VRS Service Rules

VRS Service Rules. TDI, along with the listed consumer groups filed reply comments to the Federal Communications Commission, about Sorenson’s comment on Convo’s Request for changes to certain VRS rules. 

We responded to Sorenson’s comments urging the Commission not to implement a monthly cap on the percentage of VRS minutes relayed through remote workstations.

As mentioned in our initial comments, we do not oppose having an increase of the percentage of VRS minutes relayed through remote workstations of up to 80% – as long as additional safeguards are in place.

However, we opposed having no cap on VRS minutes relayed through at-home workstations until clear and proper policies and procedures are made. It is very important that the FCC take measures to ensure that at-home networks are secure, reliable, and redundant. Privacy is paramount. Additional oversight must be exercised to ensure that Communication Assistants (CAs) take appropriate steps to ensure privacy of calls relayed through their remote workstations.

Also, Commission should require VRS providers to implement appropriate measures. These measures should provide a call-back option and connectivity to the next available CA in case if a problem arises. VRS providers must ensure remote workstations have the same reliability and redundancy as dedicated call centers. This includes measures to reroute a call or reconnect for any dropped calls.

Considerations for VRS Service Rules

Thus, the FCC should not set any unlimited cap on minutes until it establishes clear and proper policies and procedures in place.

For more information about TDI’s filing addressing Sorenson’s Comment on Convo’s Petition on Proposing Changes to Certain Video Relay Service (“VRS”) Service Rules, visit the filing and full list of signatories at the following link: https://ecfsapi.fcc.gov/file/108031065709708/TDI%20et%20al.%20Reply%20to%20Comments%20on%20Convo%20Petition.pdf

VRS Service Rules

Filing

CG 03-123 — Telecommunication Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities
CG 10-51 — Structure and Practices of the Video Relay Service Program

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We welcome all members of the deaf and hard of hearing community (DHH): deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened, deafblind, lip-readers, cued-users, veterans with hearing loss, senior citizens, deafdisabled, and/or having additional sensory, mobility, cognitive or other communication disabilities.

TDI represents the entire DHH community with one goal. To ensure every person has equitable access to the nation’s telephone, cable, television, radio, and broadband networks.

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Co-Signatories

Cerebral Palsy and Deaf Organization (CPADO), Deaf Seniors of America (DSA), National Association of the Deaf (NAD), TDI

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