The FCC should ensure that Video Relay Services program changes...
The FCC should ensure that Video Relay Services program changes it suggests don’t affect users’ rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act, said Snap Telecommunications. It’s “extremely concerned” that the wording of a rulemaking notice indicates that calls that originate…
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or terminate overseas might not be compensated in the future, the company said in comments Thursday. “Removing entirely the ability of Americans to use relay to make or receive international calls is in violation of the ADA.” Instead, Snap suggested that iTRS administrator NeuStar incorporate a geolocation software program to block VRS calls that involve only international IP addresses or telephone numbers so the TRS fund doesn’t compensate ineligible calls. Snap also opposed ending calls after two minutes if a caller’s face isn’t visible, if the caller uses a privacy screen or if the call is idle. “Certainly individuals determined to perpetuate illegitimate schemes will easily overcome a ’two-minute’ rule by making token appearances,” it said. If the commission wants a disconnect rule, it should set the time limit at 10 minutes, allow deaf callers to continue through breaks in conference calls and provide notice to the deaf caller that the call is about to be terminated, it said. Snap said it generally agrees with proposed rules on how to handle withheld compensation. It suggested the commission set a time limit of 30 days for a final determination on whether compensation is withheld. It disagreed that providers should prove that minutes are compensable and said certified providers should be prohibited from billing for minutes handled by non-certified “white-label” providers. Non-certified providers should be allowed to operate only if they've applied for certification, Snap said.