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PUBLIC NOTICE

Federal Communications Commission

News Media Information 202 / 418-0500

445 12th St., S.W.

Internet: http://www.fcc.gov

Washington, D.C. 20554

TTY: 1-888-835-5322

DA 12-1391

Released: August 23, 2012

CONSUMER AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS BUREAU SEEKS COMMENT ON ITS

TENTATIVE FINDINGS ABOUT THE ACCESSIBILITY OF COMMUNICATIONS

TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE FIRST BIENNIAL REPORT UNDER THE

TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY COMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO ACCESSIBILITY ACT

Pleading Cycle Established

CG Docket No. 10-213

Comment Date: September 6, 2012

I.

Introduction

1.
By this Public Notice (Notice) and consistent with the requirements of the Twenty-First
Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA),1 the Consumer and
Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB) of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission)
hereby seeks comment on tentative findings for the first biennial report (Report) required by the CVAA to
be submitted to Congress by October 8, 2012.2 Public comment will assist the Commission in assessing
the level of compliance with congressional mandates that telecommunications and advanced
communications services and equipment be accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, the
effect of related recordkeeping and enforcement requirements, and the extent to which accessibility
barriers still exist with respect to new communications technologies.
2.
The purpose of the CVAA is to “update the communications laws to help ensure that
individuals with disabilities are able to fully utilize communications services and equipment and better
access video programming.”3 In enacting the CVAA, Congress noted that the communications
marketplace had undergone a “fundamental transformation” since it last acted on these issues in 1996
when it added Section 255 to the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (hereinafter referred to as


1 Pub. L. No. 111-260, 124 Stat. 2751 (2010) (as codified in various sections of 47 U.S.C.); Pub. L. 111-265, 124
Stat. 2795 (2010) (making technical corrections to the CVAA). The foregoing are collectively referred to
hereinafter as the CVAA.
2 See Section 717(b)(1) of the Communications Act, as added by the CVAA, codified at 47 U.S.C. § 618(b)(1). The
Report will be submitted to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the
Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives. See also S. Rep. No. 111-386 at 9 (Senate
Report); H.R. Rep. No. 111-563 at 27 (House Report) (2010) (“New section 717(b) [47 U.S.C. § 618(b)] requires
the Commission to issue a report to Congress every two years assessing the level of compliance with the
requirements of this Act, as well as other matters related to the effectiveness of the Commission’s complaint
resolution process.”
3 Senate Report at 1; House Report at 19.

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“the Communications Act” or “the Act”).4 Although Section 255 addressed the accessibility of
telecommunications services and equipment, Congress since concluded that people with disabilities often
have not shared in the benefits of this rapid technological advancement.5 Implementation of the CVAA is
a critical step in addressing this inequity.
3.
Following passage of the CVAA in October 2010, the Commission moved quickly to
implement this landmark legislation by releasing multiple public notices and six notices or further notices
of proposed rulemakings seeking comment on CVAA-related issues. In addition, it established and has
since overseen the work of two advisory committees required by the CVAA, both of which completed
their CVAA-assigned charges on time.6 Throughout this implementation period, the agency has worked
with consumer, industry, and government stakeholders to ensure effective and timely implementation of
the new law. As a result, the Commission has, since passage of the new law, already released five reports
and orders adopting rules to implement different provisions of the CVAA and has met every one of the
CVAA deadlines for Commission action.7 Resources throughout the Commission, from virtually every
bureau and office within the Commission, have contributed to this effort. We understand the importance
of this legislation to the millions of Americans with disabilities and we are committed to continuing to
fully meet our responsibilities under the CVAA.


