FCC Proposes To Freeze VRS Compensation Rates of Smallest Providers
The FCC proposed to freeze video relay service rates for smaller VRS providers, which along with larger providers have been subject to regular compensation rate cuts. The commission proposed to partially modify ongoing rate cuts in a four-year VRS compensation…
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plan adopted in 2013 "by adopting a limited-duration compensation rate freeze applicable to VRS providers with 500,000 or fewer monthly minutes," said a Further NPRM released Tuesday in docket 10-51. "Under this proposed modification, such providers will receive compensation at a rate of $5.29 per minute for a maximum of 16 months beginning July 1, 2015. We also seek comment on whether to adopt a number of measures that could enhance the functional equivalence of VRS." As expected (see 1510220067), the notice didn't include an order, as a draft VRS item originally contemplated (see 1510160026). Commissioner Mike O'Rielly, who said he supports seeking comment on freezing the rates for the three smallest VRS providers, partially dissented from the FNPRM. He cited concerns about potentially unjustified expenses.