QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
1. Q: I don’t want to have my new real number posted in the public phone book. I want to keep it private. Will it be automatically posted?
A: It is Sorenson’s policy not to list your new number—unless you request that it be listed. Other default providers may have different policies.
2. Q: Can I have the same new number for both my videophone (VP) and my fax?
A: No. The videophone must be assigned a unique number. You can have another landline phone number for your fax, but it will be a different number than the one assigned to the videophone.
3. Q: Can I transfer my old local phone number from a landline phone or TTY to a VP and close the landline service?
A: Yes. But if you transfer your TTY number or other landline number to the VP, your TTY or landline will no longer work. You may want to keep your TTY in the event of a power outage or if your broadband service goes down. You can request a new number for your TTY or landline if you wish to keep that service and move your existing TTY or landline number to the VP.
4. Q: What exactly is E911?
A: E911 stands for Enhanced 911. The FCC is requiring that all relay providers use a caller’s registered location information to quickly route 911 calls to the appropriate emergency services contact point. With current 911 services, the VRS provider does not have customer address information on file and customers must sign their address to the interpreter when there is an emergency. With Enhanced 911 (E911) the default VRS provider has the customer address information on file and simply asks the caller to verify that information during the emergency call.
5. Q: What happens to my address information if I move?
A: Videophone users are responsible for keeping their address current with their VRS provider. Sorenson users can keep their address information updated by visitingsorensonvrs.com/moving, dialing 800-659-4810, or through selecting the “Location” button on the videophone. The videophone will also prompt the user to confirm the address every time it reboots.
6. Q: How quickly will the interpreter transfer my call in case of an emergency?
A: If a user dials 911 on their VP their call is prioritized and answered by the first available interpreter. All E911 calls will be streamlined for those who have registered their location with a default VRS provider. The registered location information will allow Sorenson to quickly identify the right emergency response center. Sorenson will then contact the response center serving your location to connect you with a 911 operator who will ask about the nature of your emergency and dispatch the appropriate first responders to you.
7. Q: What happens in the event of a power failure and my VP goes out?
A: Because VRS calls are routed over the Internet, you should be aware that using the Sorenson videophone to place an emergency call to 911 has certain risks. For example, you may not be able to place a 911 call with a Sorenson videophone if a broadband or power outage occurs, or your broadband or ISP service has been terminated. It’s a good idea to keep a TTY available in the event of a power failure or some other problem.
8. Q: Can I keep my “proxy” number?
A: The FCC is not allowing VRS providers to assign proxy numbers after Dec. 31, 2008, and eventually all VRS users will transition to real numbers. Your proxy number will work in the short-term until you get a new number. Once you have a new number, people who want to reach you should use the new number rather than the old proxy number. Sorenson VRS already has a process set up for callers (who are calling the old proxy number) to be notified of your new, real number. This process is similar to the way callers are notified when hearing people change their phone numbers.
9. Q: Will my DirectVP (800) number work for E911?
A: Yes, as long as you have updated your location information with Sorenson Communications. Videophone users can keep their address information updated by visitingsorensonvrs.com/moving, dialing 800-659-4810, or by clicking on the “Location” button on the videophone. Remember that because VRS calls are routed over the Internet, there may be certain risks in the event of a power outage or your broadband or ISP service has been terminated. It’s a good idea to keep a TTY handy in the event of a power failure or some other problem.
10. Q: With my new local 10-digit number, will a person calling me from the same area code be required to dial 1 and then the area code?
A: This depends on the area in which you live. Some areas require people to dial all 10-digits for local calls while others do not. It will depend on your local phone company.
11. Q: How can I get a real number?
A: You can get a real number by selecting a default VRS provider. The FCC issued an order in June 2008 requiring all VRS users to select a default VRS provider. The VRS provider you select will be responsible for giving you a real number and providing you with Enhanced 911 (E911) service.
For more information on real numbers and E911 services, please visit www.sorensonvrs.com/connect.
December 13th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
I enjoyed the video… I need to put my address on e 911. It is important. thanks, Lydia
December 13th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
I really need a new number for E911..I am still waiting for it.
December 14th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
I have been waiting for a new number and E911
Please let me know when shall I receive new #.
Thank you
December 15th, 2008 at 9:27 am
let you know that i still wait for telephone suppose to call me new number so far. i have vonage and not real telephone co. i use vonagewith cable. my number is 866-572-6518 vp
December 15th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
I am not happy that I could not get a vp200 and 911 because in my area is not high speed. Please help me to get it in my area. I am deaf and it is important to use the vp and 911 if happen to me. I live st joseph township, wisconsin just 6 miles from stillwater, minn and 6 miles from hudson, wis.
Can I ask fcc or government to order forced AT&T company to put high speed it is important for me my email is williaschultz@earthlink.net and my address is 1471 24th st st joseph, wis thank willia…
December 15th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
I am waiting for new nbr pls let me know very important. thank you ron
December 16th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
HI I wait to get this number 911 from Canada in B.C. Thank you Caroline
December 16th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
Can sorenson inform local area to warn about weather like snow storm, flood area, hurriance, ice storm, etc?? Thanks
December 16th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
I understand how are they wait to getting knows by the dates each the states ? We do patients to wait yur message us by email as soon. hope all of yu have nice christmas holidays
December 17th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
Curious…. I would love to hear the history of Sorenson… how they got their vision… of VP and how did they get everything in motion?