4 47 U.S.C. § 255.
5 Senate Report at 1-2; House Report at 19.
6 See CVAA, §§ 106 (Emergency Access Advisory Committee), 201 (Video Programming and Emergency Access
Advisory Committee).
7 Since the enactment of the CVAA, the Commission has released the following reports and orders:
Implementation of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010, Section 105,
Relay Services for Deaf-Blind Individuals, CG Docket No. 10-210, Report and Order, FCC 11-56, 26 FCC Rcd 5640
(2011) (establishing the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program), available at
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-56A1.pdf.
Video Description: Implementation of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of
2010, MB Docket No. 11-43, Report and Order, FCC 11-126, 26 FCC Rcd 11847 (2011) (reinstating the
Commission’s video description rules, as modified by the CVAA) available at
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-126A1.pdf.
Contributions to the Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Fund, CG Docket No. 11-47, Report and Order,
FCC 11-150, 26 FCC Rcd 14532 (2011) (requiring VoIP service providers to contribute to the TRS Fund) available
at http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-150A1.pdf.
Implementation of Sections 716 and 717 of the Communications Act of 1934, as Enacted by the Twenty-First
Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010; Amendments to the Commission’s Rules
Implementing Sections 255 and 251(a)(2) of the Communications Act of 1934, as Enacted by the
Telecommunications Act of 1996; and In the Matter of Accessible Mobile Phone Options for People who are Blind,
Deaf-Blind, or Have Low Vision, CG Docket Nos. 10-213 and 10-145, WT Docket No. 96-198, Report and Order
and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, FCC 11-151, 26 FCC Rcd 14557 (2011) (ACS Report and Order and
ACS FNPRM) (requiring accessible advanced communications services and equipment and establishing
recordkeeping and enforcement requirements for entities covered under Sections 255, 716, and 718 of the
Communications Act) available at http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-151A1.pdf.
Closed Captioning of Internet Protocol-Delivered Video Programming: Implementation of the Twenty-First Century
Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010, MB Docket No. 11-154, Report and Order, FCC 12-9, 27
FCC Rcd 787 (2012) (requiring closed captioning of video programming delivered using Internet protocol after such
programming was shown on television and updating apparatus closed captioning requirements) available at
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-12-9A1.pdf.
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II.

Background and Scope of First Report

4.
The Report that will be submitted to Congress must include the following elements:
(A)
An assessment of the level of compliance with Sections 255 (accessibility of
telecommunications services and equipment), 716 (accessibility of advanced
communications services and equipment), and 718 (accessibility of Internet browsers built
into mobile phones).
(B)
An evaluation of the extent to which any accessibility barriers still exist with respect to new
communications technologies.
(C)
The number and nature of complaints received pursuant to Section 717(a) (recordkeeping
and enforcement obligations of service providers and equipment manufacturers that are
subject to Sections 255, 716, and 718).
(D)
A description of the actions taken to resolve such complaints, including forfeiture penalties
assessed.
(E)
The length of time that was taken by the Commission to resolve each such complaint.
(F)
The number, status, nature, and outcome of any actions for mandamus filed and of any
appeals filed.
(G)
An assessment of the effect of the recordkeeping and enforcement requirements of Section
717 on the development and deployment of new communications technologies.8
5.
Section 255. Section 255 of the Communications Act, enacted in 1996, requires
providers of telecommunications services and manufacturers of telecommunications equipment or
customer premises equipment (CPE) to ensure that such services and equipment are accessible to and
usable by individuals with disabilities, if readily achievable.9 When these requirements are not readily
achievable, covered entities must ensure that their services and equipment are compatible with existing
peripheral devices or specialized CPE commonly used by individuals with disabilities to achieve access,
if readily achievable.10 The Commission’s rules implementing Section 255 govern telecommunications
services, including telephone calls, call waiting, speed dialing, call forwarding, computer-provided
directory assistance, call monitoring, caller identification, call tracing, and repeat dialing.11 Equipment
covered under Section 255 includes, but is not limited to, CPE, such as wireline, cordless, and wireless
telephones, fax machines, and answering machines.12 In addition, the rules implementing Section 255
cover voice mail and interactive voice response systems (phone systems that provide callers with menus
of choices).13 In 2007, the Commission adopted rules extending Section 255’s accessibility obligations to


8 See 47 U.S.C. § 618(b)(1).
9 47 U.S.C. §§ 255(b) and (c); 47 C.F.R. Part 6 and Part 7. “Readily achievable” is defined as “easily
accomplishable and able to be carried out without much difficulty or expense.” 42 U.S.C. § 12181(9).
10 47 U.S.C. § 255(d).
11 See Implementation of Sections 255 and 251(a)(2) of the Communications Act of 1934, as Enacted by the
Telecommunications Act of 1996: Access to Telecommunications Service, Telecommunications Equipment and
Customer Premises Equipment by Persons with Disabilities, Report and Order and Further Notice of Inquiry, 16
FCC Rcd 6417, 6449, ¶ 77 (1999) (Section 255 Order). See also 47 C.F.R. Part 6.
12 The Communications Act defines telecommunications equipment as “equipment, other than customer premises
equipment, used by a carrier to provide telecommunications services, and includes software integral to such
equipment (including upgrades).” 47 U.S.C. § 153(52). It defines “customer premises equipment” as “equipment
employed on the premises of a person (other than a carrier) to originate, route or terminate telecommunications.” 47
U.S.C. § 153(16).
13 See 47 C.F.R. Part 7. See also FCC Section 255 Consumer Guide available at
http://www.fcc.gov/guides/disabled-persons-telecommunications-access-section-255.
3

