In the News…
IP Relay and VRS Users Need to Register for 10-Digit
Number
As you know, the November 12, 2009 deadline for VRS and IP Relay
users to register for a ten-digit numbering is rapidly approaching.
The importance of having all VRS and IP Relay users registered by
that date can not be underestimated. After November 12, 2009, VRS
and IP Relay calls - other than 911 calls - will not be completed
unless the caller has registered with a provider.
The ten-digit numbering rules will provide VRS and IP Relay users
two key benefits. First, when a caller is making an emergency 911
call, these rules allow a VRS or IP Relay provider to automatically
deliver the relay user's location information to appropriate,
emergency personnel. In addition, the rules make it easier for
hearing persons to call VRS or IP relay users by dialing just the
relay user's ten-digit telephone number.
The FCC has been working for some time to inform and educate the VRS
and IP Relay users about the recent ten-digit numbering requirement
and we would welcome your help. We encourage you to visit our
dedicated webpage,
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/numbering_and_e911_for_vrs_ip.html ,
for materials that you can use to inform the public about the
transition. These include a one-page fact sheet, Frequently Asked
Questions, and other publications. In addition, there is an ASL
video, broken into segments, which describes the reasons and easy
procedures to register. There is also an article which can be used
in newsletters or as an email to your members describing the
importance of registering.
Thank you in advance for helping us spread the word about the
importance of registering for a ten-digit number and staying
connected through VRS and IP Relay. For additional information
please contact Greg Hlibok at
Gregory.Hlibok@fcc.gov .
To learn more visit the FCC website and to elarn more why these
changes were made read below in the 3rd paragraph “Ten-Digit Numbers
for VRS and
Internet Relay: What You Need to Know.”
Here is the language in House Bill 1876:
Text messaging and emailing while driving. Prohibits operation of a motor vehicle on the highways in the Commonwealth while using any handheld personal communications device to manually enter multiple letters or text or to read a text message. This bill provides exemptions for using global positioning systems (GPS), reading caller identification information, and using a wireless telecommunications device to report an emergency. The provisions of this bill do not apply to operators of emergency vehicles.
The first violation of the new law is a traffic infraction punishable by a $20 fine for the first offense and $50 for a second or any additional offenses. For more information:
http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?ses=091&typ=bil&val=HB1876
- “UPDATE” the FCC Extends Deadline for Registering 10-Digit Number through November 12, 2009.
- The Federal Communications Commission has ordered today, June 15, 2009, that the deadline for registration of 10-digit numbers by users of Internet-based relay services such as VRS and IP Relay is extended until November 12, 2009.
- In its order, the FCC states, “We conclude that extending the deadline will ensure a more orderly transition to ten-digit numbering for users of Internet-based TRS.”
- The Commission expressed concern that despite outreach and consumer education efforts many users may remain uncertain about how the 10-digit numbering and E911 requirements will affect their use of Internet-based TRS services and their rights and responsibilities under the new rules.
- The order also states: “In addition, we have received recent data from some providers indicating that a majority of calls presently handled are not being made via a new ten-digit number. Extending the end of the permissive calling period until November 12, 2009, will enable the Commission, as well as the providers, to conduct additional outreach and education addressing particular consumer concerns associated with the transition to ten-digit numbering for Internet-based TRS. And to the extent that there are technical concerns, as petitioners suggest, this additional time will allow them to be addressed.”
To read the full document copy & paste into your browser: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-09-1323A1.doc
Ten-Digit Numbers for VRS and
Internet Relay: What You Need to Know
What is the new policy?
As of January 1, 2009, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires that all Video Relay and
Internet Relay users obtain a 10-digit number. This number is just like the standard 10-digit number used by most
voice telephone callers.
Why was the change made?
There are many benefits to using a 10-digit number for VRS and IP Relay. First of all, it is now much easier to place
a call to a VRS or IP Relay user. There is no more need for multi-step calling instructions, special extensions, “proxy”
numbers or IP addresses. Now, anyone can simply pick up a voice telephone, dial a 10-digit number and be connected
to any VRS or IP Relay user through that person’s preferred provider (Sorenson, SnapVRS, CSDVRS, etc.)
Secondly, every 10-digit number is assigned to its user’s physical geographic location. This means that
in the event that a VRS or IP Relay user places an emergency call to 911, the user’s address is automatically routed
to the 911 call center operator, who is able to dispatch emergency services to the appropriate location more quickly.
What do I need to do?
If you are a VRS or IP Relay user, you must contact your preferred service provider and request to be
assigned a 10-digit number. Once you receive your number, you must register this number with your current address
through your provider. You will be able to change your service provider
or update your location information at any time. After June 30, 2009 VRS and IP Relay services will not be available
for anyone without a registered 10-digit number.
How can I learn more?
Any Virginia Relay user who needs to obtain a 10-digit telephone number for VRS or IP Relay, needs
to register a number with a current address, or would like to learn more may do so by contacting Virginia Relay
at either V/TTY 1-800-552-7917 or www.varelay.org.
IP Relay Fraud: What You Need to Know
Internet Protocol (IP) Relay allows people with hearing or speech loss to make relay calls using their computer, Web phone, PDA or any other Internet-capable device. Unfortunately, international scam artists have discovered a way to use IP Relay to defraud mail-order businesses. Posing as deaf or hard-of-hearing callers, the scam artists contact merchants through IP Relay and use stolen credit cards or forged checks to make large purchases. Once businesses uncover the scam (often after they’ve shipped the merchandise), it’s usually too late. Because IP Relay calls are initiated through an Internet address instead of a phone number, the calls are not traceable. (Traditional relay services have not been targeted by con artists.)
Virginia Relay and the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (VDDHH) have asked the Better Business Bureau to better educate its members on this issue. In the meantime, businesses should be skeptical about large orders placed by IP Relay callers, especially when the caller tries to use multiple credit cards. It’s also a good idea for merchants to request a U.S. telephone number and contact information for all orders.
Visit www.fcc.gov to learn more.
The Emergency Email Network:
Get Breaking News from Emergency Email for Weather and Homeland Security Information!
To obtain emergency notifications in your area through email, wireless or mobile devices click here: www.emergencyemail.org then click on “VIRGINIA” on the left side of the website; then select the County you live in or need emergency notification from.
For more information how you can be prepared for an emergency or an event of a disaster visit: www.vaemergency.com.
Virginia Relay is committed to keeping Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened and DeafBlind individuals and families informed of an emergency announcement that goes unheard.