National Association of the Deaf

The NAD urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to take action to ensure that consumers have real choices in videophones. Videophones – Internet-based videoconferencing equipment – enable access to video relay services (VRS) and peer-to-peer communication with other videophone users.

Recently, the FCC established a system to provide 10-digit local phone numbers and automated 9-1-1 emergency services to VRS users. VRS users obtain their 10-digit local phone numbers from the VRS provider of their choice (“default” provider). The default VRS provider manages information related to the VRS user’s videophone, 10-digit local phone number, and location information for 9-1-1 emergency services.

VRS users want the ability to use the full features of their videophone with any default VRS provider they may choose. The NAD advocated for this kind of videophone interoperability.

The FCC ordered VRS providers to make their videophones work with any VRS default provider. However, the FCC’s order did not go far enough. The FCC required videophones to have only “basic” functions – that is, the ability to make and receive calls. The FCC did not require other functions, such as “ring” alerts, call history data, missed calls, video mail, and other common features.

Several VRS providers asked the FCC to eliminate the requirement to make videophones work with only “basic” functions. Along with other consumer advocacy groups, the NAD agreed with these VRS providers. Limiting the function of videophones would be like using an old analog, rotary-dial telephone. Requiring VRS providers to create technologies to make their videophones work with reduced or limited functions is also a waste of money, time, and energy.

Videophones are designed with a wide range of useful and needed functions. Without these functions, consumers are left with no real “choice.” The NAD urged the FCC to ensure that consumers have real choices in obtaining videophones in a timely manner from a variety of sources, including but not limited to VRS providers.