Source: KSTP 5
You could watch video HERE
Phyllis and Neil Jenson of Roseville say their lives changed for the better when a video phone came into the picture.
When the two got one five years ago, dat to day things became easier.
"now I can talk to a doctor or nurse, the interpreter explain it clearly, and I don't have to go to the clinic. It's all there on the videophone, I just have to go pick ip my medicine, it's much faster," saysPhyllis Jensen.
A new proposal by the FCC could take away the video phone that thousands in Minnesota's deaf community depend on.
The phone works by allowing a deaf person to make a call using sign language on one end, while a interpreters reads those signs and communicates with the other person on the other end.
For the deaf community, this is a free service.
The FCC reimburses providers like Sorenson Communications.
In the current three year plan, set to expire at the end of June, the FCC paid back more than six dollars a minute.
The new proposal would reduce the rate by 40 percent, down to $3.89.
"if this proposed rate is adopted, it will lead to Sorenson's bankruptcy," says the director of the St. paul Center.
He also says the proposal doesn't factor in costs for research, development and training.
Senator Klobuchar signed a letter to the FCC asking it to reconsider.
The FCC says it will take into account Sorenson's date before making a decision. The new rates will kick in July 1st.
No comments:
Post a Comment