welcome tasa advisory committee meeting april 26, 2013

Welcome

TASA Advisory Committee Meeting

April 26, 2013

Florida PSC 2TASA Meeting – April 26, 2013

AGENDAAGENDA 1:30 – 1:451:30 – 1:45 Reading of Meeting Notice – Reading of Meeting Notice – Cindy MillerCindy Miller

Initial Meeting Notes – Initial Meeting Notes – Curtis Curtis WilliamsWilliams

Introductions – Introductions – Curtis WilliamsCurtis Williams

ParticipantParticipant AppearancesAppearances

1:45 – 2:151:45 – 2:15 FCC & PSC Updates - FCC & PSC Updates - Bob CaseyBob Casey

2:15 – 2:45 2:15 – 2:45 FTRI FY 2013/2014 Proposed BudgetFTRI FY 2013/2014 Proposed Budget - - James James ForstallForstall

2:45 – 3.002:45 – 3.00 BreakBreak

3:00 – 3:30 3:00 – 3:30 AT&T Relay – Greg Denes – Channel Manager – AT&T Relay – Greg Denes – Channel Manager – Customer Customer Information ServicesInformation Services

TRS Traffic TRS Traffic

CapTel Traffic CapTel Traffic

Outreach Performed Outreach Performed

UpdatesUpdates

3:30 – 4:003:30 – 4:00 Other Matters?Other Matters?

4:004:00 ConcludeConclude


TASA committee members Kim Schur and Cheryl TASA committee members Kim Schur and Cheryl Rhodes will be participating by phone during today’s Rhodes will be participating by phone during today’s meeting. Louis Schwarz and Jon Ziev will not be able meeting. Louis Schwarz and Jon Ziev will not be able to participate today.to participate today.

A transcript will be made of today’s meeting, and A transcript will be made of today’s meeting, and provided to all TASA committee members.provided to all TASA committee members.

Please make sure your microphone is on when Please make sure your microphone is on when speaking. The green light should be on.speaking. The green light should be on.

Please silence your cell phones during today’s meeting.Please silence your cell phones during today’s meeting.

Please state your name before speaking so we know Please state your name before speaking so we know who is making comments for the record.who is making comments for the record.

For Committee members who will be claiming travel For Committee members who will be claiming travel costs, please make sure to fill out the travel costs, please make sure to fill out the travel reimbursement form.reimbursement form.

Initial meeting NotesInitial meeting Notes


Mr. Chris Littlewood Florida Coordinating Council for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing.12306 91st Terrace NorthSeminole, FL 33772(727) [email protected]

Kim Schur, AuDDirector, Center for Hearing and Communication2900 West Cypress Creek Road, Suite 3Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33309(954) 601-1930 Voice/TTY

(954) 601-1399 Fax (866) 954-2681 VRS [email protected]

Jon Ziev Florida Association of the Deaf, Inc.

17105 Cypresswood WayClermont, FL [email protected]

Cheryl Rhodes Florida Deaf/Blind Association500 Northfield LaneThe Villages, FL 32162(352) 350-5333 – VP & Voice number

[email protected]

Becki Edmonston Verizon-South Area Region

106 East College AvenueSuite 710Tallahassee, Florida 32301-7721(850) 681-3756Fax (850) [email protected]

Maryrose SirianniBellSouth Telecommunications, Inc., d/b/a AT&T Florida150 South Monroe StreetSuite 400Tallahassee, Florida 32301(850) 577-5553Fax (850) [email protected]

Richard HerringHearing Loss Association of Florida

1317 Caloosa Lake CourtSun City, Florida 33573-4869(813) 642-0558 – TTY

(813) 633-3258 - [email protected]

Louis J. Schwarz Florida Association of the Deaf, Inc. 2172 Blackville Drive The Villages, Fl. 32162-1404 (301) 242-9033 – Text Relay (866) 824-4228 – Video Relay [email protected]


PSC ContactsPSC Contacts Curtis Williams, Regulatory Analyst IVCurtis Williams, Regulatory Analyst IV

Office of TelecommunicationsOffice of Telecommunications(850) 413-6924 - Voice(850) 413-6924 - Voice(850) 413-6925 - FAX(850) 413-6925 - [email protected] [email protected]

Bob Casey, Public Utilities SupervisorBob Casey, Public Utilities SupervisorOffice of TelecommunicationsOffice of Telecommunications(850) 413-6974 - Voice(850) 413-6974 - Voice(850) 413-6975 - Fax(850) 413-6975 - [email protected]@psc.state.fl.us

Cindy Miller, AttorneyCindy Miller, AttorneyOffice of the General CounselOffice of the General Counsel(850) 413-6082 - Voice(850) 413-6082 - Voice(850) 413-6083 - Fax(850) 413-6083 - [email protected]@psc.state.fl.us


FCC & PSC FCC & PSC UpdatesUpdates

since since

November 2, 2012November 2, 2012

TASA MeetingTASA Meeting


FCC Number vs DA Number FCC Number vs DA Number on Orderson Orders

Decisions are issued in two different ways: by the authority of the Decisions are issued in two different ways: by the authority of the entire Commission, with entire Commission, with each Commissionereach Commissioner voting; or by authority voting; or by authority delegated to the Bureaus and Offices of the Commission. delegated to the Bureaus and Offices of the Commission.

