OFFICF OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUN:CATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
August 5, 20 I0
The Honorable Michael Michaud
U.S. House of Representatives
1124 LongwOl1h House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Michaud:
Thank you for your letter regarding the reimbursement rate for Video Relay
Service (VRS). I share your support for VRS, whieh has become a critical
communications tool for many who are deaf or hard of hearing.
On June 28, 20I 0, 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, 2011 period at $6.2390 for Tier 1, $6.2335 for Tier ll,
and $5.0668 for Tier lll. 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 co ts 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 ofInquiry 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.
1 appreciate your continuing interest in this very important maller. Please let me
know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
------ .
Julius Genachowski
OFFICE OF
THECHAlf~MAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
August 5, 20 I0
The Honorable Chellie Pingree
U.S. House of Representatives
1037 Longwol1h House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congresswoman Pingree:
Thank you for your letter regarding the reimbursement rate for Video Relay Service
(VRS). 1share your SUPPOI1 for VRS, which has become a critical communications tool for
many who arc 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, 20II period at $6.2390 for Tier I, $6.2335 for Tier II, and $5.0668 for Tier III. 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 cun'ent 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 interesl in this very impol1ant matter. Please let me know if
[ can be of any fUl1her assistance.
Sincerely,
•
Juli us Genachowski