Federal Communications Commission DA 13-1068 
Before the
Federal Communications Commission
Washington, DC 20554
In the Matter of
Sorenson Communications, Inc.
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File No.:  EB-TCD-12-00000370
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Acct. No.:  201332170012
FRN:  00015648942
ORDER
Adopted:  May 23, 2013                      Released:  May 28, 2013
By the Chief, Enforcement Bureau:
1. In this Order, we adopt the attached Consent Decree entered into between the 
Enforcement Bureau (Bureau) of the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) and Sorenson 
Communications, Inc. (Sorenson).  The Consent Decree resolves and terminates the Bureau’s 
investigation into Sorenson’s compliance with Section 225 of the Communications Act of 1934, as 
amended,
2
Sections 64.604 and 64.611 of the Commission’s rules, and the Commission’s orders 
concerning the provision of Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) and compensation from the 
Interstate TRS Fund.
3
2. The Bureau and Sorenson have negotiated the terms of the Consent Decree that resolves 
this matter.  A copy of the Consent Decree is attached hereto and incorporated by reference.
3. After reviewing the terms of the Consent Decree and evaluating the facts before us, we 
find that the public interest would be served by adopting the Consent Decree and terminating the 
referenced investigation.
4. Based solely on the record developed to date in this investigation and in the absence of 
material new evidence relating to this matter, we conclude that the Bureau’s investigation raises no 
substantial or material questions of fact as to whether Sorenson possesses the basic qualifications, 
including those related to character, to hold or obtain any Commission license, certification, or 
authorization.
5. Accordingly, IT IS ORDERED, pursuant to Sections 4(i), 4(j), and 503(b) of the 
Communications Act of 1934, as amended,
4
and Sections 0.111 and 0.311 of the Commission’s rules,
5
the 
attached Consent Decree IS ADOPTED.
6. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the above-captioned investigation IS 
TERMINATED.
                                                
1
The investigation was originally identified as file number EB-11-TC-030.
2
47 U.S.C. § 225.
3
47 C.F.R. §§ 64.604, 64.611.  
4
47 U.S.C. §§ 154(i), 154(j), 503(b).
5
47 C.F.R §§ 0.111, 0.311.
            Federal Communications Commission                            DA 13-1068
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7. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that a copy of this Order and Consent Decree shall be 
sent by first class mail and certified mail, return receipt requested, to Michael B. DeSanctis, Jenner & 
Block, LLP, 1099 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC  20001.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
P. Michele Ellison
Chief, Enforcement Bureau
                                                    Federal Communications Commission DA 13-1068 
Before the
Federal Communications Commission
Washington, DC 20554
In the Matter of
Sorenson Communications, Inc.
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File No.:  EB-TCD-12-00000370
Acct. No.:  201332170012
FRN:  0015648942
CONSENT DECREE
The Enforcement Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission and Sorenson 
Communications, Inc., by their authorized representatives, hereby enter into this Consent Decree that 
resolves and terminates the Enforcement Bureau’s investigation into Sorenson’s compliance with Section 
225 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended,
1
Sections 64.604 and 64.611 of the Commission’s 
rules, and the Commission’s orders concerning the provision of Telecommunications Relay Services and 
compensation from the TRS Fund.
2
I. DEFINITIONS
1. For the purposes of this Consent Decree, the following definitions shall apply:
(a) “Act” means the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. § 
151 et seq.
(b) “Adopting Order” means an order of the Bureau adopting the terms of this 
Consent Decree without change, addition, deletion, or modification.
(c) “Bureau” means the Enforcement Bureau of the Federal Communications 
Commission.
(d) “Commission” and “FCC” mean the Federal Communications Commission 
and all of its bureaus and offices.
(e) “Communications Laws” means, collectively, the Act, the Rules, and the 
published and promulgated orders and decisions of the Commission to 
which Sorenson is subject by virtue of its business activities.
(f) “Compliance Plan” means the compliance obligations, program, and 
procedures described in this Consent Decree at paragraph 12.
(g) “Compliance Reports” mean the reports Sorenson is required to file with the 
Commission pursuant to paragraph 14.
                                                
1
47 U.S.C. § 225.
2
47 C.F.R. §§ 64.604, 64.611.  
            Federal Communications Commission                            DA 13-1068
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(h) “Covered Personnel” means all employees, independent contractors, 
subcontractors, and agents of Sorenson who perform, supervise, oversee, or 
manage any activities that relate to the Company’s responsibilities under, and 
compliance with, Section 225 of the Act and the TRS Rules.
(i) “Effective Date” means the date on which the Bureau releases the Adopting 
Order.
(j) “FCC Compliance Assessments” means reviews conducted by Sorenson to ensure 
that any Product offered to TRS users complies with the Communications Laws.
