First National Video Relay Service Debuts for Deaf

CSD partners with Sprint for web-based assistive technology

Overland Park, Kan. - May 2, 2002 - Sprint (NYSE:FON, PCS) and CSD have initiated the first nationwide Video Relay Service (VRS) for the deaf and hard-of-hearing, which provides customers the ability to use American Sign Language (ASL) in visual conversations over advanced phone networks. The service, known as USA VRS, is available at the website.

The new videoconferencing service meets a deaf and hard-of-hearing preference for 'natural American sign language' use in conversations with hearing individuals. Video Relay Service is web-based and entails either special phone terminals or personal computers with high speed Internet line connection and Microsoft Internet Explorer web browser. USA VRS supplements traditional telecommunications relay service (TRS) where a deaf or hard-of-hearing caller interfaces with a Communications Assistant to reach a hearing individual, and is ideal for users who prefer to communicate in ASL instead of through a standard teletext terminal (TTY). USA VRS allows callers to use American sign language to 'converse' with a Video Interpreter via video link, who translates those signs into speech for standard voice users or TTY text.

Sprint and CSD have a history of developing innovative approaches to telecommunications relay services and have been providing TRS through a joint partnership since 1991. Sprint and CSD are also experienced VRS providers, currently supporting the videoconferencing service in the states of Texas and Washington. In fact, users in these states can still access their respective VRS website at WAVRS. Under their new agreement Sprint will be the exclusive marketer of USA VRS for CSD, which pioneered the service, and CSD the exclusive provider of VRS for Sprint.

"CSD is proud of the product that it has created and we look forward to working with Sprint to market the service and bring this state-of-the-art technology to our consumers while setting the standards for others to follow," said CSD chief executive officer Dr. Benjamin J. Soukup. "This is a major step forward in providing telephone functional equivalency for the nation's deaf and hard of hearing," said Sprint's Tony D'Agata, Vice President and general manager of the Government Systems Division. "Participants can see gestures, facial expressions and other physical nuances during the call, for a richer communications experience."

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) strongly encourages the use of video interpreting service. The USA VRS service, accessible anywhere in the U.S. via the Internet, is free to users but requires an inexpensive video camera along with a personal computer and high-speed phone line connection such as DSL, cable modem or ISDN. Users access the service at website with Microsoft Internet Explorer web browser and Microsoft NetMeeting video software. USA VRS is initially available Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Central, Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sundays from 12:00 noon until 11:00 p.m. excluding holidays. Some states may offer free or discounted equipment in their state distribution programs. Videophone products such as the MM225 can access VRS through ISDN lines (up to 384) by calling 877-352-5300 or 866-660-7977 Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Weekend hours are not currently available.

Sprint is the nation's leading provider of telecommunications relay services (TRS) with over a decade of experience. The U.S. government, 27 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico currently rely on Sprint to operate 10 relay centers and offer the power of communications many take for granted to a population that otherwise would be isolated. Relay services in each state were mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and are paid for by all local phone customers through state fees included on monthly bills. Additional information is found at the website.

About Sprint
Sprint is a global communications company serving more than 26 million business and residential customers in over 70 countries. With approximately 80,000 employees worldwide and more than $26 billion in annual revenues, Sprint is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying state of the art network technologies, including the United States' first nationwide all-digital, fiber-optic network. Sprint's award-winning Tier 1 Internet backbone is being extended to key global markets to provide customers with a broad portfolio of scalable IP products. Sprint's high-capacity, high-speed network gives customers fast, dependable, nonstop access to the vast majority of the world's Internet content. Sprint also operates the largest 100-percent digital, nationwide PCS wireless network in the United States, already serving the majority of the nation's metropolitan areas, including more than 4,000 cities and communities.

About CSD
CSD, a private, non-profit human service agency headquartered in Sioux Falls, S.D., is the world's largest telecommunications relay service provider. As the leader in advanced data communications services for the deaf, hard of hearing and speech-impaired consumer, CSD is at the forefront in providing barrier-free access to the telephone industry. Through a wide variety of contracts and partnerships, CSD serves an estimated 15 million users in 30 states across the nation. Since its inception in 1975, CSD has been dedicated to providing quality services, ensuring public accessibility, and increasing public awareness of issues affecting deaf, hard of hearing and speech-impaired individuals. Further information about CSD is available online at the website.

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