I get asked this a lot. Why petition Sorenson? Why not other companies? Aren’t they all in this? None of them are yet taking the bold step to fully commit to a solution bringing 10 digit phone numbers to videophones, so why did I choose Sorenson? I explain below.
1. It is normal to choose larger companies within an industry for a petition/boycott–for the purpose of creating the most noise or attention. They are known as “800-lb gorillas”. Unnecessarily the monopolistic company, a company is chosen based on this factor.
Apple Inc. isn’t the monopoly in the computer industry, however Greenpeace has continually picked on Apple. Greenpeace eventually admitted it grabbed the most attention. These actions have one goal: make the most impact.
What I’m trying to say is: Sorenson being the monopoly in VRS calls alone isn’t the reason entirely.
2. Larger or monopolistic companies have most impact on the industry. Industry standards need the support of the majority of players. Often, without these companies’ support, progress is either nil or slow.
It was a coincidence the petition was launched the day before Sorenson submitted their request asking for more time. Or did everyone know Sorenson would do this? It’s their past pattern. By asking for more time, other VRS companies cannot move forward (unless they work together).
Sorenson, by their monopolistic hold on the industry, is delaying the efforts of many, including FCC, consumer groups (NAD, TDI, etc) and VRS companies.
3. Sorenson reached monopolistic levels by distributing videophones. Almost everyone I know has or had a VP-100 or VP-200. Those devices are the ones that need to be changed. Under the new 10 digit telephone number system, Sorenson will need to issue a software upgrade to make it compatible. Without this change, the 10 digit telephone number system will fail.
All told, it’s lonely at the top.
I took time to create a FAQ with more answers to common questions I’ve been asked and have seen. Here’s the the FAQ link!
Sign the Petition! Your e-mail address is for validation purposes ONLY and will not be sold to or shared with anyone. Scout's honor!
Sorenson have about 90,000 names in their database while other vrs companies have less 15,000 names.
Sorenson is the 900 lbs Gorilla.
15,000 names all together?
90,000? I’m not too sure. Unless they allow multiple names per videophones as you know how some people like to change videophone identities like crazy and all that stuff. Real magic number is videophone units distributed and currently in use so Sorenson needs to disclose this in order for your claim to be correct.
I’m not some mad homosexual. I’m just a heterosexual miffed about the goings on in the VRS industry. Some involved with the Sorenson donated and probably voted for anti-gay stuff yet they employ homosexual interpreters and employees. Talk about using those you disempower. No wonder the Salt Lake is so filthy.
Only 175 signatures. Hmm. Something’s up!
I would like for Sorenson to stop control everything to let another to choose what we want to because of phone number and E 911.
Please do something about this.
Thank you
Elizabeth