If the decision is one decided by the Commission, it is identified by If the decision is one decided by the Commission, it is identified by an FCC number. The FCC number is comprised of two digits an FCC number. The FCC number is comprised of two digits indicating the year, and a number of up to 3 digits indicating the indicating the year, and a number of up to 3 digits indicating the sequence, such as FCC 08-138. sequence, such as FCC 08-138.

If the decision is one issued through authority delegated to the FCC If the decision is one issued through authority delegated to the FCC Bureaus and Offices, it is identified by a DA number. The DA Bureaus and Offices, it is identified by a DA number. The DA number is constructed similarly to an FCC number, with two initial number is constructed similarly to an FCC number, with two initial digits indicating the year, and a number of up to 4 digits indicating digits indicating the year, and a number of up to 4 digits indicating the sequence such as DA 08-1476.the sequence such as DA 08-1476.


Order FCC 12-39Order FCC 12-39Released November 16, 2012Released November 16, 2012

In this Order, the FCC granted in part a petition for reconsideration and clarification of the Commission's Internet-based Telecommunications Relay Service (iTRS) Toll Free Order, filed by Sorenson Communications, Inc.

In the iTRS Toll Free Order, the FCC adopted rules to improve assignment of telephone numbers associated with iTRS.

The FCC granted Sorenson's Petition with respect to certain user notification requirements but denied the remainder of the Petition.


Order DA 12-1886Order DA 12-1886Released November 20, 2012Released November 20, 2012

The FCC Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau granted CSDVRS, LLC full certification for eligibility to receive compensation from the Interstate TRS Fund for the provision of VRS.

Based on the Bureaus further review of the CSDVRS Recertification Application and their on-site inspections of CSDVRS' facilities and operations, it also found that CSDVRS currently provides VRS in compliance with the Commission's rules and orders, and determined that CSDVRS is qualified to receive compensation from the Fund for the provision of VRS.

The certification remains in effect for a period of five years from the release date of the Public Notice.


Order FCC 13-13Order FCC 13-13Released January 25, 2013Released January 25, 2013

Addresses certain practices related to the provision and marketing of Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service (IP CTS).

The new Order established the following requirements on a temporary basis from March 7, 2013 to September 3, 2013: IP CTS providers may not offer financial and other rewards to consumers,

charitable organizations, and audiologists and other professionals for the referral and registration of new IP CTS customers.

New IP CTS users must self-certify to the provider that (1) they have a hearing loss requiring use of the service to effectively communicate over the phone, (2) they understand that the captioning service is provided by a live communications assistant (CA), and (3) they understand that the cost of IP CTS calls is paid by the federal TRS Fund. If the user spends $75 or more for their IP CTS phone, he or she needs to only provide this self-certification. But if the user obtains IP CTS equipment for free or for less than $75, she or he must also provide certification from a third party professional that the user needs IP CTS to communicate effectively over the phone.

IP CTS phones must have as a default setting with the captions are turned off, so that consumers need to turn on the captions for each call..

Order FCC 13-13Order FCC 13-13Released January 25, 2013Released January 25, 2013

The Order also included a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comments on:

Whether to adopt the above interim rules as permanent rules;The likely reasons for the unusually rapid growth in the use of IP CTS;Whether to prohibit all provider programs that give away or loan equipment to potential or existing IP CTS users for free or at a cost below some specified level;Whether to require each IP CTS provider, as a condition of continuing to offer service to existing IP CTS users who have not yet registered for service, (a) to register each of their users and (b) as part of the registration process, to obtain from each user certification that the user has a hearing loss that requires IP CTS to communicate in a manner that is functionally equivalent to communication by conventional voice telephone users;Whether to establish a specific (quantitative) hearing loss threshold for eligibility to use IP CTS;Whether to amend the speed of answer requirement for IP CTS;Whether to adopt any requirements for IP CTS equipment to have labels informing consumers that IP CTS may be used only by people with hearing loss; andWhether to require applicants for IP CTS certification to describe how they ensure that they do not bill the TRS Fund for service to ineligible users. Comments were due February 26, 2013. Reply comments were due March 12, 2013



Order DA 13-259Order DA 13-259Released February 21, 2013Released February 21, 2013

The FCC Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (Bureau) permanently denied payment to Healinc Telecom, LLC, of the amounts withheld by the TRS Fund Administrator, Rolka Loube Saltzer Associates, from Healinc’s VRS payment for the month of September 2011. The Bureau affirmed RLSA’s determination that calls for which compensation was withheld were not compensable under the Commission’s rules.

The basis for withholding payment was that Healinc had failed to identify itself properly to callers and that its VRS calls were routed through multiple URL addresses not used for a Healinc brand or sub-brand, contrary to the FCC’s rules.


Order DA 13-260Released February 21, 2013

The FCC Consumer and Governmental Affairs (CGB) Bureau denied the application of Healinc Telecom, LLC to obtain recertification as a VRS provider and to obtain initial certification as an IP Relay Service provider eligible to receive compensation from the Interstate TRS Fund.

