Mobile Videoconferencing

            So what happens if your witness or expert is in a remote location and does not have access to traditional videoconferencing?  What happens if the witness or expert does not want to travel?  Mobile videoconferencing provides an alternative to traditional videoconferencing, while still providing a quality, cost-effective way to depose or examine a witness or expert.  Mobile videoconferencing is also a great way of bringing videoconferencing to courtrooms that are not equipped with traditional videoconferencing systems.   

            Although there are many ways to conduct a mobile videoconference, there are several important things to remember before doing so at your next deposition or trial:

1. Skype is generally unreliable and unsecure - Skype is a great way to communicate with friends or family; however, it is not a recommended way of deposing or examining witnesses.  Skype is a modified peer-to-peer ("P2P") network application, meaning the Skype calls are transmitted through other computers until they ultimately reach their designated recipients (this is the same technology used by some free music and file-sharing software, such as Napster).  Not only does this mean the connections are highly unsecure, but it also means users are relying upon other computers for their connections.  Additionally, Skype has had countless software issues, resulting in their entire network crashing for several days.  This idiosyncrasy could cause costly delays and/or postponements of your deposition or trial.  What should attorneys use instead?  There are many other options for mobile videoconferencing, including programs that are free, charge a per-use fee, or require a monthly subscription.  Ultimately, it comes down to  an attorney's specific needs, frequency, and comfort when choosing a mobile videoconferencing platform.  Ask your court reporter or court reporting firm what options they have available.
2. Upgrade your camera and speaker - Currently, most computers and tablets come with built-in cameras and speakers for things like Skype and FaceTime.  Yet, often times those items are of poor quality and/or do not provide an optimal experience.  Upgrading your camera to a high-definition camera allows individuals to view your end of the video feed with clarity.  Additionally, upgrading your speaker to a noise-cancelling speaker provides you with a crisp, clear sound that everyone is able to hear, reducing time spent on reasking questions and providing clarity of voice.
3. Hardwire your internet connection - Although mobile videoconferences do not require as much bandwidth as traditional videoconferences, they do require a fairly significant amount.  Hardwiring your internet connection provides you with the fastest internet connection possible, as well as ensuring your internet signal will stay strong throughout the deposition or trial, which is important in government buildings or courthouses where there can be strong structural interference.
4. Test your connection - Testing your mobile videoconference connection is pivotal in ensuring your connection will be a success.  Some locations, such as doctors' offices, government buildings, and courthouses, have firewalls that can be problematic.  Testing your mobile videoconference allows you to troubleshoot those issues before the deposition or trial.  Additionally, it allows other users who are not familiar with mobile videoconferencing to become accustomed to it prior to actual use.

            Benefits of mobile videoconferencing include:

• Similar cost and time savings as traditional videoconferencing
• Less expensive than traditional videoconferencing
• Performed on your desktop, laptop, or Mac
• Available almost anywhere there is a high-speed internet connection

When traditional videoconferencing is not an option, mobile videoconferencing is a great alternative to examining witnesses or experts who are in remote locations or are cost-prohibitive to transport.  Utilizing this service can increase your bottom-line, while also saving your client money.  Make sure to ask your court reporter or court reporting firm about mobile videoconferencing before you schedule your next out-of-town deposition.