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interconnected voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) service providers and interconnected VoIP equipment
manufacturers.14
6.
Section 716. Section 716 of the Act requires providers of advanced communications
services and manufacturers of equipment used for advanced communications services to ensure that their
services and equipment are accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, unless doing so is not
achievable (defined as “with reasonable effort or expense”).15 This requirement may be satisfied by: (1)
building accessibility into the service or equipment;16 or (2) by using third-party applications, peripheral
devices, software, hardware, or CPE that is available to consumers at nominal cost and that individuals
with disabilities can access.17 When ensuring accessibility through either of those options is not
achievable, covered entities must ensure that their services and equipment are compatible with existing
peripheral devices or specialized CPE commonly used by individuals with disabilities to achieve access,
unless that is not achievable.18
7.
“Advanced communications services” include: (1) interconnected VoIP service; (2) non-
interconnected VoIP service; (3) electronic messaging service; and (4) interoperable video conferencing
service.19 In contrast to interconnected VoIP services, which enable people to make and receive calls to
and from the public switched telephone network (PSTN), non-interconnected VoIP services include
services that enable real-time voice communications either to or from the PSTN (but not both) or which
neither begin nor end on the PSTN at all.20 Electronic messaging services, such as e-mail, short message
service (SMS) text messaging, and instant messaging, enable real-time or near real-time text messages
between individuals over communications networks.21 Interoperable video conferencing services provide
real-time video communications, including audio, to enable users to share information.22
8.
Section 716 of the Act does not apply to services or equipment, including interconnected
VoIP services and equipment, which were subject to Section 255 on October 7, 2010.23 Those services
and equipment remain subject to the requirements of Section 255.24 As a result, Section 716 requirements
apply to providers of non-interconnected VoIP services, electronic messaging services, and interoperable
video conferencing services, and to manufacturers of equipment used for these services.
9.
Section 718. Section 718 requires mobile phone service providers and manufacturers to
make Internet browsers built into mobile phones accessible to and usable by people who are blind or have


14 Implementation of Sections 255 and 251(a)(2) of the Communications Act of 1934, as Enacted by the
Telecommunications Act of 1996: Access to Telecommunications Service, Telecommunications Equipment and
Customer Premises Equipment by Persons with Disabilities; Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-
Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities, Report and Order, FCC 07-110, 22 FCC Rcd
11275 (2007).
15 47 U.S.C. §§ 617(a)(1), (b)(1), (g).
16 47 U.S.C. §§ 617(a)(2)(A), (b)(2)(A).
17 47 U.S.C. §§ 617(a)(2)(B), (b)(2)(B).
18 47 U.S.C. § 617(c).
19 47 U.S.C. § 153(1). See also 47 C.F.R. § 14.10(c).
20 47 U.S.C. §§ 153(25), 153(36); 47 C.F.R. § 9.3.
21 47 U.S.C. § 153(19).
22 47 U.S.C. § 153(27).
23 47 U.S.C. § 617(f).
24 Id.
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a visual impairment, unless doing so is not achievable.25 This requirement may be satisfied with or
without the use of third-party applications, peripheral devices, software, hardware, or CPE that is
available to consumers at nominal cost and that individuals with disabilities can access.26
10.
Implementation of Sections 716, 717, and 718. On October 7, 2011, the Commission
released a Report and Order adopting rules to implement Sections 716 and 717 of the Act and a Further
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking addressing related matters and seeking comment on issues concerning
the implementation of Section 718 of the Act.27 The rules adopted by the Commission in the ACS Report
and Order became effective January 30, 2012.28 Since that date, manufacturers and service providers
have been required to take accessibility into account in the design of their products and services. One
year later, beginning on January 30, 2013, covered manufacturers and service providers must comply with
recordkeeping requirements pertaining to the accessibility of their products and services.29 Under the
transition period established by the Commission, covered equipment and services must fully comply with
the rules implementing Section 716 by October 8, 2013.30 In accordance with the CVAA, Section 718 of
the Act also becomes effective on October 8, 2013.31 Finally, the associated complaint procedures
established pursuant to Section 717 of the Act will be effective on October 8, 2013.32
11.
Scope of the Report. The evaluation of compliance with Sections 716 and 718 in the
Report will, of necessity, be circumscribed by the transition period described above. Nonetheless, the
Commission, pursuant to Section 255 of the Act and its implementing rules, has established requirements
and complaint procedures to ensure that telecommunications and interconnected VoIP services and
equipment are accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.33 As a result, for this first Report,
the Commission will provide information about complaints alleging violations of Section 255 filed under
those existing procedures and an assessment of industry compliance with those accessibility requirements.
The Commission will also consider the extent to which initial industry efforts to comply with Section 716
have begun having an impact on the accessibility of services and equipment subject to Section 716. In
addition, the Commission will consider the extent to which initial efforts to maintain accessibility-related
records have begun having an impact on the accessibility of services and equipment subject to Sections
255 and 716 and on the development and deployment of new communications technologies. Finally, this
Report will addresses accessibility barriers that still exist with respect to new communications
technologies. This initial Report will not assess the accessibility of Internet browsers built into mobile


