Goto Section: 20.18 | 20.20 | Table of Contents
FCC 20.19
Revised as of October 5, 2017
Goto Year:2016 |
2018
§ 20.19 Hearing aid-compatible mobile handsets.
(a) Scope of section; definitions—(1) Service providers. (i) On or
after January 1, 2018 for Tier I carriers and April 1, 2018 for service
providers other than Tier I carriers, the hearing aid compatibility
requirements of this section apply to providers of digital mobile
service in the United States to the extent that they offer terrestrial
mobile service that enables two-way real-time voice communications
among members of the public or a substantial portion of the public,
including both interconnected and non-interconnected VoIP services, and
such service is provided over frequencies in the 698 MHz to 6 GHz
bands.
(ii) Prior to January 1, 2018 for Tier I carriers and April 1, 2018 for
service providers other than Tier I carriers, the hearing aid
compatibility requirements of this section apply to providers of
digital CMRS in the United States to the extent that they offer
real-time, two-way switched voice or data service that is
interconnected with the public switched network and utilizes an
in-network switching facility that enables the provider to reuse
frequencies and accomplish seamless hand-offs of subscriber calls, and
such service is provided over frequencies in the 698 MHz to 6 GHz
bands.
(2) Manufacturers. On or after January 1, 2018, the requirements of
this section also apply to the manufacturers of the wireless handsets
that are used in delivery of the services specified in paragraph
(a)(1)(i) of this section. Prior to January 1, 2018, the requirements
of this section also apply to the manufacturers of the wireless
handsets that are used in delivery of the services specified in
paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section.
(3) Definitions. For purposes of this section:
(i) Handset refers to a device used in delivery of the services
specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section that contains a built-in
speaker and is typically held to the ear in any of its ordinary uses.
(ii) Manufacturer refers to a wireless handset manufacturer to which
the requirements of this section apply.
(iii) Model refers to a wireless handset device that a manufacturer has
designated as a distinct device model, consistent with its own
marketing practices. However, if a manufacturer assigns different model
device designations solely to distinguish units sold to different
carriers, or to signify other distinctions that do not relate to either
form, features, or capabilities, such designations shall not count as
distinct models for purposes of this section.
(iv) Service provider refers to a provider of digital mobile service to
which the requirements of this section apply.
(v) Tier I carrier refers to a CMRS provider that offers such service
nationwide.
(b) Hearing aid compatibility; technical standards—(1) For radio
frequency interference. A wireless handset submitted for equipment
certification or for a permissive change relating to hearing aid
compatibility must meet, at a minimum, the M3 rating associated with
the technical standard set forth in either the standard document
“American National Standard Methods of Measurement of Compatibility
Between Wireless Communication Devices and Hearing Aids,” ANSI
C63.19-2007 or ANSI C63.19-2011. Any grants of certification issued
before January 1, 2010, under previous versions of ANSI C63.19 remain
valid for hearing aid compatibility purposes.
(2) For inductive coupling. A wireless handset submitted for equipment
certification or for a permissive change relating to hearing aid
compatibility must meet, at a minimum, the T3 rating associated with
the technical standard set forth in either the standard document
“American National Standard Methods of Measurement of Compatibility
Between Wireless Communication Devices and Hearing Aids,” ANSI
C63.19-2007 or ANSI C63.19-2011. Any grants of certification issued
before January 1, 2010, under previous versions of ANSI C63.19 remain
valid for hearing aid compatibility purposes.
(3) Handsets operating over multiple frequency bands or air interfaces.
(i) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(3)(ii) of this section, a
wireless handset used for digital mobile service only over the 698 MHz
to 6 GHz frequency bands is hearing aid-compatible with regard to radio
frequency interference or inductive coupling if it meets the applicable
technical standard set forth in paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this
section for all frequency bands and air interfaces over which it
operates, and the handset has been certified as compliant with the test
requirements for the applicable standard pursuant to § 2.1033(d) of this
chapter. A wireless handset that incorporates operations outside the
698 MHz to 6 GHz frequency bands is hearing aid-compatible if the
handset otherwise satisfies the requirements of this paragraph (b).