(k) “Internet-based TRS” means any form of TRS in which an individual with a 
hearing or speech disability connects to a communications assistant using an 
Internet Protocol-enabled device via the Internet.  See 47 C.F.R. § 64.601(a)(11).
(l) “Investigation” means the inquiry undertaken by the Bureau in File No.: EB-
TCD-12-00000370 (formerly EB-11-TCD-030) regarding compliance with 
the TRS Rules. 
(m) “IP Relay” means Internet Protocol Relay Service, 47 C.F.R. § 
64.601(a)(13).
(n) “iTRS database” means the TRS Numbering Directory as described in 47 
C.F.R. § 64.613.
(o) “Operating Procedures” means the operating procedures and compliance policies 
established and used by Sorenson to implement the Compliance Plan.
(p) “Parties” means Sorenson and the Bureau, each of which is a “Party.”
(q) “Products” means TRS products, services, equipment, and software offered by 
Sorenson to TRS users.
(r) “Refund Payment” means the payment to be made by Sorenson to the TRS 
Fund pursuant to this Consent Decree and described at paragraph 18.
(s) “Rules” means the Commission’s regulations found in Title 47 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations.
(t) “Sorenson” or “Company” means Sorenson Communications, Inc. and each 
of its subsidiaries, predecessors-in-interest and successors-in-interest.
(u) “TRS” means Telecommunications Relay Services, 47 C.F.R. § 64.601(a)(22).
(v) “TRS Fund” or “Fund” means the Interstate Cost Recovery Plan administered by 
an entity selected by the Commission, 47 C.F.R. § 64.604(c)(5)(iii).
(w) “TRS Fund administrator” or “Administrator” means the entity selected by the 
Commission to administer the TRS Fund, 47 C.F.R. § 64.604(c)(5)(iii).
(x) “TRS Rules” means the regulations set forth at Section 64.601 through Section 
64.613 of the Rules, 47 C.F.R. § 64.601 et seq., Commission orders implementing 
and interpreting 47 U.S.C. § 225 of the Act, and any other Rules and orders 
            Federal Communications Commission                            DA 13-1068
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applicable to TRS providers, as such Rules and orders apply to Sorenson and any 
Product or form of TRS offered by Sorenson.
(y) “Voluntary Contribution” means the payment to be made by Sorenson to the 
United States Treasury pursuant to this Consent Decree and described at paragraph
17.
(z) “VRS” means video relay service, 47 C.F.R. § 64.601(a)(27).
(aa) “Work Number” means a ten-digit number associated with Covered Personnel that 
is designated for business purposes.
II. BACKGROUND
2. TRS is a telephone transmission service that enables persons who are deaf, hard of 
hearing, deaf-blind, as well as those with speech disabilities to communicate by wire or radio with hearing 
individuals in a manner that is functionally equivalent to voice communication services utilized by those 
without such disabilities.
3
  Section 225 of the Act obligates the Commission to ensure that TRS is 
“available, to the extent possible and in the most efficient manner,” to persons with hearing or speech 
disabilities in the United States.
4
  In addition, the Act directs the Commission to adopt implementing 
regulations that encourage the use of existing technology and do not discourage or impair the 
development of new technologies.
5
3. The Commission has approved various forms of TRS, including traditional Text 
telephone (TTY), VRS, and IP Relay.
6
The Commission also has taken numerous steps to protect the 
TRS Fund from abuse and ensure that it only covers the cost of compensable minutes generated by 
eligible users.
7
  In 2008, the Commission adopted a new numbering system to assign VRS and IP Relay
users ten-digit numbers linked to the North American Numbering Plan.
8
  These dedicated numbers are 
similar to the telephone numbers used by persons without disabilities, allowing VRS and IP Relay users 
                                                
3
See 47 U.S.C. § 225(a)(3).  See also 47 C.F.R. § 64.601(a)(22).
4
47 U.S.C. § 225(b)(1); see Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Pub. L. No. 101-336, § 401, 104 Stat. 327, 
336-69 (1990). 
5
47 U.S.C. § 225(d)(2).
6
See 47 U.S.C. § 64.601.
7
TRS users do not pay to use the service.  To cover the costs of TRS, telecommunications carriers and Voice over 
Internet Protocol (VoIP) service providers collect a surcharge from all subscribers as part of the billing process.  47 
C.F.R. § 64.604(c)(5) (establishing the method for recovering the costs of TRS from subscribers of interstate and 
intrastate telecommunications (e.g., mobile telephone, operator services, voice telephone services, toll free number 
services, international, etc.) and VoIP services and contributions to the TRS Fund).   These monies are then paid into 
the TRS Fund and used to reimburse eligible TRS providers for the costs of providing TRS.   47 U.S.C. § 225(d)(3).    
