FCC Suspends VRS Interoperability Mandate on RUE Profile Interface Standard for 1 Year
Video relay service providers got another year to implement an interoperability mandate on a technical standard for an interface with certain VRS devices. The FCC suspended an April 27 deadline for VRS providers to comply with the interoperability profile for…
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relay user equipment (RUE profile) defining a standard interface between VRS provider services and end-user devices using an open-source software called the VRS access technology reference platform (VATRP). The deadline was "based on the expectation that the VATRP would be available to support interoperability testing well before this date," but "this has not occurred," said a Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau order in docket 10-51 and in Friday's Daily Digest. "Some additional steps are needed to make the VATRP an effective tool." Postponing the deadline to April 29, 2019, the bureau said, "We expect that this time period will be sufficient to enable completion of the VATRP, as well as to provide a reasonable opportunity for VRS providers to prepare for compliance with the RUE specifications." Sorenson Communications sought the delay, backed by other VRS providers and consumer groups (see 1801240009 and 1708210026). Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is "extremely pleased," emailed Executive Director Claude Stout Friday. "This will give all parties time to test, correct errors if they come, and to ensure a smooth transition to all's benefit." Sorenson didn't comment.