DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Enforcement Bureau Takes Action to Enhance Access to Digital Wireless Service for Individuals with Hearing Disabilities

January 15, 2010

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Enforcement Bureau has taken action against several companies for their failure to provide information that helps individuals with hearing disabilities fully utilize wireless phone services – allowing them to communicate effectively on their wireless phones without excessive feedback and noise.

FCC rules require most digital wireless handset manufacturers and wireless service providers to make available a minimum number of hearing aid compatible handsets. In order to ensure that consumers have access to up-to-date information on the availability of those handsets, and to ensure that the Commission can monitor compliance, FCC rules also require these manufacturers and service providers to make periodic status reports and to post specific information on their public web sites. The Enforcement Bureau this week proposed forfeitures totaling $87,000 against seven companies, and issued Citations to two additional companies, for violating the reporting and posting requirements.

News source: Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

Top of Page