25 47 U.S.C. § 619(a).
26 47 U.S.C. § 619(b).
27 See ACS Report and Order and ACS FNPRM, 26 FCC Rcd 14557. The rules adopted in the ACS Report and
Order are codified in 47 C.F.R. Part 14.
28 The rules became effective 30 days after their publication in the Federal Register on December 30, 2011. See ACS
Report and Order and ACS FNPRM, 26 FCC Rcd at 14696, ¶ 328. See also 76 Fed. Reg. 82240 (Dec. 30, 2011).
29 Specifically, covered entities must keep records of their efforts to implement Sections 255, 716, and 718,
including information about their efforts to consult with people with disabilities, descriptions of the accessibility
features of their products and services, and information about the compatibility of these products and services with
peripheral devices or specialized customer premises equipment commonly used by people with disabilities to
achieve access. See 47 U.S.C. § 618(a)(5)(A). These recordkeeping requirements are effective January 30, 2013,
one year after the effective date of the regulations. Id.
30 ACS Report and Order, 26 FCC Rcd at 14602-03, ¶ 110.
31 CVAA, § 104(b).
32 47 C.F.R. § 14.30(c); 47 C.F.R. §§ 14.32 – 14.37.
33 47 U.S.C. § 255; 47 C.F.R. Part 6 and Part 7.
5

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phones, required under Section 718 of the Act, however, because that provision will not take effect until
October 8, 2013,34 and the Commission has not yet issued final rules implementing that provision.
12.
Given the requirement to seek comment on our tentative findings, the time period
covered by this first Report will be less than a full two years. Specifically, with respect to the
Commission’s assessment of complaints received, required by Sections 717(b)(1)(C) – (F) of the Act, this
Report covers the time period between October 8, 2010, and December 31, 2011. Subsequent biennial
reports, however, will cover a full two years each, with each report covering a period beginning January 1
of the first year and ending December 31 of the second year.35

III.

Comment Sought on Tentative Findings

13.
Section 717(b)(2) of the Communications Act requires the Commission to seek public
comment on its tentative findings prior to submission of its report to Congress.36 To help inform the
Commission’s tentative findings, the Commission issued a public notice on July 12, 2012, inviting
comments related to the development of the Report.37
14.
We now seek comment on the Commission’s tentative findings contained in the
Attachment to this Notice. Specifically, we seek comment on whether these findings accurately represent
the current state of communications technologies accessibility. To the extent commenters believe the
tentative findings do not provide an accurate representation, we seek comment on why they do not and
how they should be revised to do so. We also seek comment on whether and the extent to which the
actions taken by industry, as described in the Attachment, have resulted in increased accessibility of
telecommunications and advanced communications services and equipment. Are such services and
equipment that are accessible to individuals with disabilities offered with the diverse range of low-end
and high-end features, functions, and prices as is offered to the general public? What other kinds of
information would help the Commission to conduct these assessments, as required by the CVAA, for the
next biennial report to Congress to be submitted by October 8, 2014? In order to facilitate review of all
comments, we request that commenters identify the specific findings on which they are providing
comment.

IV.

