*Pages 1--2 from  Microsoft Word - 39404*
 Text  version  of  Ed  Bossons  Power  Point  Presentation  No  graphics  in  either  version. 
 Slide  1 
 The  Impact  of  Internet-  Enabled  Services  on  TRS 
 Ed  Bosson,  Relay  Texas  Administrator,  Chair  NASRA 
 Slide  2 
 Paradigm  Changes  Noted  Exodus  Towards  IP  &  VRS  by  TTY  Users 
 TRS  Providers  Rethinking  TRS  Definition  PSTN  to  Internet 
 Functional  Equivalence  Based  on  Senses  VRS  a  natural  telecom  conversation 
 VRS  not  an  add-  on  value 
 Slide  3 
 Paradigm  Changes  Interpreter 
 From  free-  lance  to  desk-  bound  work  Internet  Relay  Easier  for  Those  With  Computers 
 No  need  to  switch  to  TTY  Internet-  Enabled  Services  Require  Different  Regulations 
 Unique  challenges  of  Internet 
 Slide  4 
 Internet-  Enabled  Service  Funding  Issue 
 Interstate  TRS  Fund  versus  State  TRS  Fund  Bottom  Line  is  no  matter  which  funds  it:  Ratepayers  ultimately  pay 
 Federal  Government  should  opt  for  most  cost  effective  system  to  subsidize  Internet-  enabled  services 
 Slide  5 
 Federal  Subsidization  Route  Multi-  Vendoring  Produces  Constant  Competitive  Activities  Among  Vendors 
 Enable  video  and  IP  users  choice  of  vendors  Users  able  to  call  anywhere  in  the  USA 
 Most  cost  effective 
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 Slide  6 
 State  Subsidization  Route  Competition  Only  Happens  Once  With  RFP  Procedure 
 States  Not  Likely  to  Offer  MV  ,  Instead  select  only  one  vendor  Price  Per  Min  Dependent  on  Historical  Call  Volume 
 States  with  small  population  will  pay  higher  ppm  If  States  Adopt  MV  Costs  likely  much  higher 
 Slide  7 
 Spin-  Off  New  Internet  Features  Video  Mail 
 Video  Email  Instant  Message 
 Pagers 
 Slide  8 
 Conclusion  Internet-  Enabled  Services 
 VRS  and  IP  Subsidized  by  National  Fund  Should  Have  Special  Regulations  Separate  from  Traditional  TRS 
 Functional  Equivalence  Based  on  Senses 
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