Ed’s Telecom Alert

All.

The following link is asking for comments on SorensonVRS’s request for limited waiver on proxy numbers.  SorensonVRS is asking the FCC to allow one year of using proxy numbers after the 10 digit real phone have been distributed (presumably Jan 1, 2009).   First wave of comments already passed, the second "Reply Comments" due tomorrow (Oct 21). 

FCC PN on Limited Waiver Request

 What do you think, folks?  Will granting the waiver by the FCC help lessen the confusion?  Or will it make it worse?  

I believe these proxy numbers will not be able to cross to other VP that are not the same type; that is, vp 200 to OJO or VPAD.  I believe SorensonVRS wants to be able to give real 10 digit ph numbers plus this proxy numbers.  

It appears that SorensonVRS is trying to phase out the proxy number over one year period instead of abrupt stopping proxy number on Jan 1, 2009.   It also makes "business" sense for SorensonVRS as it will help hold onto to people who already have vp-200 and that in time they will help them change over to ten digit phone numbers.  

The following are the first wave of comments and all were opposed to the waiver request. 

Hamilton is opposed to this as sez the following link

Hamilton Oppostion

GoAmerica Opposition from GoAmerica (HOVRS)

Nat’l Orgs Opposition - this is a combined national and state organizations; TDI, NAD, DHHCAN (Hard of Hearing Advocacy), HLLA, and CCASHDHH (Calif). 

Geez, lot of oppositions to Sorenson’s request for limited waiver.   

eyes open & thumbs up,

Ed B

(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