(ii) A handset that is introduced by the manufacturer prior to July 17,
2013, and that does not meet the requirements for hearing aid
compatibility under paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section, is hearing
aid-compatible for radio frequency interference or inductive coupling
only with respect to those frequency bands and air interfaces for which
technical standards are stated in ANSI C63.19-2007 if it meets, at a
minimum, an M3 rating (for radio frequency interference) or a T3 rating
(for inductive coupling) under ANSI C63.19-2007 for all such frequency
bands and air interfaces over which it operates, and the handset has
been certified as compliant with the test requirements for the
applicable standard pursuant to § 2.1033(d) of this chapter.
(4) All factual questions of whether a wireless handset meets the
technical standard(s) of this paragraph shall be referred for
resolution to the Chief, Office of Engineering and Technology, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554.
(c) Phase-in of requirements relating to radio frequency interference.
The following applies to each manufacturer and service provider that
offers wireless handsets used in the delivery of the services specified
in paragraph (a) of this section and that does not fall within the de
minimis exception set forth in paragraph (e) of this section. However,
prior to July 17, 2014 for manufacturers and Tier I carriers and
October 17, 2014 for service providers other than Tier I carriers, the
requirements of this section do not apply to handset operations over
frequency bands and air interfaces for which technical standards are
not stated in ANSI C63.19-2007.
(1) Manufacturers—(i) Number of hearing aid-compatible handset models
offered. For each digital air interface for which it offers wireless
handsets in the United States or imported for use in the United States,
each manufacturer of wireless handsets must offer handset models that
comply with paragraph (b)(1) of this section. Prior to September 8,
2011, handset models for purposes of this paragraph include only models
offered to service providers in the United States.
(A) If it offers four to six models, at least two of those handset
models must comply with the requirements set forth in paragraph (b)(1)
of this section.
(B) If it offers more than six models, at least one-third of those
handset models (rounded down to the nearest whole number) must comply
with the requirements set forth in paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
(C) Beginning October 3, 2018, at least sixty-six (66) percent of those
handset models (rounded down to the nearest whole number) must comply
with the requirements set forth in paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of this
section.
(D) Beginning October 4, 2021, at least eighty-five (85) percent of
those handset models (rounded down to the nearest whole number) must
comply with the requirements set forth in paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of
this section.
(ii) Refresh requirement. Beginning in calendar year 2009, and for each
year thereafter that it elects to produce a new model, each
manufacturer that offers any new model for a particular air interface
during the calendar year must “refresh” its offerings of hearing
aid-compatible handset models by offering a mix of new and existing
models that comply with paragraph (b)(1) of this section according to
the following requirements:
(A) For manufacturers that offer three models per air interface, at
least one new model rated M3 or higher shall be introduced every other
calendar year.
(B) For manufacturers that offer four or more models operating over a
particular air interface, the number of models rated M3 or higher that
must be new models introduced during that calendar year is equal to
one-half of the minimum number of models rated M3 or higher required
for that air interface (rounded up to the nearest whole number).
(C) Beginning September 10, 2012, for manufacturers that together with
their parent, subsidiary, or affiliate companies under common ownership
or control, have had more than 750 employees for at least two years and
that offer two models over an air interface for which they have been
offering handsets for at least two years, at least one new model rated
M3 or higher shall be introduced every other calendar year.
(2) Tier I carriers. For each digital air interface for which it offers
wireless handsets to customers, each Tier I carrier must either:
(i) Ensure that at least fifty (50) percent of the handset models it
offers comply with paragraph (b)(1) of this section, calculated based
on the total number of unique digital wireless handset models the
carrier offers nationwide; or
(ii) Ensure that it offers, at a minimum, the following specified
number of handset models that comply with paragraph (b)(1) of this
section:
(A) Prior to February 15, 2009, at least eight (8) handset models;
(B) Beginning February 15, 2009, at least nine (9) handset models; and
(C) Beginning February 15, 2010, at least ten (10) handset models.
(iii) Beginning April 3, 2019, each Tier I carrier must ensure that at
least sixty-six (66) percent of the handset models it offers comply
with paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of this section, calculated based on the
total number of unique digital wireless handset models the carrier
offers nationwide. Beginning April 4, 2022, each Tier I carrier must
ensure that at least eighty-five (85) percent of the handset models it
offers comply with paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of this section,
calculated based on the total number of unique digital wireless handset
models the carrier offers nationwide.