Section 64.604(c)(5)(iii)(D) of the Rules requires TRS providers seeking compensation from the TRS Fund to 
submit true and adequate data to the TRS Fund administrator to, among other things, facilitate payments.   
8
Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech 
Disabilities, Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, 23 FCC Rcd 11591 (2008) (Internet-
Based TRS Order); Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing 
and Speech Disabilities, Second Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration, 24 FCC Rcd 791 (2008) (Second 
Internet-Based TRS Report & Order).
            Federal Communications Commission                            DA 13-1068
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to more easily make and receive calls, ensuring direct and automatic routing of emergency calls,
9
and 
reducing the misuse of IP Relay.
10
4. After December 31, 2008, VRS and IP Relay providers were prohibited from providing 
non-emergency service to a new VRS or IP Relay user unless the provider first registered the user and 
assigned the user a ten-digit number.
11
  To further guard against misuse and help ensure that VRS and IP 
Relay are used only for the intended purposes, the Commission subsequently required VRS and IP Relay 
providers to institute procedures to verify the information provided by users during registration, including 
the user’s name and address, and to obtain a self-certification whereby the user verifies that he or she has 
a medically recognized hearing or speech disability necessitating his or her use of TRS.
12
  The 
Commission also emphasized that certain TRS calls are not compensable on a per-minute basis, including 
calls by provider or subcontractor employees.
13
  
5. On March 11, 2011, the Bureau’s Telecommunications Consumers Division (TCD)
issued a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) to Sorenson seeking information on the Company’s VRS and IP Relay 
service offerings, emergency call handling processes, submissions to the TRS Fund administrator, and 
registration and verification of VRS and IP Relay users assigned ten-digit numbers, among other things.
14
On January 23, 2012, the Bureau issued a supplemental LOI to Sorenson requesting more detailed 
information on Sorenson’s process for registering and verifying users of IP Relay.
15
  The Bureau 
simultaneously issued a subpoena to Sorenson for certain records related to TRS reimbursement 
requests.
16
  Sorenson timely filed responses to these inquiries but made several supplemental filings 
between June 27, 2012 and March 21, 2013.  Further, as part of the investigation, Sorenson voluntarily 
disclosed relevant conduct with respect to calls by or to Covered Personnel regarding its IP CTS service 
as well as IP Relay and VRS. 
III. TERMS OF AGREEMENT
6. Adopting Order.  The Parties agree that the provisions of this Consent Decree shall be 
subject to final approval by the Bureau by incorporation of such provisions by reference in the Adopting 
Order.
                                                
9
Internet-based TRS Order, 23 FCC Rcd at 11592, para. 1.
10
Second Internet-based TRS Order, 24 FCC Rcd at 809-810, para. 38 (noting that the ten-digit numbering system 
eliminates the anonymity previously associated with using the service).
11
Second Internet-based TRS Order, 24 FCC Rcd at 801-802, para. 21.  With respect to existing users, the 
prohibition applied after November 12, 2009.  Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services 
for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities, Order, 24 FCC Rcd 8000 (2009) (extending the initial 
deadline from June 30, 2009 to November 12, 2009).
12
Second Internet-based TRS Order, 24 FCC Rcd at 809, para. 37 (effective May 28, 2010).  The Commission 
recently prohibited Internet-based TRS providers from handling calls made by new users prior to taking reasonable 
measures to verify users’ registration information, i.e., eliminating the “guest-user” policy.  See Misuse of Internet 
Protocol (IP) Relay Service, First Report and Order, 27 FCC Rcd 7866 (2012).
13
Structure and Practices of the Video Relay Service Program, Declaratory Ruling, 25 FCC Rcd 1868 (2010).
14
See Letter from Richard A. Hindman, Chief, TCD, FCC Enforcement Bureau, to Pat Nola, President and CEO, 
Sorenson Communications, Inc. (March 11, 2011) (on file in EB-TCD-12-00000370).
15
See Letter from Richard A. Hindman, Chief, TCD, FCC Enforcement Bureau, to Pat Nola, President and CEO, 
Sorenson Communications, Inc. (January 23, 2012) (on file in EB-TCD-12-00000370).
16
See Subpoena from Richard A. Hindman, Chief, TCD, FCC Enforcement Bureau, to Pat Nola, President and 
CEO, Sorenson Communications, Inc. (January 23, 2012) (on file in EB-TCD-12-00000370).
            Federal Communications Commission                            DA 13-1068
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7. Jurisdiction.  Sorenson agrees that the Bureau has jurisdiction over it and the matters 
contained in this Consent Decree and that the Bureau has the authority to enter into and adopt this 
Consent Decree.
