I’m at the NAD conference this week. It has been an exciting week with a lot of discussions on many civil rights issues including relay issues.

Purple is proud to be a sponsor of the conference. We are one of the longest consecutive active sponsors of the conference–going back twenty years ago.

At the opening ceremonies yesterday, the NAD showed a video that Purple produced as a sponsor. I’m pleased to be able to share it with you. I believe it summarize Purple’s commitment to the NAD and its vision–while breaking down barriers over the years. I’m very proud of Purple’s track record.

The FCC issued an order establishing new rates.

The new VRS rates per minute set for the July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011 period are as follows:

Video Relay Service Rates
Tier One: $6.2390
Tier Two: $6.2335
Tier Three: $5.0668.

IP (Text) Relay: $1.2985
Traditional TRS: $ $2.0256.
Captioned Telephone Services (traditional and IP-based): $1.6951
Speech to Speech (STS): $3.1566

The FCC also sought comments and ideas on how to develop an appropriate long-term reimbursement methodology and comments other issues such as outreach, certification process, research and development and development and distribution of videophones.

The FCC has issued a Declaratory Ruling, Order and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking–all with the intent to “detect and prevent fraud” for Video Relay Services. They have asked for feedback on possible new rules in the future to prevent fraud.

The first video discusses the ruling and order. The second video goes through the different areas where the FCC seeks feedback on possible new rules. Your opinion and feedback is wanted!

Kelby talks about the filings on the rate issue and note that everyone except the dominant provider agrees that the first two tiers should be expanded. The dominant provider, however, took out a debt to fund shareholder payments and apparently wants someone else to pick up the tab. Links to Purple and other filings are below.

Purple

CSDVRS
RID
Sorenson
Consumer Groups