(3) Service providers other than Tier I carriers. For each digital air
interface for which it offers wireless handsets to customers, each
service provider other than a Tier I carrier must:
(i) Prior to September 7, 2008, include in the handset models it offers
at least two handset models that comply with paragraph (b)(1) of this
section;
(ii) Beginning September 7, 2008, either:
(A) Ensure that at least fifty (50) percent of the handset models it
offers comply with paragraph (b)(1) of this section, calculated based
on the total number of unique digital wireless handset models the
service provider offers nationwide; or
(B) Ensure that it offers, at a minimum, the following specified number
of handset models that comply with paragraph (b)(1) of this section:
(1) Until May 15, 2009, at least eight (8) handset models;
(2) Beginning May 15, 2009, at least nine (9) handset models; and
(3) Beginning May 15, 2010, at least ten (10) handset models.
(iii) Beginning April 3, 2020, ensure that at least sixty-six (66)
percent of the handset models it offers comply with paragraphs (b)(1)
and (2) of this section, calculated based on the total number of unique
digital wireless handset models the carrier offers.
(iv) Beginning April 3, 2023, ensure that at least eighty-five (85)
percent of the handset models it offers comply with paragraphs (b)(1)
and (2) of this section, calculated based on the total number of unique
digital wireless handset models the carrier offers.
(4) All service providers. The following requirements apply to Tier I
carriers and all other service providers.
(i) In-store testing. Each service provider must make available for
consumers to test, in each retail store owned or operated by the
provider, all of its handset models that comply with paragraph (b)(1)
of this section.
(ii) Offering models with differing levels of functionality. Each
service provider must offer its customers a range of hearing
aid-compatible models with differing levels of functionality (e.g.,
operating capabilities, features offered, prices). Each provider may
determine the criteria for determining these differing levels of
functionality, and must disclose its methodology to the Commission
pursuant to paragraph (i)(3)(vii) of this section.
(d) Phase-in of requirements relating to inductive coupling capability.
The following applies to each manufacturer and service provider that
offers wireless handsets used in the delivery of the services specified
in paragraph (a) of this section and that does not fall within the de
minimis exception set forth in paragraph (e) of this section. However,
prior to July 17, 2014 for manufacturers and Tier I carriers and
October 17, 2014 for service providers other than Tier I carriers, the
requirements of this section do not apply to handset operations over
frequency bands and air interfaces for which technical standards are
not stated in ANSI C63.19-2007.
(1) Manufacturers. Each manufacturer offering to service providers four
or more handset models, and beginning September 8, 2011, each
manufacturer offering four or more handset models, in a digital air
interface for use in the United States or imported for use in the
United States must ensure that it offers to service providers, and
beginning September 8, 2011, must ensurel that it offers, at a minimum,
the following number of handset models that comply with the
requirements set forth in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, whichever
number is greater in any given year.
(i) At least two (2) handset models in that air interface; or
(ii) At least the following percentage of handset models (rounded down
to the nearest whole number):
(A) Beginning February 15, 2009, at least twenty (20) percent of its
handset models in that air interface, provided that, of any such models
introduced during calendar year 2009, one model may be rated using ANSI
C63.19-2006 (June 12, 2006), and all other models introduced during
that year or subsequent years shall be rated using ANSI C63.19-2007
(June 8, 2007) or subsequently adopted version as may be approved
pursuant to paragraph (k);
(B) Beginning February 15, 2010, at least twenty-five (25) percent of
its handset models in that air interface; and
(C) Beginning February 15, 2011, at least one-third of its handset
models in that air interface.
(D) Beginning October 3, 2018, at least sixty-six (66) percent of the
handset models in that air interface, which must comply with paragraphs
(b)(1) and (2) of this section.
(E) Beginning October 4, 2021, at least eighty-five (85) percent of the
handset models in that air interface, which must comply with paragraphs
(b)(1) and (2) of this section.
(2) Tier I carriers. For each digital air interface for which it offers
wireless handsets to service providers, each Tier I carrier must:
(i) Ensure that at least one-third of the handset models it offers
comply with paragraph (b)(2) of this section, calculated based on the
total number of unique digital wireless handset models the carrier
offers nationwide; or
(ii) Ensure that it offers, at a minimum, the following specified
number of handset models that comply with paragraph (b)(2) of this
section:
(A) Prior to February 15, 2009, at least three (3) handset models;
(B) Beginning February 15, 2009, at least five (5) handset models;
(C) Beginning February 15, 2010, at least seven (7) handset models; and
(D) Beginning February 15, 2011, at least ten (10) handset models.