8. Effective Date; Violations.  The Parties agree that this Consent Decree shall become 
effective on the Effective Date.  As of the Effective Date, the Adopting Order and this Consent Decree 
shall have the same force and effect as any other order of the Commission.  Any violation of the Adopting 
Order or of the terms of this Consent Decree shall constitute a separate violation of a Commission order, 
entitling the Commission to exercise any rights and remedies attendant to the enforcement of a 
Commission order. 
9. Termination of Investigation.  In express reliance on the covenants and representations 
in this Consent Decree and to avoid further expenditure of public resources, the Bureau agrees to 
terminate the Investigation.  In consideration for the termination of the Investigation, Sorenson agrees to 
the terms, conditions, and procedures contained herein.  The Bureau further agrees that in the absence of
new material evidence, the Bureau will not use the facts developed in this Investigation through the 
Effective Date, or the existence of this Consent Decree, to institute on its own motion any new 
proceeding, formal or informal, or take any action on its own motion against Sorenson concerning the 
matters that were the subject of the Investigation.  The Bureau also agrees that in the absence of new 
material evidence it will not use the facts developed in this Investigation through the Effective Date, or 
the existence of this Consent Decree, to institute on its own motion any proceeding, formal or informal, or 
take any action on its own motion against Sorenson with respect to Sorenson’s basic qualifications, 
including its character qualifications, to hold Commission certifications, licenses, or authorizations.
10. Representations; Warranties.  Sorenson represents and warrants that as of July 2012 
the Company has registered each user using a process that required, at a minimum, the user to provide, at 
the time of registration, the user’s name and street address.  Sorenson further represents and warrants that
as of August 2012 it has issued each such user a ten-digit telephone number from the North American 
Numbering Plan and verified the user’s name, linked the named user to the street address provided by the 
user during registration, and confirmed that the user provided a self-certification attesting that he or she
had a disability and was eligible to use IP Relay.
17
  Sorenson further represents and warrants that as of 
August 2012, the Company either closed or disabled each Sorenson user account where the Company: (i) 
did not have a record of the registered user’s self-certification attesting to his or her disability and 
eligibility to use IP Relay; (ii) failed to register the user using a process that required, at a minimum, the 
user to provide at the time of registration, the user’s name and street address; (iii) failed to verify the 
user’s name and link the named user to the street address provided by the user during registration process; 
or (iv) failed to assign the user a ten-digit number.
18
  Sorenson also represents and warrants that as of 
February 2013 the Company has: (i) removed all ten-digit numbers associated with any closed accounts, 
preventing them from making IP Relay calls through Sorenson; (ii) taken all actions required to have all 
such ten-digit numbers removed from the iTRS database; and (iii) subsequently confirmed that all such 
ten-digit numbers have been removed from the iTRS database.
11. Compliance Officer.  Within thirty (30) calendar days after the Effective Date, Sorenson
shall designate a senior corporate manager with the requisite corporate and organizational authority to 
serve as Compliance Officer and to discharge the duties set forth below.  The Compliance Officer shall be 
responsible for developing, implementing, and administering the Compliance Plan and ensuring that 
Sorenson complies with the terms and conditions of the Compliance Plan and this Consent Decree.  In 
addition to the general knowledge of the Communications Laws necessary to discharge his or her duties 
                                                
17
There was one verified account that did not receive a TDN until January 2013.
18
There was one verified account that did not receive a TDN until January 2013. 
            Federal Communications Commission                            DA 13-1068
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under this Consent Decree, the Compliance Officer shall have specific knowledge of the TRS Rules prior 
to assuming his or her duties.  
12. Compliance Plan.  Sorenson agrees that it shall within sixty (60) calendar days after the 
Effective Date, develop, implement, and maintain a Compliance Plan that is designed to ensure future 
compliance with the Communications Laws and with the terms and conditions of this Consent Decree. 
With respect to the TRS Rules, Sorenson shall implement the following:
(a) Operating Procedures.  Within sixty (60) calendar days after the Effective Date, 
Sorenson shall establish, use, and maintain Operating Procedures that the 
Compliance Officer and all Covered Personnel shall follow to help ensure 
Sorenson’s compliance with the TRS Rules and terms of this Consent Decree.  
Sorenson’s Operating Procedures shall, at a minimum, include procedures and 
policies specifically designed to ensure that Sorenson’s operations and provision of 
TRS, including any aspect of TRS provided by independent contractors, 
subcontractors, or agents, comply with Section 225 of the Act and all TRS Rules 
that are applicable to any form of TRS offered or provided by Sorenson, either 
directly or indirectly through an independent contractor, subcontractor, or agent.  