CGB’s investigations of Healinc’s VRS identified numerous instances in which Healinc did not provide VRS in compliance with the FCC’s rules and orders. Among other violations, Healinc failed to process VRS 911 calls in accordance with the FCC’s rules; submitted for compensation calls routed through URLs used by ineligible providers, contrary to the FCC’s prohibitions against use of such URLs; repeatedly submitted false, inaccurate, or incomplete reports and information to the Fund administrator and the FCC; and failed to submit reports required by the Commission’s rules.

Order DA 13-275Released February 22, 2013

Pleading Cycle was Established for Comment on Applications for State Certification for the Provision of TRS.

The FCC provided Notice that the states have applied to the FCC for renewal of the certification of their State TRS program pursuant to Title IV of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the FCC’s rules.

Current state certifications expire July 25, 2013.

A state’s application for certification, covering the five year period from July 26, 2013 to July 25, 2018, had to demonstrate that the state TRS program complies with Section 225 and the FCC’s rules governing the provision of TRS.

Comments were due March 15, 2013. Reply comments were due March 29, 2013.


Order DA 13-369Released March 8, 2013

The FCC Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau sought comment on a petition for rulemaking filed by Sorenson Communications, Inc. and its wholly subsidiary, CaptionCall, LLC on February 20, 2013.

In its petition for rulemaking, Sorenson requested that the FCC initiate a rulemaking proceeding to adopt a price cap regulatory approach to determine the rates for the provision of IP CTS. The proposed methodology would replace the current Multistate Average Rate Structure (MARS) rate methodology currently used for determining the IP CTS rate.

Comments were due March 25, 2013. Reply comments were due April 4, 2013.


Order DA 13-534Released March 21, 2013

The FCC Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau accepted the relinquishment of American Network, Inc.’s authority to provide of Internet-based TRS and eligibility for compensation from the Interstate TRS Fund.



PSC UpdatesPSC Updates On April 1, 2013, FTRI filed its proposed 2013-2014 On April 1, 2013, FTRI filed its proposed 2013-2014

budget. James Forstall will provide details of FTRI’s budget. James Forstall will provide details of FTRI’s proposed budget in his presentation later this afternoon.proposed budget in his presentation later this afternoon.

Staff has scheduled the FTRI budget recommendation to Staff has scheduled the FTRI budget recommendation to be filed May 2, 2013, for consideration by Commissioners be filed May 2, 2013, for consideration by Commissioners at the May 14, 2013 Agenda conference.at the May 14, 2013 Agenda conference.

Staff continues its monthly test calls checking the typing Staff continues its monthly test calls checking the typing speed of AT&T Relay Communications Assistants and the speed of AT&T Relay Communications Assistants and the quality of CapTel calls.quality of CapTel calls.

Legislative Update

HB 1135/SB 1688 - Telecommunications Access System: Revises powers & duties of PSC; requires that commission establish recovery mechanism requiring commercial mobile radio service providers to impose monthly surcharge on their subscribers; revises provisions relating to administration; provides for distribution of wireless mobile devices; revises membership of advisory committee that assists commission; requires that commission ensure public safety & health care providers are complying with requirements to purchase & operate telecommunications devices.

Effective Date: July 1, 2013


HB 1135/SB 1688

Bill History

Event Time Member Committee

Now in Energy & Utilities Subcommittee

Wednesday, March 06, 2013 10:31 AM

Energy & Utilities Subcommittee

Referred to Regulatory Affairs Committee


Regulatory Affairs Committee

Referred to Government Operations Appropriations Subcommittee


Government Operations Appropriations Subcommittee

Referred to Finance & Tax Subcommittee


Finance & Tax Subcommittee

Referred to Energy & Utilities Subcommittee


Energy & Utilities Subcommittee

1st Reading Tuesday, March 05, 2013 11:59 PM

Filed Thursday, February 28, 2013 12:00 PM

Antone


National Association for State National Association for State Relay Administration (NASRA)Relay Administration (NASRA)

FCC’s Disability Rights Office met with members of the TEDPA and NASRA Monday, April 15, 2013.

Topics for Discussion: 1. Update on the progress with the state recertification 2. Potential misuse or inadvertent use of IP captioned telephone

services 3. Update on the National Deaf Blind Equipment Distribution Program 4. Equipment issues – equipment and compatibility to current phone

service 5. Traditional TRS – definition, what is the scope of service and

“functional equivalence” 6. AT&T Petition to Launch Proceeding for transitioning from circuit

based networks to IP networks 7. Costs for Internet-based TRS under the jurisdictional separation of

costs principle


Questions or Comments?Questions or Comments?


Next…Next…FTRI’s Updates FTRI’s Updates James ForstallJames ForstallFTRI Executive FTRI Executive

DirectorDirector

welcome tasa advisory committee meeting april 26, 2013

Documents

tasa meeting

todays meeting

florida psc

dba att florida

jon ziev florida association

chris littlewood florida

travel costs

fcc psc updates bob