Callers only pay for the cost of the telephone call, as if it was placed directly from one caller to the other. Video Relay Service A VRS call may be initiated by a person who uses sign language or by a hearing person to a sign language user. Access to VRS is through a toll free number. The caller gives the interpreter the number of the person to be called and the call is placed. The interpreter signs to the sign language user and speaks to the hearing person, relaying the conversation between the two parties.
Every state has at least one contracted relay provider.
That provider is reimbursed through a contract with the state for calls placed within its boundaries. Interstate TRS calls are funded through a shared funding mechanism implemented by the FCC in 1993. NECA, the TRS Fund Administrator, collects funds from approximately 5,000 companies, and disburses payments to the eleven providers that offer interstate TRS in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Relay providers report their interstate minutes monthly for reimbursement. For Video Relay Service, the interstate TRS fund will reimburse for both intrastate and interstate minutes.