Dash Carrier Services, a provider of wholesale voice carrier services, has announced that Purple Communications is using Dash’s IP Telephony Services to help meet new FCC Mandates for Telecommunications Relay and Emergency E911.

Under this new agreement between the two companies, Dash Carrier Services (News - Alert) provides the text and video relay services provider, Purple, solutions to order, provision and modify DIDs and E911 emergency services information through its Application Provisioning Dashboard.  

 

With TRS, people who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech-disabled can use a text telephone (TTY) or an Internet-connected PC to communicate with hearing persons over a telephone.

Until late last year, such services were delivered as IP-Relay in text form or in Video Relay Services (VRS) in video form. In their previous format, these services did not offer users the benefits conveyed by real, 10-digit phone numbers. 

The FCC (News - Alert) recently established a mandate requiring that all Internet-based TRS users must be offered a 10-digit number to ensure deaf users can be reached by telephone with the same convenience that hearing people are reached.

By June 30, 2009, Internet-based TRS users must have a 10 digit number to make and receive relay calls. The FCC implemented these measures to ensure that all emergency calls placed by Internet-based TRS users would be routed directly and automatically to the appropriate emergency services authorities by Internet-based TRS providers.

"As the nation's largest provider of text relay services, and second largest provider of video relay services, Purple had a lot to consider as it worked to meet the FCC's new rules and within their deadline," said George Sutcliffe, vice president for product strategy at Purple Communications, in a Wednesday statement.

 

"Dash Carrier Services were extremely helpful in helping us meet our deadline, proving to be a reliable, effective partner throughout the process. Now, all Purple relay services, including i711.com, Hands On VRS, and IP-Relay, have the safety and convenience of real, 10-digit number access."

"The ability to support organizations like Purple with IP-Relay and other essential services is a key driver in our continued growth and success," said Justin Nelson, CEO, Dash Carrier Services, in the Wednesday statement.

 

"As one of the most established and stable companies operating in IP Telephony, we are committed to working with our partners to ensure that all pre-determined goals are met - including FCC deadlines. Since our inception in 2002, we have maintained an acute focus on delivering premier service and exceptional personal support, and have built a solid foundation that provides reliable services nationwide."

While the new mandates handed down by the FCC may cause some frustration and cost for carriers to be able to comply with the new rules and provide 10-digit number access for all Internet-based TRS users, the reality is that it is a basic safety measure to ensure these users are afforded the same protections as everyone else.

Companies like Purple are turning to Dash Carrier Services to ensure they meet with all mandates and rules. Dash has the proven experience to ensure the transition is smooth and complete, allowing Purple to focus on driving revenue and growth instead of FCC compliance.