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Toll-Free Numbers Reinstated |
Recently, there has been some confusion about the use of Sorenson-assigned Direct VP™ numbers, which are toll free. For a few weeks, a few of your friends or associates who use non-Sorenson equipment for VRS may not have been able to contact you for point-to-point calls (non relay) using your Direct VP number and were required to dial the 10-digit local number assigned to you. Here is an explanation of why that happened and information to clarify the current use of Direct VP numbers.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) directed all VRS providers to remove all toll-free numbers from the iTRS database that contains numbers assigned to registered deaf VRS customers. The FCC required that they be removed by Nov. 12, 2009. As directed by the FCC, Sorenson removed Direct VP numbers from the database. As a result of this FCC order, Direct VP numbers were no longer in the database, and VRS callers who used non-Sorenson equipment were unable to call point-to-point to Sorenson VRS users by dialing their Sorenson Direct VP number. The FCC recognized this would occur when the FCC issued its clarification, but the removal of the toll-free numbers was mischaracterized by some as an "interoperability" issue, when, in reality, Sorenson was simply complying with the FCC directive.
In response, consumer groups lobbied the FCC to reinstate the toll-free numbers. On Dec. 4, the FCC issued a waiver of the earlier order and directed VRS providers to put the toll-free numbers back into the database that contains the numbers assigned to registered deaf VRS customers. As soon as the waiver was released, Sorenson Communications immediately began the process of reinstating these numbers.
In four months, the FCC will make further recommendations on the use of toll-free numbers. Sorenson Communications thinks the FCC should permanently allow toll-free numbers to be included in the database and that the deaf community should be able to continue to enjoy the benefits of having toll-free numbers.
What does this mean for you? If you place videophone calls from Sorenson equipment to contacts who also use Sorenson equipment and vice versa, it's business as usual. For those of your contacts who used non-Sorenson equipment and who tried to contact you using your Direct VP number, their call will now go through.
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Choosing and Changing Your VP-200 Caller ID Settings |
When VRS users choose Sorenson Communications as their default provider, they are assigned a local 10-digit videophone number. Sorenson VRS® (SVRS®) users can give this number to all of their deaf and hearing friends. Sorenson also provides the option of getting a toll-free Sorenson Direct VP number. SVRS users can choose which of their numbers will be used for Caller Identification (ID). The VP-200® can be set to display either the local 10-digit number or the Direct VP number. The Caller ID setting is easily changed so that you can quickly select which number will be displayed, even between calls. Here are the steps to follow to change the VP-200's Caller Identification (ID) setting.
From the Home screen:
- Select the "Settings" button. The screen will change to show new buttons.
- Select the "Personal" button. The screen will change again.
- Select the "User" button. The User Identity Settings screen will appear.
- Select which of your phone numbers you want to have displayed for Caller ID.
- When ready to accept the settings change, select the "OK" button.
If you have questions regarding local numbers or the Caller ID selection process, please dial 866-756-6729, which can be dialed on a videophone or by a hearing person on a telephone. A communications representative will assist you.
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Want SVRS Equipment?Do you need SVRS equipment (videophone) for your home or office? Do you have DEAF family members or friends who still need to get SVRS equipment? Apply for FREE SVRS equipment today at www.sorensonvrs.com/apply! |
When you select Sorenson as your default provider of VRS or IP Relay, 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. Your new number will be portable to another provider. To properly route 911 calls to local emergency service providers, Sorenson must have your correct street address. You can update your address on your Sorenson videophone or by calling 800-659-4810 or visiting www.sorensonvrs.com/moving. Sorenson will confirm receipt of this address information. For more information about 10-digit numbers and the limitations and risks associated with using Sorenson's VRS or IP Relay services to place a 911 call, please visit Sorenson's Web site at: www.sorenson.com/disclaimer.
