Category Archives: Ask Dr. Z

Am I limited to one default provider?  Can I have more than one default provider? (UPDATED) (VLOG)

This is a common question being asked by many peoiple and Dr. Z is here to try to clear the air on these questions.

Am I limited to one default provider?

The answer is NO.

Can I have more than one default provider?

The answer is YES.

How can this be so? The simple answer to this is that you are required by the FCC to have one default provider per videophone device. If you have two different videophones, then you will have two different default providers for each videophone. You will be required to inform the videophone provider of your contact information for that videophone.

For more information on default providers, click this link.

Why do I have to register for a local number? Is an IP address good enough? (UPDATED) (VLOG)


The FCC requires that you register for a local number. They issued a ruling on June 15, 2009 saying that VRS providers cannot process calls from an unregistered phone after November 12, 2009. If you are unregistered, that means you do not have a local number. The reason for this is the FCC wants to be sure they are paying for calls from deaf and hard of hearing people. An IP address can be used for point to point calls, but will not be good for relay (VRS) calls after November 12th.

How do you get a local number? You need to contact the provider of your videophone to register for a local number. They will then be the default provider for that local number. This, again does not mean you are stuck with that provider for VRS calls. You can call any service provider such as ZVRS from any videophone for VRS calls. Just call 888-888-1116 and you will be connected to ZVRS!

It should be noted that local numbers are available only to deaf and hard-of-hearing people . This is part of the regulation outlined by the FCC.

What is a firewall? Why are Z products better with a firewall? (ANIMATION) (VLOG)

When a wall between your home and the garage in your home is on fire, it does take a longer time for the fire to bring such a wall down because this often is a thicker wall–this is why we call it a firewall. The reason for putting up a firewall is to prevent or slow down a fire from going through the wall.

The firewall on your router in your home is put there to prevent things like a virus or a worm from getting into your computer system. The firewall in your home computer system is not the same as a firewall at your workplace. Most firewalls in workplaces are “thicker” and harder to get through.

more…

How many different phone numbers can I have?

This is a confusing question and there is a simple answer.

You need a separate phone number for each videophone you have. This is so any incoming call will go to the right phone (this is true for devices made by ZVRS as they have the ZConnect feature). Devices distributed by other manufacturers depend on their configuration as well as the router configuration.

There could be 2 phone numbers assigned for each videophone you use by the videophone distributor. One is a local number and the other could be a 800 (866, 877 or 888) number. All videophone distributors are required to assign a local number to your videophone. The 800 number assignment is not required.

For 911 service, you need to decide which videophone you use for 911 service. You need to call the provider of that particular videophone to give them your local address information where you are located. This way, when you need 911 service, the operator will know where to send help to the address you provided. If you move your vidoephone or change your location, you should notify the videophone provider information about the change in location, otherwise the 911 responders could go to the wrong location.

What is a "default provider"? (UPDATED) (VLOG)


Many people are confused by the term “default provider”. This is basically set aside for 911 use, more than anything else. It does not prevent you from calling other VRS providers, such as ZVRS.

You need to register with a default provider who usually is the company that provides you with a videophone, so that your location information can be saved with them for 911 purposes. In case of an emergency, you can dial 911 on your videophone and it will connect you with the default provider who will have your location information already given to them previously.

If you want to make a VRS call (that is not a 911 call) or receive a VRS call, you do not necessarily have to use your default provider for this purpose. You can connect directly with the VRS provider (in the case of ZVRS, you can call 888-888-1116, and you will be connected with ZVRS.) If you have a Z340 for example, and the hearing person calls you using your Z340 phone number, it will connect them to ZVRS agent who in turn will call you on your Z340. This has nothing to do with being a default provider.

Remember—default provider=911.

Which phone number should I give to others?

There are many VRS providers out there.  They all offer to give you local numbers.  The best solution, rather than giving your deaf and hard of hearing friends and family, along with your hearing friends and family, is to get a 800 number.  You can designate which videophone your 800 number is to ring to. ZVRS offers a 800 number that you can get and you can tie that 800 number to your local number.  Bear in mind, the local number you use for your primary videophone is the one you designate for 911 calls.  This should not change.  You need this to maintain your profile with your default provider.  To make outgoing calls with ZVRS from any device, you can call zvrs.tv (IP) or (888) 888-1116 as an outgoing phone number.  If u you have more questions, just ask Dr. Z and your answer will be published on the askdrz website the next time around.