The FCC issued an order stating that if deaf people meet on the phone and have a conference call, the FCC will not allow reimbursement unless there is a hearing person involved This decision did not come from the top of the FCC but from a bureau under the Commissioners. We are now addressing the issue with the Commissioners.
Readers may remember my previous vlog on this topic–asking for rules clarification.
Relay providers should not be in business to simply conduct workplace calls. Purple has asked the FCC for a rule requiring providers to track and disclose conference call minutes so the FCC can evaluate the minutes used by providers. Purple has also requested the FCC to consider reimbursing these calls at cost, which would demonstrate that conference calls are not being used to generate a profit for providers. Purple is committed to improving the transparency of the industry and fighting for what the ADA requires. Purple very much wants to dialogue with the FCC and the industry about establishing clear rules.
Purple intends to comply with the order, but remains committed to effecting change and advocating for the deaf community.
RID has filed a letter in support of the original petition.
Consumer groups have asked the FCC Commissioners to reverse the Bureau’s decision. Purple has also filed a similar Application for Review.
You can share your opinions with the FCC. The following link will provide you instructions on how to file comments with the FCC.
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October 21st, 2009 at 8:23 pm
Just some questions…
Has the FCC ever ruled on the “Industry Petition” filed on January 28th, 2009? If so, can you direct us to a copy of the FCC decision?
I tried ’searching’ docket ‘03-123′ and came up with over a thousand results. Is there an easier way to search the docket; e.g., look for petitions/comments filed in a date range? Is there an ‘RSS’-style outlet for docket 03-123? I’d like to be alerted whenever a new petition/comment is lodged there, instead of several days (or weeks!) after the filing.
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:35 am
You can download a copy of the 1/28/09 Industry Petition here.
October 25th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Hi Kelby,
I thought I would bring in a link to show you about this same topic at alldeaf.com. Maybe you can go over there and maybe you can clarify about the issues. My name is RedWolf, and I did posted mine to clarify about what you meant in your vlog. I really support your vlog and I believed it is unfair to all deaf community who owns their business. Here is the link: http://www.alldeaf.com/relay-services/71058-purple-upset-fcc-says-no.html#post1440280
Thank you.
October 26th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
I do not understand why FCC would pay for Deaf to Deaf to Deaf to (etc…) conference call? I thought FCC only paid for VRS calls. Can you clarify? Does Purple offer this service? Is there a website link to explain how it works?
October 27th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Purple should make point to point conference call like they said they would have it on MVP but they decide not to do it….It’s all about making $$$$. FCC should allow conferecne calls but cut from $6 dollars to $2 dollars for using conference call
October 27th, 2009 at 11:29 pm
Kelby,
I agree with you that we should be functionally equivalent but there
October 28th, 2009 at 9:20 am
Deaf conference calls should not be reimburse by FCC since the purpose of the reimburement is to pay providers to faciliate the calls between deaf and hearing. If a deaf caller calls deaf person, does FCC reimburse the deaf caller? No
October 28th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
I am a little confused… I’m wondering why Purple, et al. is fighting for reimbursement of Deaf-to-Deaf conference calls. Why is this reimbursement necessary if Deaf people can just call each other directly using broadband service? Please clarify!
Thanks,
Sandon
October 30th, 2009 at 5:19 am
I agreed you. FCC should allow the deaf people whom involve home base business. The hearing guy emails spreads to hearing and deaf. That how I got message from hearing guy that I call vrs to call hearing guy to listen the conference for new update or new features and etc… I want hearing and deaf are same access the opportunity. What if FCC can’t allow deaf people therefore deaf people’s lifestyle will be dead and their home base business will be dead also.
Hence, the deaf people always strive and enter the company for an interview to get a job but unfortunate they don’t get a job. Therefore they have to set up their own business. Therefore they must call vrs to call the conference to understand their business to improvement benefit and education benefit. I hope FCC allow the deaf people call the conference calls.
November 1st, 2009 at 11:38 pm
Seriously LOL.
Purple trying to get the FCC to reimburse for Deaf-Deaf conference calls?
I have to laugh here. I have been using i711 exclusively – and this will make me switch to another service.
November 12th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
I’m going to have to say that I agree with Matt’s comment above.
Purple Communications and GoAmerica are companies of “greed.”
And now Purple voluntarily delisted from NASDAQ? Oh boy, this company is going down. Unfortunately.
January 11th, 2010 at 9:29 pm
Correct, rules need to be clarified in order for society to function. Transparancy is needed for the overall society to become aware of the Deaf community. There are *many* misperceptions already; these need to be confronted. Transparancy will be a major effort towards this end.
I believe Purple is correct in what the FCC has been asked to do.
I can see where the FCC would review the position of the regulations; however, by “reviewing” the regulations they are not necessarily overturned. Just clarified.