(b) Compliance Manual.  Within sixty (60) calendar days after the Effective Date, 
Sorenson shall develop, use, and maintain a Compliance Manual and distribute the 
Compliance Manual to all Covered Personnel.  For any person who becomes 
Covered Personnel more than 60 calendar days after the Effective Date, Sorenson 
shall distribute the Compliance Manual to that person within thirty (30) calendar 
days after the date such person becomes Covered Personnel.  The Compliance 
Manual shall explain the TRS Rules and instruct Covered Personnel to consult and 
follow the Operating Procedures to help ensure Sorenson’s compliance with the 
TRS Rules.  The Compliance Manual shall require Covered Personnel to contact 
their supervisor and/or the Compliance Officer with any questions or concerns that 
arise with respect to Sorenson’s obligations under or compliance with the TRS 
Rules.  The supervisor shall promptly notify the Compliance Officer when a 
violation or potential violation of the TRS Rules or this Consent Decree is raised 
by Covered Personnel.  In addition, the Compliance Manual shall explain how 
Covered Personnel may report waste, fraud, or abuse to the FCC’s Office of the 
Inspector General and shall set forth the general hotline number and website 
address for the FCC’s Office of the Inspector General.  Sorenson shall periodically 
review and revise the Compliance Manual as necessary to ensure that the 
information set forth therein remains current and complete, taking into account 
changes in Sorenson’s Products and processes and any modifications to the TRS 
Rules.  Sorenson shall distribute any revisions to the Compliance Manual to all 
Covered Personnel within thirty (30) calendar days after any revisions have been 
made by Sorenson.  
(c) Compliance Training Program.  Within sixty (60) calendar days after the 
Effective Date, Sorenson shall establish, implement, and maintain a Compliance 
Training Program to ensure compliance with the TRS Rules and the Operating 
Procedures. As part of the Compliance Training Program, Covered Personnel shall 
be advised of Sorenson’s obligation to report any noncompliance with the TRS 
Rules under paragraph 13 of this Consent Decree and shall be instructed on how to 
disclose noncompliance to the Compliance Officer.  All Covered Personnel shall be 
trained pursuant to the Compliance Training Program within sixty (60) calendar 
days after the Effective Date, except that any person who becomes Covered 
Personnel at any time after the Effective Date shall be trained within thirty (30) 
            Federal Communications Commission                            DA 13-1068
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calendar days after the date such person becomes Covered Personnel.  Sorenson 
shall repeat the compliance training on an annual basis and shall periodically 
review and revise the Compliance Training Program as necessary to ensure that it 
remains current and complete and to enhance its effectiveness.  All Covered 
Personnel will be trained on the compliance-related rules and issues that relate to or 
concern the performance of their respective duties and responsibilities as 
employees for Sorenson.   
(d) Acts or Omissions of Contractors and Agents.  Sorenson acknowledges that the
act, failure to act, or omission by any independent contractor, subcontractor, or 
agent of Sorenson, acting in such capacity, that results in a violation of the Act, 
TRS Rules, or this Consent Decree constitutes an act, failure to act, or omission by 
Sorenson.  
(e) Additional Compliance Measures.  Sorenson shall implement the following 
additional compliance measures:
i. Work Numbers.  Within sixty (60) calendar days after the Effective Date,
the Company shall compile a list of the Work Numbers (Work Number List) 
and on a monthly basis file the Work Number List with any requests for 
reimbursements submitted to the TRS Fund administrator.  The Company 
shall not submit requests to the TRS Fund administrator for reimbursement 
of any minutes that are associated with any number on the Work Number 
List.  Sorenson shall maintain and update the Work Number List to ensure 
that it remains accurate.  Sorenson shall include in its Operating Procedures 
an instruction that Covered Personnel must use their Work Number 
whenever they access or use TRS for a business purposes, whether or not at 
the workplace and notify all Covered Personnel in writing of the obligation 
relating to Work Numbers.  The Company shall not subsequently submit 
requests to the TRS Fund administrator for reimbursement for any calls 
associated with a Work Number during the time such Work Number was on 
a list that Sorenson submitted to the TRS Fund administrator.  The Company 
shall segregate and keep the call detail records for all Work Numbers to 
ensure compliance with this provision.
ii. Maintenance of Documents and Information.  In addition, within sixty 
(60) calendar days after the Effective Date, Sorenson shall: (1) revise the 
Company’s website to advise TRS users about how to make emergency calls 
using any Product offered by the Company for which the Company seeks 
compensation from the TRS Fund; (2) establish and maintain procedures for 
modifying or adding emergency calling advisories to all TRS literature 
provided to the public; (3)  develop and maintain records of when TRS
literature and Product marketing materials are created, modified and used; 
and (4) establish and maintain procedures for documenting and retaining 
FCC Compliance Assessments on new Products.
