OLYMPIA J. SNOWE
MAINE
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DEPUTY WHIP
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WASHINGTON. OC 20510-1903
May 25, 2010
CQMMmUS
COMMERCE. SCIENCE. ANO
TRANSPORTAllON
FINANCE
INTElUGENCE
RANKING MEMBER. SMALL BUSINESS
The Honorable Julius Genachowski
Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554
Dear Chairman Genachowski:
813
As the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) considers proposed compensation
rates for the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Fund submitted by the
National Exchange Carrier Association (NECA), I want to highlight the importance ofthe Video
Relay Service (VRS) program as an indispensible communications tool for the deaf community.
VRS allows people with hearing disabilities in Maine and across the country to communicate
with voice telephone users through video equipment, rather than through typed text. With VRS,
deaf Americans are able to place calls easily to family and friends, co-workers, their doctors, and
even first responders.
On April 30
'h
, the Commission announced, through a Public Notice, that it was seeking
comment on whether it should adopt NECA's proposed rates for the 20 I0-20II Fund year. In
the FCC's evaluation and adoption ofa rate structure, I urge the FCC to strike the proper balance
between ensuring the continue health and viability ofthe program and improving the overall
integrity ofthis valuable service. The significant fraud that allegedly occurred recently in the
VRS program is deeply disconcerting and warrants applying the appropriate safeguards to
protect the program from being a victim offuture fraud and abuse. I appreciate the FCC
reaffirming its strong commitment to the program and desire to ensure that its users will be able
to continue to receive the significant benefits it provides.
Utilizing fact-based analysis and the public comment the Commission receives, I am
confident you will adopt a fair and certain rate and implement more effective management and
oversight that will guarantee the continued integrity ofthis essential communications service for
deaf Americans. I look forward to working with the Commission, NECA, VRS providers, and
the deaf community to acbieve that goal.
D=·IY,
OLY
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