Internet Protocol (IP) Relay Panel Discussion

By Cheryl Heppner

Editor: Are you familiar with Internet Protocol (IP) Relay? It's a relay service that allows TTY users to make or receive relay calls using a computer instead of a TTY. Because internet-connected computers are much more common than TTYs, IP Relay really opens up telecommunications access to folks who struggle with a standard voice phone.

Here's Cheryl Heppner's report on the IP Relay Panel Discussion at last years TDI Conference. If you'd like to share this report, be sure to credit NVRC. Attribution information is at the end of this article.

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Moderator: Judy Viera
Panelists:
Mike Baer, Sprint
Eric Emmons, Sorenson Communications
Anne Girard, Hamilton
Mark Stern, GoAmerica
Bill McClellan, MCI

Q: How do you explain the rapid growth of IP Relay?

Bill McClellan: Ease of use. When the FCC enabled IP relay, all major relay providers jumped in and developed more and more products. It became easier than using TTY for relay. As the product became more accessible, Instant Message (IM)-style relay was launched, and all kinds of wireless devices could be used. Now a hearing person doesn't have to know how to dial a number and jump through steps to reach you.

Eric Emmons: IP relay became more practical as computers became more common at home, work, when visiting others, and at the library. Computers are more comfortable to use than a TTY. You can get a larger screen that is at a better angle for viewing. There are also more people who use pagers and other mobile devices.

Anne Girard: Call processing is completely different on IP relay. Handling is fast, making less lag time for both the hearing and deaf or hard of hearing person.

Mark Stern: TTYs don't allow people to talk at the same time, but IP relay can. Computer prices have dropped to where they can be bought for as little as $300. The ability to make long distance calls free of charge was also an attraction.

Mike Baer: Agreed with previous speakers. The growth has been so explosive that IP relay providers underestimated how much it would be used this year.

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Q: What telecommunication trends are likely to impact IP Relay?

Eric Emmons: Mobile device use will grow more than computer use because of the advantage of being able to take and use them anywhere.

Anne Girard: Hearing people were used to getting a voice call, but now more are comfortable using IM. This might lead them to use more IM to IM communication instead of going through the relay service.

Mark Stern: Some telecommunications relay service requirements have been waived, such as handling 911 calls. There's a trend that will probably lead to making a decision about location-finding on internet-based relay services.

Bill McClellan: More people are able to be in contact more frequently and there will be an explosion of devices with connectivity. So far the FCC's decisions have supported innovation and competition, creating a competitive field with consumer choice of various providers.

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Q: At present, IP Relay is not required to meet certain mandates. What standards should be implemented or not implemented?

Mike Baer: Recommends applying telecommunications relay services to all the forms of services, but some services will pose problems. Voice carry over and hearing carry over are impossible right now, due to limitations of the technology. Long distance billing is also tough but needs to be the same as local billing.

Eric Emmons: The FCC has a good reason to waive the 911 requirement. Also if two people are on IP relay and then decide they want to continue the conversation on their own, there is no current solution to do this via call release. VOIP use with IP relay could be possible if the voice part is solved.

Bill McClellan: It shouldn't be about minimum standards; it should be about consumers want. Most standards are being met. Some of the ones waived are technologically impossible to do. Some things done by video relay services could also be done by IP relay. The VOIP mandate from the FCC could probably apply because it's the same technology. Things currently being waived are likely to be solved soon.

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Q: If an emergency call came to you now, how would you manage it?

Bill McClellan: MCI's IP relay website informs the consumer to use a TTY to call 911 so the 911 center can get the location of the call. But if an emergency request does come in over IP relay, it will be processed. The consumer will be asked for the city and state where the call is being placed, and MCI will use a database of emergency center information they maintain nationally.

Anne Girard: Hamilton's approach is similar to MCI's in both educating consumers and processing the calls.

Mike Baer: Sprint has tested 911 through the Internet but hasn't yet solved all the problems and thus can't yet support it. It will be available in the future.

Part Two