(iii) Beginning April 3, 2019, each Tier I carrier must ensure that at
least sixty-six (66) percent of the handset models it offers comply
with paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of this section, calculated based on the
total number of unique digital wireless handset models the carrier
offers nationwide. Beginning April 4, 2022, each Tier I carrier must
ensure that at least eighty-five (85) percent of the handset models it
offers comply with paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of this section,
calculated based on the total number of unique digital wireless handset
models the carrier offers nationwide.
(3) Service providers other than Tier I carriers. For each digital air
interface for which it offers wireless handsets to customers, each
service provider other than a Tier I carrier must:
(i) Prior to September 7, 2008, include in the handset models it offers
at least two handset models that comply with paragraph (b)(2) of this
section;
(ii) Beginning September 7, 2008, either:
(A) Ensure that at least one-third of the handset models it offers
comply with paragraph (b)(2) of this section, calculated based on the
total number of unique digital wireless handset models the carrier
offers nationwide; or
(B) Ensure that it offers, at a minimum, the following specified number
of handset models that comply with paragraph (b)(2) of this section:
(1) Until May 15, 2009, at least three (3) handset models;
(2) Beginning May 15, 2009, at least five (5) handset models;
(3) Beginning May 15, 2010, at least seven (7) handset models; and
(4) Beginning May 15, 2011, at least ten (10) handset models.
(iii) Beginning April 3, 2020, ensure that at least sixty-six (66)
percent of the handset models it offers comply with paragraphs (b)(1)
and (2) of this section, calculated based on the total number of unique
digital wireless handset models the carrier offers;
(iv) Beginning April 3, 2023, ensure that at least eighty-five (85)
percent of the handset models it offers comply with paragraphs (b)(1)
and (2) of this section, calculated based on the total number of unique
digital wireless handset models the carrier offers.
(4) All service providers. The following requirements apply to Tier I
carriers and all other service providers.
(i) In-store testing. Each service provider must make available for
consumers to test, in each retail store owned or operated by the
provider, all of its handset models that comply with paragraph (b)(2)
of this section.
(ii) Offering models with differing levels of functionality. Each
service provider must offer its customers a range of hearing
aid-compatible models with differing levels of functionality (e.g.,
operating capabilities, features offered, prices). Each provider may
determine the criteria for determining these differing levels of
functionality, and must disclose its methodology to the Commission
pursuant to paragraph (i)(3)(vii) of this section.
(e) De minimis exception. (1)(i) Manufacturers or service providers
that offer two or fewer digital wireless handsets in an air interface
in the United States are exempt from the requirements of this section
in connection with that air interface, except with regard to the
reporting requirements in paragraph (i) of this section. Service
providers that obtain handsets only from manufacturers that offer two
or fewer digital wireless handset models in an air interface in the
United States are likewise exempt from the requirements of this section
other than paragraph (i) of this section in connection with that air
interface.
(ii) Notwithstanding paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section, beginning
September 10, 2012, manufacturers that have had more than 750 employees
for at least two years and service providers that have had more than
1500 employees for at least two years, and that have been offering
handsets over an air interface for at least two years, that offer one
or two digital wireless handsets in that air interface in the United
States must offer at least one handset model compliant with paragraphs
(b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section in that air interface, except as
provided in paragraph (e)(1)(iii) of this section. Service providers
that obtain handsets only from manufacturers that offer one or two
digital wireless handset models in an air interface in the United
States, and that have had more than 750 employees for at least two
years and have offered handsets over that air interface for at least
two years, are required to offer at least one handset model in that air
interface compliant with paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section,
except as provided in paragraph (e)(1)(iii) of this section. For
purposes of this paragraph, employees of a parent, subsidiary, or
affiliate company under common ownership or control with a manufacturer
or service provider are considered employees of the manufacturer or
service provider. Manufacturers and service providers covered by this
paragraph must also comply with all other requirements of this section.
(iii) Manufacturers and service providers that offer one or two digital
handset models that operate over the GSM air interface in the 1900 MHz
band may satisfy the requirements of paragraph (e)(1)(ii) of this
section by offering at least one handset model that complies with
paragraph (b)(2) of this section and that either complies with
paragraph (b)(1) of this section or meets the following conditions:
(A) The handset enables the user optionally to reduce the maximum power
at which the handset will operate by no more than 2.5 decibels, except
for emergency calls to 911, only for GSM operations in the 1900 MHz
band;
(B) The handset would comply with paragraph (b)(1) of this section if
the power as so reduced were the maximum power at which the handset
could operate; and
(C) Customers are informed of the power reduction mode as provided in
paragraph (f)(3) of this section. Manufacturers and service providers
covered by this paragraph must also comply with all other requirements
of this section.