Procedural Matters

15.
Ex Parte Rules. The proceeding this Notice initiates shall be treated as a “permit-but-
disclose” proceeding in accordance with the Commission’s ex parte rules.38 Persons making ex parte
presentations must file a copy of any written presentation or a memorandum summarizing any oral
presentation within two business days after the presentation (unless a different deadline applicable to the
Sunshine period applies). Persons making oral ex parte presentations are reminded that memoranda
summarizing the presentation must (1) list all persons attending or otherwise participating in the meeting


34 See CVAA, § 104(b).
35 We believe it is most appropriate for these periodic reports to review complaints and other developments for the
time period 1/1/20XX - 12/31/20XX+1. We find that this approach will allow the Commission adequate time to
solicit public comment on the issues that it must address in such reports, consistent with Section 717(b)(2) and best
achieves the CVAA’s objectives.
36 47 U.S.C. § 618(b)(2).
37 Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Seeks Comment on the Accessibility of Communications
Technologies for the First Biennial Report Under the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video
Accessibility Act, CG Docket No. 10-213, Public Notice, DA 12-1125, 27 FCC Rcd 7693 (2012) (CVAA Assessment
PN) available at http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-12-1125A1.pdf.
38 47 C.F.R. §§ 1.1200 et seq.
6

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at which the ex parte presentation was made, and (2) summarize all data presented and arguments made
during the presentation. If the presentation consisted in whole or in part of the presentation of data or
arguments already reflected in the presenter’s written comments, memoranda or other filings in the
proceeding, the presenter may provide citations to such data or arguments in his or her prior comments,
memoranda, or other filings (specifying the relevant page and/or paragraph numbers where such data or
arguments can be found) in lieu of summarizing them in the memorandum. Documents shown or given
to Commission staff during ex parte meetings are deemed to be written ex parte presentations and must
be filed consistent with rule 1.1206(b).39 In proceedings governed by rule 1.49(f) or for which the
Commission has made available a method of electronic filing, written ex parte presentations and
memoranda summarizing oral ex parte presentations, and all attachments thereto, must be filed through
the electronic comment filing system available for that proceeding, and must be filed in their native
format (e.g., .doc, .xml, .ppt, searchable .pdf).40 Participants in this proceeding should familiarize
themselves with the Commission’s ex parte rules.
16.
Filing Requirements. Interested parties may file comments on or before the date
indicated on the first page of this document. Comments may be filed using the Commission’s Electronic
Comment Filing System (ECFS).41 All comments should refer to

CG Docket No. 10-213

. Please title
comments responsive to this Notice as “PN Comments – CVAA Report Tentative Findings.” Further, we
strongly encourage parties to develop responses to this Notice that adhere to the organization and
structure of the questions in this Notice.
·
Electronic Filers: Comments may be filed electronically using the Internet by accessing the
ECFS: http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs2/.
·
Paper Filers: Parties who choose to file by paper must file an original and one copy of each
filing. If more than one docket or rulemaking number appears in the caption of this
proceeding, filers must submit two additional copies for each additional docket or rulemaking
number.
o Filings can be sent by hand or messenger delivery, by commercial overnight courier, or
by first-class or overnight U.S. Postal Service mail. All filings must be addressed to the
Commission’s Secretary, Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission.
o All hand-delivered or messenger-delivered paper filings for the Commission’s Secretary
must be delivered to FCC Headquarters at 445 12th Street, SW, Room TW-A325,
Washington, DC 20554. The filing hours are 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. All hand deliveries
must be held together with rubber bands or fasteners. Any envelopes and boxes must be
disposed of before entering the building.
o Commercial overnight mail (other than U.S. Postal Service Express Mail and Priority
Mail) must be sent to 9300 East Hampton Drive, Capitol Heights, MD 20743.
o U.S. Postal Service first-class, Express, and Priority mail must be addressed to 445 12th
Street, SW, Washington DC 20554.
17.
People with Disabilities. To request materials in accessible formats for people with
disabilities (braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), send an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or call


39 47 C.F.R. § 1.1206(b).
40 47 C.F.R. § 1.49(f).
41 See Electronic Filing of Documents in Rulemaking Proceedings, 63 Fed. Reg. 24121 (1998).
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the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202-418-0530 (voice), 202-418-0432 (TTY).
Individuals with disabilities may request assistance from the Disability Rights Office to file comments in
the Commission’s Electronic Comment Filing System by sending an e-mail to dro@fcc.gov.
18.
Additional Information. For further information about this Public Notice, please contact
Rosaline Crawford at 202-418-2075 or by e-mail to Rosaline.Crawford@fcc.gov, Disability Rights
Office, Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau, Federal Communications Commission.
- FCC -
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ATTACHMENT
TENTATIVE FINDINGS FOR
BIENNIAL REPORT TO CONGRESS
AS REQUIRED BY THE
TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY COMMUNICATIONS
AND VIDEO ACCESSIBILITY ACT OF 2010 (CVAA)

A.

