Sorenson on November 12, 2009 has removed the numbers of their customer’s 866 numbers from their data base as they want to comply with the FCC’s assertion on this issue. This means that incoming calls from other units cannot access Sorenson units with a 866 number, only with a local number. The FCC issued this clarification regarding 800/866 numbers without a proper process. But, but, when a Z150 or another provider receives a call from a Sorenson VP-200, the unit still passes a 866 number, causing more confusion among the deaf and hard of hearing consumers. Are they speaking with a forked tongue?–telling the FCC they are a good soldier removing 866 numbers, and behind their backs, passing 866 numbers to other VP devices. This is causing confusion and grief among deaf and hard of hearing consumers who are using VP devices as they cannot call back to a VP-200 using 866 numbers. There is a way to disable this to change the 866 to local numbers by navigating a whole set of menus to access the page to make this change. And to effect the change is not very clear on the menus.

This method is causing some fear, which in turn creates uncertainty and finally doubt. This is from the market leader who again is still creating confusion in the community. The FCC is expending money to educate people about numbering while the market leader is causing confusion. Doesn’t this make sense?

Dr. Z cares about your communication access.

November 12th is the deadline the FCC has set for everyone to register their videophones or IP-Relay devices.

If you have not registered, you may not be able to make relay calls or be able to receive calls on your videophone from other people trying to reach you.

If you have not registered, you should contact the provider of your videophone to sign up and give them your name and address.

If you have not registered, your 911 calls will take longer to process because you will have to give the video interpreter your location.

If you have registered, there is nothing else you need to do. You can use your videophone happily ever after.

How do you know you have registered? If your provider gave you a new phone number with your device, it usually means you have registered. If your device asks to check your name and address after you power up, it usually means you have registered.

Dr. Z cares about your communication access.

Here we go again–how can a market leader dictate how we deaf and hard of hearing people live our own lives? Here’s one example…Sorenson Communications filed a Petition for Rulemaking with the FCC on October 2nd, 2009. (Link to Sorenson filing)

For the most part, this petition makes sense, it is a very lengthy document and Sorenson has been beating its drums as to how it has been a good citizen in doing such things. But they need to be realistic–they cannot tell us how to live our lives. In the fine print of the aforementioned document, they say that deaf and hard of hearing people should not use VRS to listen in on “podcast” or recorded calls. How dare they? Where’s the functional equivalency in this? Hearing people can do that from their phones without a problem. If the FCC takes up Sorenson on this suggestion, deaf and hard of hearing people will be cut off from being able to listen on audio announcements recorded by some entity out there. What is the alternative? Back to the Dark Ages by asking a hearing person or interpreter to interpret the audio for us?

I urge Sorenson to be more proactive by listening to the deaf and hard of hearing people and prior to filing such comments, to check with its Consumer Advisory Board or whatever name they give to that fine group of people. I doubt it if that Board had passed judgment in this specific instance. I am continuing to read this thick petition to see if there are other examples of trying to cut us off from the world of communications.

A market leader has a responsibility to be sensitive to the constituency it serves, not to make assumptions that they think because “we are a leader, we can dictate how the market serves its consumers.” It is not supposed to be the case.

A couple months ago, I brought to your attention the tactics of “you know whom” still doing the following…

1) Not passing the caller id to non-VP-200 devices
2) Using a non standard method for missed calls
3) Dragging their feet on updating the national data base with VP-200 local numbers (they did update mine after quite some time, but we are still hearing that others are still waiting for theirs to be updated)
4) Asking the FCC to restrict homes to 1 IP address per household
5) Confusing the public with numbering information

All this from what is a market leader? And this is treating deaf and hard of hearing people as second-class citizens. They have been “deaf” to all of the above–not listening to the real needs and concerns of deaf and hard of hearing consumers, instead barging ahead with their own agenda.

History tells us market leaders like this have a life of its own. Come on, treat us well and make all calls functionally equivalent–respect the needs of the deaf and hard of hearing people in making video calls.

FCC Clarifies Rule to Transition Away from the Use of 800 Numbers for Point to Point and Dial Around Calls
An Op-Ed Editorial from Dr. Z

On August 11, 2009, the FCC issued a Public Notice on clarifying the use of 800 numbers in a TRS/VRS setting. While the notice is a bit hard to digest–it basically discourages the use of 800 numbers for point to point calls and asks that we transition away from the use of 800 numbers. At the same time, they are saying this action makes this functionally equivalent. I happen not to agree. We live in a world full of 800 numbers and geographically appropriate numbers. Thousands of 800 numbers have been issued to deaf and hard of hearing TRS/VRS users. Business owners have printed business cards and accompanying literature listing their 800 numbers. And for return calls, 800 number callbacks will be routed to the default provider, presenting a lack of choice and does not make the service interoperable. We need to ask the FCC to allow freer use of 800 numbers like hearing people have. They issued this in the form of a “clarification”, not a rulemaking process where people have the right to express their thoughts and allow the FCC to review and consider all opinions before making an order. A “clarification” in this context amounts to some decision without a process taking place. This is rather unusual. The link to this “clarification” is as follows: (link to FCC document). If you do not think this is appropriate, you should file your thoughts and comments with the FCC using this link and mention Proceeding 03-123/DA09-1787.

