Deaf, Hard of Hearing Group Seeks Functional Equivalence for VRS

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Consumer Advocacy Network is "concerned" that restrictions on allowable costs for video relay services funded by the Telecom Relay Service Fund "leave providers no choice but to cut corners with quality of service and neglect non-allowable costs" like research and development, the group told staff to FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, per an ex parte filing Friday in docket 10-51 (see 2107300056). "Responsible stewardship of the funds is vital," the group said, but "the 'bottom line' should not be the only factor." The FCC could also consider implementing "financial incentives" for the skills-based routing pilot and deaf interpreter pilot programs to encourage provider participation, the group said, noting neither program "has gotten off the ground" since the commission created them.