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Posted By Feta

All VRS calls are free even long distance calls. Only in the United States that is. If you need to make an international call, you probably will need to use something other than VRS like 711 (regular relay). Almost all internet based calls are free including IP relay, Web Captel and VRS. Land/hard lines (using TTY, Captel, VCO) follow regular local/long distance billing. You can register your phone number and see if you can get a discount for long distance calls as many have something like this.

Posted By Keith

It sounds great with ten digit number for Deaf is in REALITY. How is about long distance calls do we have to pay? Keith

Posted By Feta

The whole point of the 10 digit number is to remove the additional hurdle of remembering/providing the relay's phone number for hearing callers. Using a relay number plus our IP, AOL IM, TN or whatever is a hassle as its a 2 step process, FCC just simplified the process that's all (into 1 step). That really makes things easier for all of us and allows vp users to call 911 as well. You're right, the news could have elaborated more. The new direct number should work from one vp to another vp (haven't tested two different brands yet) without having to remember your IP address. That's huge as IP addresses do change and makes other VRS systems use a model similar to Sorenson's TN as they track IP addresses for us. FCC just adds a real phone number to that IP address so our service is alot more like VOIP service now! VOIP couldn't call 911 either, but FCC recently changed that limitation as more people are using vp/voip/cell phones with no land line. This has caused problems for many in emergency situations. This is a step in the right direction and gives us the choice to choose a VRS provider (which is usually whoever provided the particular equipment). I made a comment to FCC as well to have the same feature/option for other types of relay calls (tty, captel, vco, etc) on land lines as this really makes it easier to remember and minimizes the need to explain how to use relay. Plus, many employers see 'call relay 711' or something will most likely throw away the application/resume without thinking twice about ADA. The direct number masks that relay note which is good for job hunters. I can tell you that I've submitted over 200 resumes in a deaf friendly area and only had 1 interview! Again, you're right that the news was brief and didn't go into detail like some other websites have. I forget a good one that explained it in detail, but you can check out FCC's website as well.

Posted By

What is historic about it? Nothing.You showed SorensonVRS first and used both photos belonging to SorensonVRS.What is historic, forcing all other VRS to cease and desist from using IP addresses and must supply their users with the TNs, forcing these VRS providers to convert THEIR modems to use TNs after dragging their feet for years.Sorenson has been using the TNs for some time and only recently made available the toll-free numbers to their users only to enable the hearing callers to call direct. This is already covered in the FCC ruling. It is just that Sorenson has been ahead of these other VRS providers for some time.The SorensonVRS users have their real TNs for years. It is same their LECs assigned to them. The TNs SorensonVRS provided is an additional benefit.What YOU have NOT said anything about - The FCC also REQUIRES the users to register with their preferred providers, much like phone companies do, and prohibit slamming as well.