iii. Recordkeeping.  Within sixty (60) calendar days after the Effective Date, 
Sorenson shall require all independent contractors, subcontractors, and 
agents to maintain and produce to Sorenson and/or the FCC upon request,
any records or documentation that support or relate to a Sorenson claim for 
reimbursement from the TRS Fund as required by the TRS Rules, including 
            Federal Communications Commission                            DA 13-1068
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as required to ensure Sorenson’s compliance with 47 C.F.R. § 
64.604(c)(5)(iii)(D)(1)-(4) and (6)-(7), and the terms of this paragraph 12.
iv. iTRS Database Entries.  Sorenson shall immediately block and promptly 
remove from the Company’s database any ten-digit number associated with a 
Sorenson registered TRS user whom Sorenson deems to be ineligible to 
make TRS calls.  Contemporaneously with removing the TRS user from 
Sorenson’s database, the Company shall complete all actions required by a 
provider to have the number removed from the iTRS database.
13. Reporting Noncompliance.  Sorenson shall report any noncompliance with the TRS 
Rules and with the terms and conditions of this Consent Decree within fifteen (15) calendar days after 
discovery of such noncompliance.  Such reports shall include a detailed explanation of: (i) each instance 
of noncompliance; (ii) the steps that Sorenson has taken or will take to remedy such noncompliance; (iii) 
the schedule on which such remedial actions will be taken; and (iv) the steps that Sorenson has taken or 
will take to prevent the recurrence of any such noncompliance.  All reports of noncompliance shall be 
submitted to the Chief, Telecommunications Consumers Division, Enforcement Bureau, Federal 
Communications Commission, Room 3-C366, 445 12th Street, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20554, with a 
copy submitted electronically to Sharon Lee at sharon.lee@fcc.gov and to fccebaccess@fcc.gov.
14. Compliance Reports.  Sorenson shall file Compliance Reports with the Commission 
ninety (90) calendar days after the Effective Date, twelve (12) months after the Effective Date, and 
twenty-four (24) months after the Effective Date.  
(a) Each Compliance Report shall include a detailed description of Sorenson’s efforts
during the relevant period (beginning on the Effective Date, and continuing through 
to the filing date of each report) to comply with the terms and conditions of this 
Consent Decree and the TRS Rules.
(b) In addition, each Compliance Report shall include a certification by the 
Compliance Officer, as an agent of and on behalf of Sorenson, stating that the 
Compliance Officer has personal knowledge that Sorenson: (i) has established, 
implemented, and is maintaining the Compliance Plan; (ii) has utilized the 
Operating Procedures since the implementation of the Compliance Plan; and (iii) is 
not aware of any instances of noncompliance with the terms and conditions of this 
Consent Decree, including the reporting obligations set forth in paragraph 13
herein.
(c) The Compliance Officer’s certification shall be accompanied by a statement 
explaining the basis for such certification and must be in the form set forth in 
Section 1.16 of the Rules
19
and be subscribed to as true under penalty of perjury in 
substantially the form set forth therein.
(d) If the Compliance Officer cannot provide the requisite certification, the 
Compliance Officer, as an agent of and on behalf of Sorenson, shall provide the 
Commission with a detailed explanation of the reason(s) why and describe fully: (i) 
each instance of noncompliance; (ii) the steps that Sorenson has taken or will take 
to remedy such noncompliance, including the schedule on which proposed 
remedial actions will be taken; and (iii) the steps that Sorenson has taken or will 
                                                
19
47 C.F.R. § 1.16.
            Federal Communications Commission                            DA 13-1068
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take to prevent the recurrence of any such noncompliance, including the schedule 
on which such preventive action will be taken.
(e) All Compliance Reports shall be submitted to the Chief, Telecommunications 
Consumers Division, Enforcement Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 
445 12th Street, SW, Washington, D.C. 20554, with a copy submitted 
electronically to Sharon Lee at sharon.lee@fcc.gov and to fccebaccess@fcc.gov.
15. Termination Date.  Unless stated otherwise, the obligations set forth in paragraphs 11
through 14 of this Consent Decree shall expire twenty-four (24) months after the Effective Date. 
16. Section 208 Complaints; Subsequent Investigations.  Nothing in this Consent Decree 
shall prevent the Commission or its delegated authority from adjudicating complaints filed pursuant to 
Section 208 of the Act against Sorenson or its affiliates for alleged violations of the Act, or for any other 
type of alleged misconduct, regardless of when such misconduct took place.  The Commission’s 
adjudication of any such complaint will be based solely on the record developed in that proceeding.  