Compliance with Sections 255, 716, and 718

1.
Section 717(b)(1)(A) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (hereinafter
referred to as “the Communications Act” or “the Act”), requires the Commission to provide an
assessment of the level of compliance with Sections 255, 716, and 718 of the Act.1 In the CVAA
Assessment PN, the Commission sought comment on the level of compliance with pre-existing
requirements, under the Commission’s accessibility rules predating the CVAA, to make
telecommunications and interconnected voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) services and equipment
accessible to people with disabilities since the enactment of the CVAA on October 8, 2010.2 The
Commission also sought comment on the extent to which initial industry efforts to comply with the
CVAA have begun to have an impact on the accessibility of non-interconnected VoIP, electronic
messaging, and interoperable video conferencing services and equipment.3 In addition, the Commission
asked for information about compliance by service providers and equipment manufacturers with respect
to ensuring access to information and documentation, training of personnel having direct contact with the
public, and the inclusion of people with disabilities through all stages of product and service
development.4 The comments received in response to the CVAA Assessment PN, though sparse, helped to
inform the tentative findings now subject to comment pursuant to Section 717(b)(2).5
2.
Section 255 Accessibility. Comments on the state of compliance with Section 255 were
received almost exclusively from consumer representatives.6 From the perspective of the American
Council of the Blind (ACB) and the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), devices covered under
Section 255 are pervasively not accessible; a state that they claim has remained constant since the passage
of the CVAA.7 According to ACB, the current Section 255 complaint process is inadequate, and thus has


1 47 U.S.C. § 618(b)(1)(A).
2 Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Seeks Comment on the Accessibility of Communications Technologies
for the First Biennial Report Under the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act, CG
Docket No. 10-213, Public Notice, DA 12-1125, 27 FCC Rcd 7693, 7696-7697, ¶ 7 (2012) (CVAA Assessment PN)
available at http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-12-1125A1.pdf.
3 CVAA Assessment PN, 27 FCC Rcd at 7698, ¶ 9.
4 Id., 27 FCC Rcd at 7697, ¶ 8.
5 Only four comments were filed by consumer groups and three industry parties filed comment.
6 Comments were received from both industry and consumer representatives with respect to the inclusion of people
with disabilities through all stages of product and service development; information, documentation, and training;
and service plans, which are discussed further in paragraphs 14 to 22, below.
7 See ACB Comments at 1; AFB Comments at 2 (“we would be incredulous if anyone were to conclude that the
status quo of pervasive inaccessibility has changed much . . . since the Fall of 2010”). As evidence, AFB cites their
comments previously filed in CVAA and other accessibility-related proceedings, and asks that those comments be
formally incorporated into this proceeding. AFB Comments at 2. AFB’s view is also supported by comments filed
in 2010 by other groups representing individuals who are blind or visually impaired. See, e.g., ACB Reply
Comments, State of Accessibility for Mobile Phone Devices for People Who Are Blind, Deaf Blind or Who Have
Low Vision, Docket 10-145 (Sept. 22, 2010) available at http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/view?id=7020913421
(because “only one model of cell phone provides complete built-in accessibility . . . [and] only a select few models
of smart phones are even compatible with add-on text to speech software that is often more costly than the device
itself,” blind or visually impaired users are required to memorize phone numbers and specific key sequences to

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discouraged consumers from filing complaints, even though “[a]ccessibility of devices covered under
Section 255 is abysmal.”8
3.
AFB asserts that, with respect to achieving accessibility under Section 255, “Apple’s
iPhone continues to be the only smart phone providing truly equal access at no extra cost to users with
vision loss” and that “accessible choices in the feature phone market are not that much more extensive.”9
In discussing the implementation of Section 255 (which requires accessible feature phones), ACB also
appears to credit Panasonic for its efforts to produce devices that meet the needs of people who are blind
and visually impaired.10 However, ACB goes on to note that those efforts have not been enough to
provide this consumer market with much choice.11
4.
The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) notes that mainstream “non-
mobile”12 analog and digital phones, especially phones at lower price points, often do not incorporate
ports that accept neck loops.13 One commenter also asserts that some mainstream phones have
speakerphone or Bluetooth features with sound quality that is inadequate for people with a significant
hearing loss to understand what is being said.14
5.
On the positive side, HLAA reports seeing “a steady improvement in the accessibility of
both landline and mobile phones for people with hearing loss, and that is a credit to both the
manufacturers and service providers who make [hearing aid compatible] phones available.”15 Consumer
Groups also report that the response time provided by interactive voice response phone systems has
lengthened, making such systems easier for callers to use, even for deaf or hard of hearing callers who use
relay services.16 They also report that some deaf or hard of hearing people are able to access voice mail
messages by using Google Talk, an application that transcribes messages into text using speech