(2) Manufacturers or service providers that offer three digital
wireless handset models in an air interface must offer at least one
handset model compliant with paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this
section in that air interface. Service providers that obtain handsets
only from manufacturers that offer three digital wireless handset
models in an air interface in the United States are required to offer
at least one handset model in that air interface compliant with
paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section.
(3) Beginning October 3, 2018, manufacturers that offer four or five
digital wireless handset models in an air interface must offer at least
two handset models compliant with paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of this
section in that air interface. Beginning April 3, 2019, Tier I carriers
who offer four digital wireless handset models in an air interface must
offer at least two handsets compliant with paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of
this section in that air interface and Tier I carriers who offer five
digital wireless handset models in an air interface must offer at least
three handsets compliant with paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of this section
in that air interface. Beginning April 3, 2020, service providers,
other than Tier I carriers, who offer four digital wireless handset
models in an air interface must offer at least two handset models
compliant with paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of this section in that air
interface and service providers, other than Tier I carriers, who offer
five digital wireless handset models in an air interface must offer at
least three handsets compliant with paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of this
section in that air interface.
(f) Labeling and disclosure requirements—(1) Labeling requirements.
Manufacturers and service providers shall ensure that handsets that are
hearing aid-compatible, as defined in paragraph (b) of this section,
clearly display the rating, as defined in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2)
of this section, on the packaging material of the handset. In the event
that a hearing aid-compatible handset achieves different radio
interference or inductive coupling ratings over different air
interfaces or different frequency bands, the RF interference reduction
and inductive coupling capability ratings displayed shall be the lowest
rating assigned to that handset for any air interface or frequency
band. An explanation of the ANSI C63.19 rating system must also be
included in the device's user's manual or as an insert in the packaging
material for the handset.
(2) Disclosure requirements relating to handsets treated as hearing
aid-compatible over fewer than all their operations.
(i) Each manufacturer and service provider shall ensure that, wherever
it provides hearing aid compatibility ratings for a handset that is
considered hearing aid-compatible under paragraph (b)(3)(ii) of this
section only with respect to those frequency bands and air interfaces
for which technical standards are stated in ANSI C63.19-2007 and that
has not been tested for hearing aid compatibility under ANSI
C63.19-2011, or any handset that operates over frequencies outside of
the 698 MHz to 6 GHz bands, it discloses to consumers, by clear and
effective means (e.g., inclusion of call-out cards or other media,
revisions to packaging materials, supplying of information on Web
sites), that the handset has not been rated for hearing aid
compatibility with respect to some of its operation(s). This disclosure
shall include the following language:
This phone has been tested and rated for use with hearing aids for some
of the wireless technologies that it uses. However, there may be some
newer wireless technologies used in this phone that have not been
tested yet for use with hearing aids. It is important to try the
different features of this phone thoroughly and in different locations,
using your hearing aid or cochlear implant, to determine if you hear
any interfering noise. Consult your service provider or the
manufacturer of this phone for information on hearing aid
compatibility. If you have questions about return or exchange policies,
consult your service provider or phone retailer.
(ii) However, service providers are not required to include this
language in the packaging material for handsets that incorporate a
Wi-Fi air interface and that were obtained by the service provider
before March 8, 2011, provided that the service provider otherwise
discloses by clear and effective means that the handset has not been
rated for hearing aid compatibility with respect to Wi-Fi operation.
(iii) Each manufacturer and service provider shall ensure that,
wherever it provides hearing aid compatibility ratings for a handset
that is considered hearing aid-compatible under paragraph (b)(3)(ii) of
this section only with respect to those frequency bands and air
interfaces for which technical standards are stated in ANSI
C63.19-2007, and that the manufacturer has tested and found not to meet
hearing aid compatibility requirements under ANSI C63.19-2011 for
operations over one or more air interfaces or frequency bands for which
technical standards are not stated in ANSI C63.19-2007, it discloses to
consumers, by clear and effective means (e.g., inclusion of call-out
cards or other media, revisions to packaging materials, supplying of
information on Web sites), that the handset does not meet the relevant
rating or ratings with respect to such operation(s).
