Boycott the World!

Now people are thinking about boycotting HOVRS and i711 (GoAmerica) solely because of the connection they have with AG Bell whether it’s through sponsors or by merely attending AG Bell’s conference. They might as well boycott Sprint since Sprint Relay Wireless uses a technology by GoAmerica. And if you use the California Relay Service (CRS) you might want to boycott that one, too.

GoAmerica purchased MCI's TRS Business in January 2008. That includes its share in the California Relay Service and Speech to Speech Relay. So don't be surprised when you call 711 or MCI's dedicated number and you are welcomed to the call by a GoAmerica relay operator.

The sale was closed on January 10, 2008. Before the purchase, GoAmerica had to go through an elaborate approval process with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the Department of General Services (DGS) to ensure that GoAmerica would be able to comply with all aspects of MCI's CRS contract. GoAmerica assures the relay users of its continuity in service, availability and customer support.

MCI’s Telecommunication Relay Service (TRS) opened their doors in 1996 in Riverside where they got their first taste of TRS. But MCI’s TRS was purchased by GoAmerica just last month.

Ok. Gonna boycott them, too? What about AT&T? They donated to AG Bell as well but not in the form of cash in this instance in 2005.

AT&T made an agreement with the AG Bell Association to donate hundreds of surplus TTYs. AG Bell had to sign an agreement about how they could be used, and there was no guarantee they would work.

Just when you thought you’ve seen everything, how about Sorenson? Yes, Sorenson was a proud sponsor of AG Bell, too.

Hmmm, maybe boycott Gallaudet University, too, since the Sorensen building has not been built yet?

And then we have DeafRead who carries the Sprint Relay advertisement. Better start boycotting DeafRead, too.

How about just boycott anything technology or relay related that deaf and hard of hearing people use today since somewhere along the line someone or some company participated somehow in the “enrichment” of AG Bell? It might be easier that way.