WASHINGTON-The Federal Communications Commission today largely upheld a 2003 decision requiring cellular carriers to make hearing aid compatible phones available to individuals with hearing loss.
However, federal regulators did agree to an 11th -hour compromise between the wireless industry and hearing disability advocates that potentially relaxes an existing mandate that 25 percent of handsets offered by the top five service providers be hearing aid compatible by Sept. 16.
Under the FCC-approved deal, national mobile phone operators have the option of either meeting the 25 percent per-air-interface requirement, or making available four hearing aid compatible headsets by the September deadline. In exchange, the mobile phone industry vowed to include hearing aid compatibility information on “call-out cards” as part of handset displays in retain stores and promised to ensure that both low-end and high-end handsets can be purchased.
“It was a close call,” said Cathy Seidel, acting chief of the FCC Wireless Telecommunications Bureau
By September 2006, mobile phone carriers must make five hearing aid compatible phones available, or ensure that 25 percent of phones have that capability for hearing disabled consumers.
The Commission did not modify the current obligation for all wireless carriers to have 50 percent of their handset models hearing aid compatible by February 2008. However, wireless carriers, service providers and vendors that offer two or few phones are exempt from wireless hearing aid compatibility rules. The agency is considering slightly strengthening the rule to make hearing aid compatibility exceptions applicable to wireless companies that offer only phone.
“The Commission concluded that the revised benchmark along with these additional commitments will facilitate consumers’ ability to obtain phones that are suitable for their particular needs,” the FCC stated.
The agency clarified that all mobile phone carrier-owned and operated retail stores must make live, in-store consumer testing available, saying live testing at retail outlets combined with real-world testing over the course of thirty days-as well as flexible return policies-will help ensure that individuals with hearing aids have ample opportunity and time to identify suitable wireless phones and become comfortable with them. At the same time, the FCC sought comment on extending the in-store testing requirements to more types of outlets that sell wireless services.
Federal regulators also affirmed labeling requirements for hearing aid compatible phones and the current technical standard underlying new regulations.
CTIA, the national cellular trade association, said: “The wireless industry took seriously the concerns of the hearing loss community and worked to craft a plan that addresses and fulfils its members’ needs. When hearing aid users sign up for wireless service they not only have a choice in service provider, but also now have a diverse choice in devices – whether they want phones with all the bells and whistles or more simplified versions. Wireless technology was built as a service for all consumers and today’s ruling furthers that reality. CTIA commends the Self Help for Hard of Hearing organization for helping to lead us down a path that gets us closer to that goal.”
