OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
August 5, 2010
The Honorable Robelt F. Bennett
United States Senate
431 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Bennett:
Thank you For your letter regarding the reimbursement rate for Video Relay Service
(VRS). I share your support for VRS, which has become a critical communications tool for
many who are deaf or hard of hearing.
On June 28, 2010, the Commission unanimously adopted two items to address immediate
and long-term approaches for sustaining the vital Telecommunications Relay Services, of which
VRS is one form. In an Order, the Commission sets interim VRS rates for the July 1,2010 
June 30, 20 II period at $6.2390 For Tier I, $6.2335 for Tier ll, and $5.0668 For Tier Ill. These
rates represent the average of the current tiered rates and NECA's proposed rates based on
actual, historical costs. The Order notes that these rates also reflect a balance between the goal
of ensuring that VRS providers recover from the VRS Fund only the reasonable costs caused by
their provision of VRS and the goal of ensuring quality and sufFicient service during a one-year
period.
The other item adopted on June 28 is a Notice ojInquiry to take a fresh look at the VRS
rules with an eye to ensuring that this vital program remains effective, efficient, and sustainable
in the future. The Notice poses questions that delve into many cost and reimbursement related
issues, seeking to make the program less susceptible to the waste, fraud, and abuse that have
plagued the current program. Bringing clarity and predictability to VRS compensation is high on
the Commission's list of priorities, and we will resolve this proceeding as expeditiously as
possible. I am enclosing a copy of the Commission's News Release For your information.
I appreciate your continuing interest in this very important matter. Please let me know if
I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
•
Julius Genachowski