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WASHINGTON, DC 20510 
The Honorable Tom Wheeler 
Chairman 
Federal Communications Commission 
445 12th Street, S.W. 
Washington, D.C. 20554 
Dear Chairman Wheeler: 
August 10, 2015 
We write to express concern that the cuts in compensation rates set in motion by the Federal 
Communications Commission's (FCC) June 2013 Order threaten the viability of Video Relay 
Service (VRS) for the deaf and hard of hearing. Through VRS, deaf Americans can communicate 
telephonically using American Sign Language rather than typed text. VRS providers warn that as 
rates continue to ratchet down, service quality and innovation could deteriorate, and some 
providers may be forced to leave the market. This is similar to what happened when the FCC cut 
rates for IP Relay. Therefore, we urge the Commission to freeze VRS compensation rates across 
all tiers until it implements a market-based compensation methodology, which we hope the FCC 
will develop and implement as quickly as possible. 
We understand that the FCC may be considering a freeze in Tier 1 compensation rates. A Tier J 
freeze is a small step in the right direction, but falls short of improving the service in a 
meaningful way. Tier 1 minutes comprise less than 16 percent of all minutes provided, and those 
rates are already approximately $1 (or 25 percent) more per minute than Tier 3 rates. Tier 3 
covers over 70 percent of VRS. Accordingly, we are concerned that allowing compensation rates 
to decline in Tier 3 will continue to have an adverse impact on service to the deaf and hard of 
hearing. 
It is our understanding that all six U.S. VRS providers recently presented the FCC with a 
proposal to enhance and preserve this service. We understand that their proposal would increase 
the speed with which calls are answered, improve interoperability among providers, and test new 
service offerings- while preventing the deterioration of the service by freezing the rates paid to 
VRS providers across all tiers. The major deaf consumer groups and the organization 
representing American Sign Language interpreters support the VRS providers' proposal and 
have fi led letters with the FCC to that effect. 
The FCC has committed to reforming the compensation methodology for YRS, and we urge the 
Commission to take swift action on the development of and transition to this new market-based 
methodology. 
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However, until the Commission implements such a market-based compensation methodology, 
we urge the Commission to prevent the deterioration of YRS quality and innovation by freezing 
compensation rates across all tiers. 
We appreciate your prompt attention to this request. 
Sincerely, 
Senator Orrin G. Hatch 
• 
Senator Michael S. Lee 
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Senator Sh: q Moore Capito