The FCC recently reaffirmed its rules concerning HAC compliance to accommodate technical challenges expressed by the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA) in petitions to the FCC. In response to these petitions, the FCC made some modifications to the percentage and number of HAC handsets initially required by September 16, 2005. The obligation for all wireless carriers to ensure that 50% of all handset models are HAC compliant by February 18, 2008 was not altered. Other elements brought in the petitions are outlined in the provided FCC release.
To clarify in-store tryout and right to return privileges, the Commission stated that mandatory tests were to be conducted live and on-the-spot in retail outlets, in combination with real-world testing over the course of thirty days and flexible return policies, to help ensure that people with hearing aids have a meaningful opportunity and sufficient time to identify suitable wireless phones and become comfortable with them.
Submitted to Audiology Online by the Hearing Industries Association, HIA