Missed Calls with a VP-200
An Op-Ed Editorial from Dr. Z

When hearing people call other hearing people using their cellphones, they all can communicate with one another. In cases where a phone is not answered, a cell phone can call back with a missed call feature like many videophones have. But—in the case of videophones, the VP-200 has a nonstandard feature when it comes to missed calls. When the VP-200 user sees a missed call and clicks on it to redial–if the call came from a VP-200, there is no problem. But if the call came from a non-VP 200 phone, it often does not work. This is because Sorenson is using a non-standard protocol for this. We need to file a complaint to the FCC to ask them to make all videophones compatible with one another. This is Sorenson again treating deaf and hard of hearing people like second-class citizens. They are not making the VP-200 functionally equivalent. Here’s the link to make a complaint to the FCC: complaint form. When you write the complaint, you should indicate that the VP-200 has features that are not functionally equivalent, such as missed calls and caller-ID processing. Be sure to indicate 03-123 as the proceeding number and leave the Law Firm name and Attorney Name blank.
–
–
–
–
–
Link to filing a complaint with the FCC

Numbering Update – Consumer Advice and Guidance
Karen Peltz-Strauss, Attorney

Are you a VRS user? Then you must register with the VRS provider of your choice by November 12, 2009 to continue making VRS calls after that date. When you register, you will get a 10-digit number. This number will make it easier for you to receive calls from hearing people, because they will only need to dial that number to reach you. When they dial that number, they will automatically be connected to a video interpreter from the company that you have selected as your default (preferred) provider. The call will then be connected to you, without the need for the hearing person to do anything else. After you register, you and other deaf callers will also be able to call each other directly using your 10-digit numbers. It will not matter whether you use the same provider or not – all calls will go through using your 10-digit numbers.

But if you do not register by November 12, you will not be able to make nonemergency calls after that time. (You will be able to still make 9-1-1 calls after November 12, even if you have not registered.)

Why do you need to register? There are two main reasons that the FCC has created the registration requirement. First, when you register, you will be giving your preferred VRS provider your name and address, which will be put into a database. If you need to make a call to 9-1-1, your name and location information will automatically be provided to the VRS interpreter and 9-1-1 operator, which will help you get emergency assistance faster.

Second, the registration requirement was set up to help end fraud by individuals using Internet-based text relay. Unfortunately, some individuals from foreign countries have been using IP relay to make calls involving fake credit cards that have harmed American businesses. In addition, some people in the United States have used IP relay to make crank, or phony phone calls. By having people register, it is hoped that the number of these calls will decline.

The original deadline for registration and ten-digit numbering was June 30, 2009. Why was it extended?

The FCC extended the registration deadline because it was concerned that many consumers were still unaware of the need to register. In order to make sure that VRS and IP relay users could continue making calls, the deadline was extended several months, until November 12. In addition, more time was needed to work out some technical issues associated with the transition to 10-digit numbering.

Here are some more questions that a consumer might ask:

If I already have a 10-digit number that was given to me by a VRS company a few years ago, do I need to do anything?

Yes. If you were given a number a few years ago, more than likely it was a “proxy” or “alias” number. You may have been able to choose your own number, or use the number that you originally had for your TTY. But that 10-digit number was only an assigned number that allowed you to call within a single provider’s network of users. You could not use that number, for example, to call a friend using a different VRS provider than the one you were using, or to make a call from one type of video equipment to another. Also these numbers have not been registered into the national IP relay and VRS database. So even if you have one of these numbers, you still need to call your preferred provider, register, and get a real 10-digit number that is entered into the database.

If IP addresses keep changing, will my number keep changing?

No. Your IP address is the number given to your computer so that it can interact with the Internet. Although most IP addresses change on a regular basis, your 10-digit number will stay the same.

When I make a call, how will the VRS provider that I use know that I am registered?

After you have been assigned a 10-digit number, your IP address will be linked with that number. When you make a call, the VRS interpreter handling the call will automatically be able to see that you are registered because the number will come up on her screen. This will happen if you use newer video equipment, such as any of the Z products, the Ojo, the VP 200 or the MVP. See below for what you need to do if you use older video equipment.

Will I be able to continue making VRS calls with my D-link (Eye to Eye) videophone after November 12?

Yes, you will be able to continue making VRS calls with your D-Link after the registration deadline, so long as you register and get a 10-digit number. But unfortunately, D-links cannot process 10-digit numbers the same way that newer video equipment can. When you make a call with your D-Link, the video interpreter who handles your call will not automatically be able to see that you are registered, so you will have to give that interpreter your 10-digit number at the start of the call.