(3) Disclosure requirement relating to handsets that allow the user to
reduce the maximum power for GSM operation in the 1900 MHz band.
Handsets offered to satisfy paragraph (e)(1)(iii) of this section shall
be labeled as meeting an M3 rating. Each manufacturer and service
provider shall ensure that, wherever this rating is displayed, it
discloses to consumers, by clear and effective means (e.g., inclusion
of call-out cards or other media, revisions to packaging materials,
supplying of information on Web sites), that user activation of a
special mode is necessary to meet the hearing aid compatibility
standard. In addition, each manufacturer or service provider shall
ensure that the device manual or a product insert explains how to
activate the special mode and that doing so may result in a reduction
of coverage.
(g) Model designation requirements. Where a manufacturer has made
physical changes to a handset that result in a change in the hearing
aid compatibility rating under paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this
section, the altered handset must be given a model designation distinct
from that of the handset prior to its alteration.
(h) Web site requirements. Beginning January 15, 2009, each
manufacturer and service provider subject to this section that operates
a publicly-accessible Web site must make available on its Web site a
list of all hearing aid-compatible models currently offered, the
ratings of those models, and an explanation of the rating system. Each
service provider must also specify on its Web site, based on the levels
of functionality that the service provider has defined, the level that
each hearing aid-compatible model falls under as well as an explanation
of how the functionality of the handsets varies at the different
levels.
(i) Reporting requirements—(1) Reporting dates. Manufacturers shall
submit reports on efforts toward compliance with the requirements of
this section on January 15, 2009 and on July 15, 2009, and on an annual
basis on July 15 thereafter. Service providers shall submit reports on
efforts toward compliance with the requirements of this section on
January 15, 2009, and annually thereafter. Information in the reports
must be up-to-date as of the last day of the calendar month preceding
the due date of the report.
(2) Content of manufacturer reports. Reports filed by manufacturers
must include:
(i) Digital wireless handset models tested, since the most recent
report, for compliance with the applicable hearing aid compatibility
technical ratings;
(ii) Compliant handset models offered to service providers since the
most recent report, identifying each model by marketing model
name/number(s) and FCC ID number;
(iii) For each compliant model, the air interface(s) and frequency
band(s) over which it operates, the hearing aid compatibility ratings
for each frequency band and air interface under ANSI Standard C63.19,
the ANSI Standard C63.19 version used, and the months in which the
model was available to service providers since the most recent report;
(iv) Non-compliant models offered to service providers since the most
recent report, identifying each model by marketing model name/number(s)
and FCC ID number;
(v) For each non-compliant model, the air interface(s) over which it
operates and the months in which the model was available to service
providers since the most recent report;
(vi) Total numbers of compliant and non-compliant models offered to
service providers for each air interface as of the time of the report;
(vii) Any instance, as of the date of the report or since the most
recent report, in which multiple compliant or non-compliant devices
were marketed under separate model name/numbers but constitute a single
model for purposes of the hearing aid compatibility rules, identifying
each device by marketing model name/number and FCC ID number;
(viii) Status of product labeling;
(ix) Outreach efforts; and
(x) If the manufacturer maintains a public Web site, the Web site
address of the page(s) containing the information regarding hearing
aid-compatible handset models required by paragraph (h) of this
section.
Note to paragraph (i)(2): For reports due on January 15, 2009,
information provided with respect to paragraphs (i)(2)(ii)
through(i)(2)(v) and (i)(2)(vii) and (i)(2)(viii) need be provided only
for the six-month period from July 1 to December 31, 2008.
(3) Content of service provider reports. Reports filed by service
providers must include:
(i) Compliant handset models offered to customers since the most recent
report, identifying each model by marketing model name/number(s) and
FCC ID number;
(ii) For each compliant model, the air interface(s) and frequency
band(s) over which it operates, the hearing aid compatibility ratings
for each frequency band and air interface under ANSI Standard C63.19,
and the months in which the model was available since the most recent
report;
(iii) Non-compliant models offered since the most recent report,
identifying each model by marketing model name/number(s) and FCC ID
number;
(iv) For each non-compliant model, the air interface(s) over which it
operates and the months in which the model was available since the most
recent report;
(v) Total numbers of compliant and non-compliant models offered to
customers for each air interface over which the service provider offers
service as of the time of the report;
(vi) Information related to the retail availability of compliant
handset models;
(vii) The levels of functionality into which the compliant handsets
fall and an explanation of the service provider's methodology for
determining levels of functionality;
(viii) Status of product labeling;
(ix) Outreach efforts; and
(x) If the service provider maintains a public Web site, the Web site
address of the page(s) containing the information regarding hearing
aid-compatible handset models required by paragraph (h) of this
section.