make calls, and have no access to “features such as battery status, message indicators, caller identification, and
sending or receiving text messages”); National Federation of the Blind Reply Comments, State of Accessibility for
Mobile Phone Devices for People Who Are Blind, Deaf Blind or Who Have Low Vision, Docket 10-145 (Oct. 14,
2010) available at http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/view?id=7020916852 (“There is only one wireless device in
the marketplace that is fully accessible to the blind user.”).
8 ACB Comments at 1.
9 AFB Comments at 2.
10 See ACB Comments at 1.
11 Id.
12 In the CVAA Assessment PN, the Commission sought input on the state of accessibility of services and equipment
used with the following: (1) “non-mobile” services, including, but not limited to analog and digital telephone
handsets and cordless phones used with landline and interconnected VoIP services; and (2) “mobile” or wireless
services, including basic phones used primarily or exclusively for voice calls and high-end wireless devices or smart
phones that are used for voice, text, data and other computing capabilities. See CVAA Assessment PN, 27 FCC Rcd
at 7696-7697, ¶ 7.
13 HLAA Comments at 2.
14 Id. HLAA and Consumer Groups note also that hearing aid compatibility ratings are not currently required by the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration for hearing aids, making the task of finding a hearing aid compatible phone
even more challenging for consumers. HLAA Comments at 4; Consumer Groups Comments at 7-8. “Consumer
Groups” consist of the following organizations: Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Inc.;
National Association of the Deaf; Association of Late-Deafened Adults, Inc.; Deaf and Hard of Hearing Consumer
Advocacy Network; Cerebral Palsy and Deaf Organization; and the Technology Access Program at Gallaudet
University.
15 HLAA Comments at 4.
16 Consumer Groups Comments at 8.
2

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recognition technology.17 Users report that this feature works fairly well for calls where the speaker can
be clearly heard with minimal background noise.
6.
Section 716 Accessibility. Comments on the state of compliance with Section 716 were
received almost exclusively from industry representatives.18 The Consumer Electronics Association
(CEA) reports that manufacturers and providers are in the process of determining which of their
equipment and services are subject to the new accessibility requirements, ensuring that their business
units and product development teams understand the substantive accessibility requirements, and
modifying their internal business processes and systems to perform the tasks needed to comply with the
new rules.19
7.
Comments of CTIA-The Wireless Association (CTIA) provide an extensive list of
actions that CTIA asserts are being taken by its members to address compliance with Section 716. In
general, CTIA contends that the wireless industry currently actively considers accessibility for persons
with all types of disabilities, takes the necessary steps to ensure that such disabilities are considered at the
beginning of product and service design, and regularly integrates accessibility considerations into their
business operations.20 CTIA also reports that, since the enactment of the CVAA, AT&T has incorporated
“accessibility checklists” into its standard project process and expanded efforts to collaborate with
handset manufacturers and third-party stakeholders on optimum accessibility specifications.21 In addition,
according to CTIA, Verizon Wireless is standardizing its processes to ensure that accessibility issues are
considered throughout the design, build, and refresh/updating periods.22
8.
Regarding specific accessibility developments, CTIA reports that wireless manufacturers
have designed equipment with built-in accessibility solutions, such as text-to-speech and screen readers,
hearing aid compatibility, haptic (tactile) feedback, text communications, and voice activated features.23
In addition, CTIA adds:
Many wireless devices today include built-in features including visual and vibrating alerts and
notifications, speakerphones, text and IM applications, tactilely discernible keypads (e.g.
QWERTY) and shortcut keys, displays with adjustable brightness and font sizes, predictive text
and word completion (e.g. AutoText) and spell check, multiple device form factors (e.g. touch,
flip, candy bar, etc.), and, more recently, voice activated features.24
9.
CTIA mentions that Blackberry® and Nokia devices include many of these features, and
that the DROID™ by Motorola embeds accessibility features, such as a large backlit touch screen and
keypad with raised keys.25 CTIA also notes that Apple’s iPhone includes accessibility features, such as


17 Id.
18 AFB urges the Commission “to avoid making any precipitous analysis” of the impact of the Section 716
accessibility obligations, because any such analysis at this early date would “need to rely almost exclusively on
claims by covered industry players.” AFB Comments at 2.
19 CEA Comments at 5.
20 CTIA Comments at 16.
21 Id.
22 Id.
23 CTIA Comments at 4.
24 CTIA Comments at 8.
25 Id.
3