Except as expressly provided in this Consent Decree, this Consent Decree shall not prevent the 
Commission from investigating new evidence of noncompliance by Sorenson with the Communications 
Laws.
17. Voluntary Contribution.  Sorenson agrees that it will make a Voluntary Contribution to 
the United States Treasury in the amount eleven million five hundred ten thousand dollars ($11,510,000), 
such Voluntary Contribution to be made in installments (each an Installment Payment).  Sorenson shall 
make the first Installment Payment in the amount of one million dollars ($1,000,000) within thirty (30) 
calendar days of the Effective Date.  Sorenson shall make the second Installment Payment in the amount 
of five million, two hundred fifty-five thousand dollars ($5,255,000) on or before November 1, 2013.  
Sorenson shall make the final payment of five million, two hundred fifty-five thousand dollars 
($5,255,000) on or before May 1, 2014.  Sorenson shall make the first and all subsequent Installment 
Payments in United States Dollars without further demand or notice by the dates specified above. 
Sorenson acknowledges and agrees that upon execution of this Consent Decree, the Voluntary 
Contribution shall become a “Claim” or “Debt” as defined in 31 U.S.C. § 3701(b)(1).
20
  Upon an Event of 
Default (as defined below), all procedures for collection as permitted by law may, at the Commission’s 
discretion, be initiated.  Sorenson shall send electronic notification of each payment to Sharon Lee at 
sharon.lee@fcc.gov and to fccebaccess@fcc.gov on the date said payment is made.  The payment must be 
made by check or similar instrument, wire transfer, or credit card, and must include the Account Number 
and FRN referenced above.  Regardless of the form of payment, a completed FCC Form 159 (Remittance 
Advice) must be submitted.
21
  When completing the FCC Form 159, enter the Account Number in block 
number 23A (call sign/other ID) and enter the letters “FORF” in block number 24A (payment type 
code). Below are additional instructions Sorenson should follow based on the form of payment it selects: 
? Payment by check or money order must be made payable to the order of the Federal 
Communications Commission. Such payments (along with the completed Form 159) must be 
mailed to Federal Communications Commission, P.O. Box 979088, St. Louis, MO 63197-
9000, or sent via overnight mail to U.S. Bank – Government Lockbox #979088, SL-MO-C2-
GL, 1005 Convention Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63101.
? Payment by wire transfer must be made to ABA Number 021030004, receiving bank 
TREAS/NYC, and Account Number 27000001. To complete the wire transfer and ensure 
appropriate crediting of the wired funds, a completed Form 159 must be faxed to U.S. Bank 
                                                
20
Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, Pub. L. No. 104-134, 110 Stat. 1321, 1358 (1996).
21
An FCC Form 159 and detailed instructions for completing the form may be obtained at 
http://www.fcc.gov/Forms/Form159/159.pdf.
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at (314) 418-4232 on the same business day the wire transfer is initiated.
? Payment by credit card must be made by providing the required credit card information on 
FCC Form 159 and signing and dating the Form 159 to authorize the credit card payment.   
The completed Form 159 must then be mailed to Federal Communications Commission, P.O. 
Box 979088, St. Louis, MO 63197-9000, or sent via overnight mail to U.S. Bank –
Government Lockbox #979088, SL-MO-C2-GL, 1005 Convention Plaza, St. Louis, MO 
63101.
If Sorenson has questions regarding payment procedures, it may contact the Financial Operations Group 
Help Desk by phone, 1-877-480-3201, or by e-mail, ARINQUIRIES@fcc.gov.
18. Reimbursement to the TRS Fund.  Sorenson agrees that it will make a Refund Payment 
to the TRS Fund in the amount of four million two hundred forty thousand dollars ($4,240,000), which 
includes accrued interest, within thirty (30) calendar days of the Effective Date.  Sorenson acknowledges 
and agrees that upon execution of this Consent Decree, the Refund Payment shall become a “Claim” or 
“Debt” as defined in 31 U.S.C. § 3701(b)(1).
22
  Upon an Event of Default (as defined below), all 
procedures for collection as permitted by law may, at the Commission’s discretion, be initiated.  Sorenson 
also agrees that it will contact the TRS Fund administrator to obtain specific information regarding 
making the Refund Payment to the TRS Fund.
