Sorenson Communications Now Providing Real Numbers for Deaf Individuals
2009-01-08 13:21:06 -
Sorenson Communications®, the leading provider of Video Relay Services (VRS) for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals who use sign language to communicate, today announced it has begun assigning real phone numbers to users of its VRS service. The initiative is in compliance with the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) recent order requiring VRS providers to offer real numbers and Enhanced 911 (E911) to VRS users by Dec. 31, 2008.
Sorenson Communications will be offering two types of real numbers to the deaf community: local 10-digit numbers and DirectVP numbers. These numbers can be used in different ways, depending on the needs of the caller.
A local 10-digit number corresponds to a deaf individual's geographic location and appropriate area code. This number is ideal for deaf individuals to give to hearing friends and neighbors nearby who share the same area code, often resulting in no charge for the call. If hearing individuals are not in the same local calling area, they may be charged long-distance fees.
A local 10-digit number is also ideal for use on forms, such as those required by local schools, banks, medical offices, veterinarians and day care providers. Calls placed by these offices and individuals are usually free, provided they are in the same local calling area.
DirectVP numbers are toll-free and can be used by hearing callers to contact deaf people from any location, whether they are across the street or across the country. As there are no charges for these calls, a DirectVP number is ideal for giving to family and friends who are located outside of the deaf individual's area code. Callers can talk as long as they want without charges for long-distance service.
"Sorenson Communications is pleased to give VRS callers a choice of real numbers," notes Pat Nola, Sorenson Communications President and CEO. "VRS users will receive a local 10-digit number and can also choose to have a DirectVP number. They can use the numbers in the way that works best for them, similar to the way hearing individuals choose calling options. Sorenson Communications' goal is for all deaf individuals to have access to functionally equivalent communication services."
In the past, Sorenson VRS users received a number with an IP address, also known as a "proxy" number. Although proxy numbers will continue to work through June 30, 2009, Sorenson Communications is in the process of assigning new real numbers that will eventually replace the proxy numbers. (Instructions on getting a real number will be provided through users' videophones.) Sorenson Communications has created a way for callers to be notified when a proxy number has changed, a process that is similar to the way callers are notified when hearing individuals change phone numbers. In addition, VRS users can use Sorenson Communications' Contact Cards to notify others of their real numbers. For more information on how to get a real number, visit www.sorensonvrs.com/connect.
When you select Sorenson as your default provider of VRS, Sorenson will help you choose a 10-digit telephone number for use with that service. To select Sorenson as your default provider, call 800-659-4810 or visit www.sorensonvrs.com/moving. Your new number will be portable to another provider as of December 31, 2008. To properly route 911 calls to local emergency service providers, Sorenson must have your correct street address. You can submit or update your address on your Sorenson videophone or by calling 800-659-4810. Sorenson will confirm receipt of this address information. Because all VRS calls are sent over an Internet connection, you must keep in mind that using a Sorenson videophone to place an emergency 911 call is subject to certain limitations and risks, particularly in comparison to 911 calls made using a voice telephone. For example, you may not be able to place a 911 call with a Sorenson videophone if an Internet connection failure or a power outage occurs, or if your Broadband or ISP service has been terminated. For more information about 10-digit numbers and the limitations and risks associated with using a Sorenson videophone to place a 911 call, please visit Sorenson's Web site at www.sorenson.com/disclaimer.
About Sorenson Communications
Sorenson Communications® (www.sorenson.com) is a provider of industry-leading communications services and products. The company's offerings include Sorenson Video Relay Service® (SVRS®), the highest-quality video interpreting service; the Sorenson (VP-100® and VP-200®) videophones; Sorenson IP Relay® (SIPRelay), enabling text-to-speech relay communication; and Sorenson Video Remote Interpreting? (VRI), a fee-based remote interpreting service.
Sorenson Communications
Ann Bardsley, 801-287-9400
abardsley@sorenson.com
