Ryan Croke is learning.

1. TRS is a service that connects those who are hearing to those who are deaf. It is currently available in fifty states. There are no costs to the end users, with the possible exception to toll service for some calls.

2. It was noted that there are three challenges to Internet Based Calling which needs to be worked out by the Industry, they are: Personal Telephone Numbers, Access to Emergency 9-1-1 Services, National Directory Services.

3. It was noted that in the contribution the term “Deaf” refers to any person who is deaf, hard of hearing, has a speech disability, or other need that requires them to use TRS services. Currently, deaf people using Internet-based relay services rely on the relay provider to make and receive calls. Sprint-Nextel laid out several problems and solutions for relay provider services in order to become equivalent to hearing users as it relates to numbering.

4. It was noted that a number can only be assigned where service providers agree to set an AIN [Advanced Intelligent Network] to handle the routing of the relay services. A similar program is being used in California. Remote Call Forwarding would be another option that wouldn’t require an AIN application that LECs could provide to support this.

5. It was noted that for both local and long distance calls a hearing user chooses their service provider; this contribution will allow those using a relay service to also choose the service provider.

6. It was noted that a more sophisticated solution would be to allow a user to change VRS providers depending on a per call basis.

7. It was noted that in order to assign numbers in a rate center, interconnection between local services will be needed so that these services are similar to national carriers. It was further noted that this will allow deaf users to have indistinguishable numbers to hearing users.

8. It was noted that in order ensure that the best interest of the customer is met, the relay providers should be allowed to provide the full service to their customers; therefore it does make sense for those providers to incur those costs and then receive reimbursement from the FCC.

9. It was noted that this contribution largely addresses policy, and INC may not be the forum to address these policy questions or issues related to cost. It was noted in response that the discussion around cost is not specific costs that the INC is trying to solve; should policy issues be identified they will be forwarded to the correct agency responsible for policy decisions.

10. It was noted that phone numbers used by deaf customers should be involved with the reimbursement process similar to hearing customers. These numbers will be allowed to be forwarded to the service provider of choice.

11. It was noted that the FCC does want interoperability between carriers, and these numbering issues will need to be provided. In addition a database should be administered that would meet the needs of these calls, so that from a numbering prospective, calls for both deaf and hearing customers are equivalent.

12. It was noted that there are potential choices to be looked into. One is a customer selecting a VRS service provider to make and receive calls. When a VRS end user wants to change service providers it might be difficult for the customer to change service providers. Another option would be to go through a centralized approach, whereby a customer would go through a third party when obtaining numbers. If a neutral third party controlled these types of changes it might ensure fair competition between service providers.

13. It was noted that INC Members should decide what areas of interest/concern are important to be addressed regarding this issue. Brainstorming ideas were captured and will be attached to the Minutes.

Action Item:

1. The VoIP Co-Chair will prepare a matrix based on the brainstorming ideas noted above ...

HERE IS THAT MATRIX:

Centralized (Neutral Third Party) or Distributed Number and VRS SP Selection

10-Digit Destination Decision Based on New Database of Existing SSS-7

VRS Selection Based upon End-User or Originating Caller
- process for changing VRS provider
- out-going vs. in-coming calls

Business-relationship between VRS Providers with LEC/VoIP Providers when obtaining telephone numbers

Directory information mechanisms (4-1-1)

9-1-1 Considerations

Number Assignment Reporting Guideline requirements

IP-IP interconnection utility (dynamic database look-up)
- National Database
- TNs assignable for net to net and non-PSTN calls only?