19. Event of Default; Interest and Charges for Collection and Acceleration of Maturity 
Date.  Sorenson agrees that an Event of Default by nonpayment shall occur upon the failure of Sorenson 
to pay the full amount of the Refund Payment or any Installment Payment of the Voluntary Contribution
on or before the due date specified in this Consent Decree. An Event of Default on payment of the Refund 
Payment or any Installment Payment will result in a cross default on both amounts.  Upon an Event of 
Default, without further notice, demand, or presentment, all procedures for collection permitted by the 
Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996
23
and other provisions of law
24
may, at the Commission’s 
discretion, be initiated and (1) the then entire unpaid amount of the Voluntary Contribution and Refund 
Payment, which shall accrue interest at a rate of 15.75% per annum from the date of the Event of Default
until payment in full and (2) any penalties permitted and/or required by the law, including but not limited 
to 31 U.S.C. § 3717 and (3) any administrative charge(s), including the costs of collection, litigation, and 
attorneys’ fees, are accelerated and shall become immediately due and payable, without notice, 
presentment, demand, protest, or notice of protest of any kind, all of which are waived by Sorenson.      
20. Waivers.  Sorenson waives any and all rights it may have to seek administrative or 
judicial reconsideration, review, appeal, or stay, or to otherwise challenge or contest the validity of this 
Consent Decree and the Adopting Order, provided the Bureau issues the Adopting Order as defined 
herein.  Sorenson shall retain the right to challenge Commission interpretation of the Consent Decree or 
any terms contained herein.  If either Party (or the United States on behalf of the Commission) brings a 
judicial action to enforce the terms of the Adopting Order, neither Sorenson nor the Commission shall 
contest the validity of the Consent Decree or the Adopting Order, and Sorenson shall waive any statutory 
right to a trial de novo.  Sorenson hereby agrees to waive any claims it may have under the Equal Access 
to Justice Act, 5 U.S.C. § 504 and 47 C.F.R. § 1.1501 et seq., relating to the matters addressed in this 
Consent Decree.
                                                
22
Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, Pub. L. No. 104-134, 110 Stat. 1321, 1358 (1996).
23
Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, Pub. L. No. 104-134, 110 Stat. 1321, 1358 (1996), codified in part at 
31 U.S.C. §§ 3711, 3716, 3717, 3720B.
24
See 31 C.F.R. Part 900, et seq.
            Federal Communications Commission                            DA 13-1068
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21. Invalidity.  The Parties agree that if a court of competent jurisdiction renders any of the 
provisions of the Adopting Order or the Consent Decree invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or 
unenforceability shall not invalidate or render unenforceable the entire Adopting Order or Consent 
Decree, but rather the entire Adopting Order or Consent Decree shall be construed as if not containing the 
particular invalid or unenforceable provision or provisions, and the rights and obligations of the Parties 
shall be construed and enforced accordingly.  In the event that this Consent Decree in its entirety is 
rendered invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, it shall become null and void and may not be 
used in any manner in any legal proceeding.
22. Subsequent Rule or Order.  The Parties agree that if any provision of the Consent 
Decree conflicts with any subsequent Rule or order adopted by the Commission (except an order 
specifically intended to revise the terms of this Consent Decree to which Sorenson does not expressly 
consent) that provision will be superseded by such Rule or Commission order.
23. Successors and Assigns.  Sorenson agrees that the provisions of this Consent Decree 
shall be binding on its successors, assigns, and transferees. 
24. Final Settlement.  The Bureau conducted the Investigation into Sorenson’s possible 
violation of Section 225 of the Act and the TRS Rules.  Sorenson neither admits nor denies any such 
violations, and the Commission does not concede or otherwise represent that its claims are not well-
founded.  The Parties agree and acknowledge that this Consent Decree shall constitute a final settlement 
between the Parties with respect to the Investigation.  The Parties further agree that this Consent Decree 
does not constitute an adjudication on the merits, or a factual or legal finding or determination regarding 
any compliance or noncompliance with the Communications Laws.
25. Modifications.  This Consent Decree cannot be modified without the advance written 
consent of both Parties.
26. Paragraph Headings.  The headings of the paragraphs in this Consent Decree are 
inserted for convenience only and are not intended to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Consent 
Decree.
27. Authorized Representative.  The individual signing this Consent Decree on behalf of 
Sorenson represents and warrants that he is authorized by Sorenson to execute this Consent Decree and to 
bind Sorenson to the obligations, including all payment obligations, set forth herein.  The FCC signatory 
represents that she is signing this Consent Decree in her official capacity and that she is authorized to 
execute this Consent Decree.
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28. Counterparts.  This Consent Decree may be signed in any number of counterparts 
(including by facsimile), each of which, when executed and delivered, shall be an original, and all of 
which counterparts together shall constitute one and the same fully executed instrument.
_____________________________________                
P. Michele Ellison                                                            
Chief                                                                                 
Enforcement Bureau
_____________________________________                
Date                                                                                  
_____________________________________                
Pat Nola
President and CEO
Sorenson Communications, Inc.
_____________________________________               
Date