I love the VP… very happy with it.
thanks for excellent service.
December 19th, 2008 at 3:35 am
i still wait on e911 and i really enjoy your video.. how can i looks up my old deaf people from wilson deaf school and i wonder how to hook up with these people if they have svr so god help ya .. YOU GUYS HAVE A NICE CHRISTMAS
December 19th, 2008 at 7:25 am
I want to know when I calling to hearing friends, family and anyone. Mostly time they look on their own ID caller to see who call from 1-866….they didnt answer it cuz they didnt know I call them and they thought it was SALE PERSON. I would like to call them to show my home number to show their ID caller. Will it happen one day? I get mostly hung up….I had to text msg to them let them know Im calling them so they would answer the phone.
December 19th, 2008 at 8:03 am
Is it possible that I could watch the video in my blackberry curve (8330)if I get any Signmail? Is there any special flash or video software download to my blackberry to make it work?
December 19th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Say i feel very important this number E911 about emergency ,police,etc ?? thanks
December 19th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
The future is now for deaf community!
December 20th, 2008 at 11:39 am
It is wonderful to have 10 digit number, but we forget one thing, mostly in SC, Deaf doesnt have VP, so how can Sorenson and other VP provider can help those who doesnt have fast speed internet to be hooked up to VP. I am trying to remind you most Deaf in SC doesnt have updated fast speed internet. I think FCC should focus more on how to help the Deaf or HOH about installing cable or DSL line in their areas.
December 21st, 2008 at 8:08 am
Very informative, excellent details, and up to date with modern VRS community. Impressive reports.
December 21st, 2008 at 12:27 pm
I’ve same complain with Willa Schultz, no high speed in my area six miles from town. Verizon company keeps turning me down. One friend who have high speed under Century phone co. and he lives 10 miles out in country and he gets vp!
December 21st, 2008 at 2:44 pm
We should have to add e911 to our pager. What’s the number of 911 for our pager. Many deaf people have the pager. You are right if no power is here, how can I contact 911? It is very good to have 10 digit number and save time. Good for the deaf community. Thank you.
December 21st, 2008 at 9:47 pm
I do not have 10 digit number and I need a new for E911. My husband’s heart is not good in condition. In the case if something happen to him, need to call 911 quickly. I need your help. MY VP 805 740 2929
December 24th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
two questions..
one, what about the IP addy, because of few Dlink friends and CODA who use IP because Sorenson wont provide free vp 200 to the hearing people who are befriend of deaf people, even CODA…so they has to end up with DLINK DVC 1000. After Dec 31….do they has to apply for default provider, I know Sorenson wont do it for the hearing user…other VRS providers might will…so they has to abandon the IP addy?? IF they refuse to abandon their IP addy due to very private reason. What will do with them?
second, if I dialing to Sorenson for VRS but line always busy etc.,…can I switch to other VRS..because I am Sorenson by default…will other Vrs accept me to use their VRS?
January 10th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
I love SORENSON so much~ call friends at NO CHARGE~ some people talks neg about sorenson ~WHY WHY??? hey you guys should THHHAANNK Them bec long distance is FREEEEEEEE call unlimited before used ttty, costs LONG DISTANCE~ now FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE wowowow wonderful, and ofc i want suppooooorrtt sorenson provider reason they gave us freee DEVICE~ and sometimes they are sooo BUUSSYY not to get online, they have over 80 centers, very busy~ so PLEASE help an support sorenson , bec dont want out of business in future~ if if stop use soreon in futue, go back TTY no thank you i want stay on VIDEOPHONE forevvvverrrrrr` thanks to BIG HEART OF SORENON< LOVE YOU~
January 19th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Sorenson VP does really handy to me very much, I don’t depend on my wife for ineterpreter anymore. So good about it. And for e911 is best for all VP users and me too but I sometime fell down on floor and couldn’t get up cause I have spinal cord injury, very hard walking with cane been use scooter all time, since I fell, I couldn’t reach VP so I use the cane to knock down wall phone then dial 911 and they come to me. And as for E911 I will use VP to call for my wife or for myself if I sit on chair. I now have 2 VP phone numbers. And my hearing families love this and always call me and talk with me. Sorenson keep up the good work new technicals.
February 13th, 2009 at 6:28 am
Hi, I have question. Since you have video as film. Do they keep record of film while VRS or SVRs being used? Because my husband prefer have TTY that make they have printer as approved and protect. For VP or SVP disappear after we talk together. I love VP and it’s best and faster as hearing people talk fast. One time my husband want me call same time he call. After I finished and walk to him as he was shock that I finish conversation on VP. That’s neat and I love it. But no printer over VP? Any idea?
February 15th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
I was wondering how can I find phone book for the deaf of VRS. I really don’t know my old classmate whom married or not so I would like to know if there is still alive in Calif. I am comes from St. Mary’s in Buffalo NY