25th January 2012

Minister blasts telecoms companies for not working with Deaf people

Communications minister Ed Vaizey has hit out at telecommunications companies for not co-operating with the government and the Deaf community in considering plans to open up access to video relay services (VRS) for BSL users.

Speaking in a House of Commons debate on access for Deaf and disabled people last week, Mr Vaizey said: "I have been struck by the lack of engagement from business and telecoms companies, which is unbelievably frustrating.

"In that respect, we would, for example, like to have video technology that enables deaf people to use sign language, and I have told all the telecoms operators, "Please come to me with a cost-effective solution," but they have not done that.

"Eventually, of course, I will have to regulate through Ofcom to make them do that, but it would be so much simpler if they came to me and did it."

A spokesman for VRSToday!, a campaigning group who want to provide VRS access for the Deaf community, said: "I find it incredible that the telecoms companies are not responding to explicit calls to action from the minister."

Telecoms regulator Ofcom explained telecom companies could be forced to pay for VRS, but warned they could then pass additional costs to consumers through higher phone bills, rather than absorbing the cost themselves.

Ofcom is expected to make a statement on the future of VRS next month.  We will bring you updates as and when we learn more.

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(Image: Jotintinjordan via Flickr under Creative Commons licence)