VRS choices!
I'd like this list to become a helpful resource for VRS users.
Your ideas are appreciated.
Your ideas are appreciated.
| Service Provider | Notes on numbering protocols, etc. | Deaf/HoH-initiated | Hearing-initiated |
 | Users can call from videophones or webcams (by using Microsoft NetMeeting or VSoft's AT&T XpressVRS software) | ATTVRS.TV | 888-877-9998 |
| HQ in Flint, MI | CACVRS.TV | 866-500-9662 |
 | Offers customers personal "1-800" numbers to route hearing-initiated calls directly (through CSD VRS) to deaf users; also offers 5-digit extension numbers, usable with CSD VRS. | CSDVRS.TV | 866-410-5787 |
 | Not yet in service, but approved for VRS by the FCC; runs i711.com (IP-based text relay) | N/A | N/A |
 | Uses Birnbaum Interpreting Service | CALL.HIPVRS.COM | 866-498-4777 |
| HQ in CA, Corporate HQ in DE; Users can register for HOVRS extension numbers; VRS contractor for AT&T and Washington state TRS since 2002 | HOVRS.TV | 877-467-4877 |
 | Owned by MCI-Verizon; hearing-initiated calls not permitted | TV.IPVRS.COM | N/A |
 | Started as Healinc Telecom; HQ in NY | 69.18.207.166 | 877-744-6111 |
| Canadian company; runs myrelay.com; contractor for California state VRS | N/A | 800-423-1642 |
| Uses Motorola Ojo | N/A | N/A |
 | GTCR Golder Rauner, LLC became Sorenson's majority shareholder in Sept. '05; offers customers 10-digit proxy numbers for p2p VP-100 calls and hearing-initiated Sorenson VRS calls; Partnership with Gallaudet Interpreting Service; Users can call from VPs or webcams (by using Microsoft NetMeeting or Sorenson EnVision software) | VP-100/200 only | 866-327-8877 |
 | Under contract with GSA for to provide VRS for Federal employees; CSD provides interpreters and call centers | SPRINTVRS.TV | 866-410-5787 |
One can only wonder how each provider fares in terms of video relay services rendered. Federal law (47 CFR Sec. 64.604 (c)(5)(iii) prohibits the TRS Fund Administrator --NECA-- from disclosing such data in company specific form "unless directed to do so by the commission."
A similar listing is available at TDI Online.
Comments
Check out Relay Review
Posted by: tayler | August 3, 2006 11:16 AM
Hi,
I hope this will also include Macintosh information. I note for one service, Microsoft NetMeeting is mentioned, which is PC-only. I'd love to know what is compatible with iChat or what services provide Mac-compatible software.
Posted by: Mac user | September 12, 2006 07:37 AM