What will happen if I use a D-Link for a 9-1-1 call?

If you are using one of these devices in an emergency, you will need to give your name and physical location to the interpreter or 9-1-1 center. They will not automatically get this information.

Can I use videophones that I purchase in a retail store to make VRS calls?

Yes, you can use video devices that you buy in a store, but these devices, like the D-Link, will not be able to automatically send your personal information to the interpreter handling the call or to a 9-1-1 center in the event of an emergency. You will need to provide that information at the start of your call.

Reaching the Boiling Point
An Op-Ed Editorial from Dr. Z

Dear Consumers,

After sharing my thoughts over the last few weeks–I have been met with silence by “you know whom”…I am now presenting this editorial in the form of a letter to you all–it presents a summary of what has evolved by the attitude of “you know whom” over the past few months/years with no sensitivity towards us deaf and hard of hearing people and continuing to think we are second-class citizens.

This letter is to detail some urgent issues concerning 10-digit numbering and the practices of the largest VRS provider, Sorenson Communications. After careful investigation, review, and technological inspection, it has been determined that Sorenson is intentionally misleading deaf and hard of hearing people in regard to 10-digit numbering ostensibly to further their own business interests. In doing so, Sorenson has implemented an internal operating procedure that confuses the marketplace and impedes the effectiveness of the FCC Order on numbering. Specifically, the following has occurred:

1. Sorenson has used the position of default provider to tell customers that they must use Sorenson exclusively as their VRS provider. This simply is NOT TRUE and is in contradiction to FCC Orders.

2. Sorenson has communicated to consumers that if they do not use Sorenson, they will lose features on their Video Phone. This too is a misleading and bullying tactic and also is in contradiction to FCC Orders.

3. Sorenson is providing 10-digit numbers to deaf consumers and not immediately placing the numbers in the national numbering database. This results in the failure of point to point calls from a non-Sorenson user. Sorenson responds to this issue by stating that the point to point call fails because of the other VRS provider’s video phone. This is NOT TRUE. The point to point calls would be fully functional if Sorenson would provision the national database with each 10-digit number that they provide.

4. Sorenson is not eliminating the proxy/faux number resulting in consumers continuing to use the proxy number versus the new real 10 digit number. The FCC Numbering Orders require the elimination of proxy numbers but Sorenson still affirmatively uses them thereby causing confusion for the consumers.

5. Sorenson is not provisioning the national numbering database with the 800 numbers it provides to deaf consumers. Sorenson is further advising deaf consumers that 800 numbers are better numbers to use for point to point calls as the consumers will not have to pay long distance charge. This is NOT TRUE. There are no long distance charges for point to point calls. However, by not putting the 800 in the national database, Sorenson can start a new closed network for the deaf that utilizes solely the Sorenson system. Much like the 10-digit numbers, if an 800 number is not provisioned in the national database and if a deaf person calls a Sorenson video phone from another brand of video phone, the call will fail. However, the call originates from another Sorenson video phone (i.e. it is a Sorenson to Sorenson call), the call will function as Sorenson has placed the 800 number in the local LDAP, but not into the national database.

6. Sorenson is not permitting functional caller ID when there is a standard for presenting caller ID to phones. When a video phone from another provider calls Sorenson they present the caller ID to the Sorenson phone. The caller ID (phone number) should show up in the call history as a missed call with the accurate number. However, Sorenson does not place the caller number in the correct location in the caller ID data stream. Instead, Sorenson displays an IP address where the caller ID would normally appear. This usually results in the deaf consumer trying to return the call to the IP address, and the call going to the wrong place, or not functioning at all. However, when the call is between two Sorenson video phones, when the call comes in from a Sorenson device, the proper identifier appears in the missed call log, and the deaf consumer can return the call from the missed call log. This “hiding” of caller ID for non-Sorenson consumers is an attempt to manipulate consumer choice in the VRS market (in favor of Sorenson), and is at odds with FCC interoperability requirements.

Sorenson’s actions are unacceptable to the industry, at odds with FCC rules, and above all else, they are abusive to the deaf consumer.

What can a consumer do to help?

1. Take this email and forward it to the FCC at fccinfo@fcc.gov and say, “I am tired of being misled and manipulated by Sorenson!”

2. Stop using Sorenson. Exercise your right to use dial around and/or use the default provider of your choice. Pick any other provider and put their URL in your phone. If Sorenson comes knocking and asks why you are not using their phone, then point out the 6 items above.

Choose another provider who you like or try several but don’t use Sorenson until they stop making it harder for the deaf to communicate and start making it easier.

There are 3 ways to access CSDVRS/ZVRS.

1. CSDVRS.TV

2. ZVRS.TV

3. Dial 888-888-1116

Thank you for the opportunity to read my thoughts. Feel free to comment (or complain to the FCC).

Sincerely,

Dr. Z