person has.    

Keep in mind that if you got a VRS call from hearing person outside your area, you will not be charged for LD charges.  Hearing persons, on other hand, may have to pay for LD charges if their billing plan calls for that. 

Now a tip for hearing persons to get around to paying for the LD rates; just look up VRS provider’s 800 number for hearing persons, and then use the deaf’s TN to call.   The hearing person will connect via provider’s 800 system and will not be charged LD rates.   

Now what about VP to VP using the real TN (deaf to deaf)?   No charges.   Even from NYC to Los Angeles.  

One final thought - or rather a question:  Why should we choose area code over 800/866?   There are several reasons, but I will cite just two.    One:  Reverse 9-1-1 calls will not be possible with 800/866.   Reverse 9-1-1 is the opposite of public calling emergency dispatchers; emergency dispatchers calling public of impending disaster.   Let’s say hurricane is bearing down to New Orleans and Reverse 9-1-1 network can call the area code of New Orleans, 504, and warn or forced evacuation.  Reverse 9-1-1 will not know if 800/866 is from New Orleans.   

Second reason is more of convenience:  registering procedure for online purchase often blocks 800/866 because the 800/866 does not match the inputted address.   You have to use area code phone number before the online register accepts it.   Can be a nuisance. 

eyes open & thumbs up,

Ed