ROBERT F. BENNETI
UTAH
May 24, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC 20510-4403
(2021224-5444
tinitcd~tatcs~matŁ
Honorable Julius Genachowski, Chainnan
Commissioner Michael J, Copps
Commissioner Robert M, McDowell
Commissioner Mignon Clyburn
Commissioner Meredith Attwell Baker
Federal Communications Commission
445 Twelfth Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554
COMMITTEES:
APPROPRIATIONS
BANKING, HOUSING, AND
URBAN AFFAIRS
ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES
HOMELAND SECURITY AND
GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
RULES AND ADMINiSTRATION
JOINT ECONOMIC
Dear Chainnan Genachowski and Commissioners Copps, McDowell, Clyburn and Baker,
I am writing to urge you to set a fair and predictable rate for Video Relay Services
("VRS"), As you are aware, VRS is a broadband-based relay service that enables deaf
individuals in Utah and throughout the country to communicate in real time in their own
language, American Sign Language ("ASL"), Deafindividuals often describe VRS as life 
altering and many deafAmericans have come to rely heavily on VRS to place calls to hearing
individuals. It is not only a critically important service in and ofitself, but VRS is also driving
broadband adoption among the deaf- where broadband adoption has otherwise lagged.
In Title IV ofthe ADA, Congress requires that the FCC promote efficiency, improved
technology, nationwide access, and functional equivalence for the deaf, Because VRS is
generally considered the most functionally equivalent fonn ofrelay service available today, it is
essential that the Commission establish a fair and predictable rate for VRS that promotes these
goals.
i am concerned that the Commission's April 30
th
rate proposals do not include many of
the real costs ofproviding VRS, The Commission voted unanimously three years ago for a
multi-year, incentive-based rate plan. That plan encouraged investment, innovation, and
efficiency and helped avoid protracted and contentious debates about costs, The April 30
th
rate
proposals seem to reverse course and look to adopt a cost-based system that does not include all
ofthe true costs. I worry that the Commission's actions could undo recent progress toward
functional equivalence. The results would likely be devastating - in tenns ofjobs lost and the
communications services available to the deafcommunity.
The nation's leading VRS provider, Sorenson Communications, Inc., is headquartered in
the State ofUtah and represents a true American success story. Sorenson was founded by a Utah
family in 1995 and began providing VRS in 2003. While it was not the first provider ofVRS,
the company has grown by providing excellent and innovative service to deafindividuals.
Sorenson now employs almost 800 Utah residents and about 5,700 individuals throughout the
country and is one ofthe nation's largest private sector employers ofdeaf individuals. The
Commission's April 30
th
rate proposals have put these jobs and the vital service VRS providers
offer to deafindividuals in jeopardy.
Without VRS providers like Sorenson, members ofthe deafcommunity would be forced
to resort to typing over TTYs (typewriter·like machines) to call 911, doctors, neighbors, family
members, or friends - a slow, tedious, and frustrating experience. This would be a step back in
the path to functional equivalence.
I urge you to adopt a VRS rate that is fair and predictable. The rate you set should
encourage the innovation and advancements that have made VRS the preferred method of
communication for the deaf. VRS is a success ofthe Americans with Disabilities Act, and I urge
you to ensure that progress in communications for tht.J deafcontinues.
Sincerely,
Robert F. Bennett
United States Senator