Convo Seeks FCC Extension of VRS Compensation Rate Freeze for Small Providers
Convo Communications asked to be part of any FCC extension of a rate freeze shielding smaller video relay service providers from scheduled cuts in industry compensation. Convo said it discussed the foundations of a new VRS rate methodology in talks…
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with aides to all five commissioners. Convo has lowered its allowable operating costs during the current small-provider ("Tier 1") rate freeze, but its costs are still higher than the $5.06 per-minute rate scheduled to take effect on Nov. 1 with the next rate cut, said a company filing posted Thursday in docket 10-51. Convo said its cost information would justify its being covered if the FCC extends the rate freeze, as requested by GlobalVRS recently (see 1608150044). Convo also said it appreciated an FCC proposal to adopt VRS interoperability standards developed by a SIP Forum industry group, but it said more needs to be done to address interoperability challenges faced by VRS consumers. The commission should "direct its contractor MITRE to act as an independent third party in testing interoperability. The Commission should also fund an interoperability resource center which would be tasked with disseminating information to VRS consumers about how they can resolve interoperability issues," Convo said. Parties filed mixed comments this past week on FCC interoperability proposals (see 1609150054).