Note to paragraph (i)(3): For reports due on January 15, 2009,
information provided with respect to paragraphs (i)(3)(i) through
(i)(3)(iv) and (i)(3)(vi) through (i)(3)(viii) need be provided only
for the six-month period from July 1 to December 31, 2008.
(4) Format. The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau is delegated
authority to approve or prescribe formats and methods for submission of
these reports. Any format that the Bureau may approve or prescribe
shall be made available on the Bureau's Web site.
(j) Enforcement. Enforcement of this section is hereby delegated to
those states that adopt this section and provide for enforcement. The
procedures followed by a state to enforce this section shall provide a
30-day period after a complaint is filed, during which time state
personnel shall attempt to resolve a dispute on an informal basis. If a
state has not adopted or incorporated this section, or failed to act
within six (6) months from the filing of a complaint with the state
public utility commission, the Commission will accept such complaints.
A written notification to the complainant that the state believes
action is unwarranted is not a failure to act. The procedures set forth
in part 68, subpart E of this chapter are to be followed.
(k) Delegation of rulemaking authority. (1) The Chief of the Wireless
Telecommunications Bureau and the Chief of the Office of Engineering
and Technology are delegated authority, by notice-and-comment
rulemaking, to issue an order amending this section to the extent
necessary to adopt technical standards for additional frequency bands
and/or air interfaces upon the establishment of such standards by ANSI
Accredited Standards Committee C63TM, provided that the standards do
not impose with respect to such frequency bands or air interfaces
materially greater obligations than those imposed on other services
subject to this section. Any new obligations on manufacturers and Tier
I carriers pursuant to paragraphs (c) through (i) of this section as a
result of such standards shall become effective no less than one year
after release of the order adopting such standards and any new
obligations on other service providers shall become effective no less
than 15 months after the release of such order, except that any new
obligations on manufacturers and service providers subject to paragraph
(e)(1)(ii) of this section shall become effective no less than two
years after the release of such order.
(2) The Chief of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau and the Chief
of the Office of Engineering and Technology are delegated authority, by
notice-and-comment rulemaking if required by statute or otherwise in
the public interest, to issue an order amending this section to the
extent necessary to approve any version of the technical standards for
radio frequency interference or inductive coupling adopted subsequently
to ANSI C63.19-2007 for use in determining whether a wireless handset
meets the appropriate rating over frequency bands and air interfaces
for which technical standards have previously been adopted either by
the Commission or pursuant to paragraph (k)(1) of this section. This
delegation is limited to the approval of changes to the technical
standard that do not raise major compliance issues. Further, by such
approvals, the Chiefs may only permit, and not require, the use of such
subsequent versions of standard document ANSI C63.19 to establish
hearing aid compatibility.
(l) The standards required in this section are incorporated by
reference into this section with the approval of the Director of the
Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To enforce
any edition other than those specified in this section, the FCC must
publish notice of change in the Federal Register and the material must
be available to the public. All approved material is available for
inspection at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), 445 12th St.
SW., Reference Information Center, Room CY-A257, Washington, DC 20554
and is available from the sources indicated below. It is also available
for inspection at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA,
call 202-741-6030 or go to
http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ib
r_locations.html.
(1) IEEE Operations Center, 445 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854-4141,
(732) 981-0060, http://www.ieee.org/portal/site.
(i) ANSI C63.19-2007, American National Standard Methods of Measurement
of Compatibility between Wireless Communication Devices and Hearing
Aids, June 8, 2007
(ii) ANSI C63.19-2011, American National Standard Methods of
Measurement of Compatibility between Wireless Communication Devices and
Hearing Aids, May 27, 2011
(2) [Reserved]
[ 73 FR 25587 , May 7, 2008, as amended at 75 FR 54522 , Sept. 8, 2010; 77 FR 41928 , July 17, 2012; 81 FR 183 , Jan. 5, 2016; 81 FR 60633 , Sept. 2,
2016]
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