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screen magnification and VoiceOver screen reader technology,26 and “Samsung’s Galaxy Nexus using
Google’s Android operating system has preinstalled software that provides spoken, vibration and sound
feedback to notify and alert users about various actions, such as launching an application, upcoming
events, and receiving incoming calls.”27 CTIA also reports that, in 2012, RIM introduced BlackBerry®
Screen Reader, which provides audible output of the visual information displayed on the screen.28
10.
CTIA explains further that wireless manufacturers, such as RIM, Inc., incorporate
accessible features into their application requirements that encourage application developers to utilize
built-in accessibility features.29 CTIA also notes that AT&T has been developing a speech recognition
application programming interface (API) that was recently opened up to developers to permit such
developers to integrate the API’s speech capabilities into their applications.30
11.
Wireless manufacturers, according to CTIA, also design devices to be compatible with
assistive technology accessibility hardware and software solutions, such as alternate entry devices, TTYs,
adaptive keyboards, screen readers, magnifiers, text-to-speech, and speech-to-text technology.31 Wireless
service providers, CTIA adds, are making third-party applications available to consumers to improve
accessibility, particularly for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.32 For example, AT&T offers
Mobile Accessibility Lite for Android; Sprint, Boost Mobile, and Virgin Mobile USA offer “Wireless
Accessibility” for Android users; and Verizon Wireless offers text-to-speech TALKS™ software for
certain devices.33
12.
Notwithstanding all of these efforts, CTIA urges the Commission to develop prospective
guidelines so “wireless entities understand precisely what they must do for a product or service to be
considered ‘accessible.’”34
13.
Comments filed by the Consumer Groups are mixed with respect to their opinions about
the availability of accessible advanced communications products and services. First, Consumer Groups
express concerns about the lack of interoperable video conferencing services and inaccessible advanced
communications service components of video gaming.35 They also note with dismay that the iPhone 4S
with Siri is not hearing aid compatible. Nevertheless, Consumer Groups applaud some industry
initiatives, such as offering text/data only plans for people that cannot make voice telephone calls, and
web portals linked to services for people with disabilities.36 Consumer Groups further recognize Apple,
Inc., as “an example of a leading manufacturer that embraces accessibility throughout many of its
products by featuring universal design principles.”37


26 CTIA Comments at 9.
27 Id.
28 CTIA Comments at 8.
29 Id.
30 CTIA Comments at 7.
31 Id. at 9.
32 Id. at 10.
33 Id. at 10-11.
34 Id. at 18. But see 47 C.F.R. §§ 6.3(a), 7.3(a), and 14.21(b).
35 See Consumer Groups Comments at 9-13. See also Attachment at ¶ 28, infra.
36 Consumer Groups Comments at 6.
37 Id. The term “universal design” means “a concept or philosophy for designing and delivering products and
services that are usable by people with the widest possible range of functional capabilities, which include products
and services that are directly accessible (without requiring assistive technologies) and products and services that are
4

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14.
Inclusion of people with disabilities through all stages of product and service
development. 38 Various industry associations report that their members are taking steps to consult with
people with disabilities and the accessibility community.39 For example, CTIA reports that AT&T has an
Advisory Panel on Access and Aging.40 Also according to CTIA, Verizon Wireless conducts quarterly
calls with leading national disability advocates and has shared handsets with the American Foundation for
the Blind Labs to evaluate and offer recommendations for their next generation of devices.41 Similarly,
CTIA adds, Motorola has “increased efforts to reach out regularly to disability advocacy groups,
standards agencies and research organizations, and to work closely with the manufacturers of devices for
people with accessibility needs.”42
15.
The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) states that its members “have also
been (and plan to continue to) liaising with the disability community to develop and share best practices
and to develop standards for inclusive design.”43 As an example, TIA notes that its members consulted
with the disability community in the development of voluntary industry “conversational gain” standards
for wireline phones.44 TIA states that it is actively involved in further development of the hearing aid
compatibility standard for wireless devices, and that the percentage of hearing aid compatible phones
across offering tiers and models has increased over time.45
16.
One consumer advocacy group, however, reports that it is “unaware of mainstream
mobile phone manufacturers or service providers who include people with hearing loss in their market
research, product design, testing, pilot demonstrations or product trials.”46 According to HLAA, while
some mobile phone manufacturers are working with non-consumer entities, such as hearing aid
companies and research institutions, at least on a limited basis, manufacturers have not sought much input
from HLAA about features that would make mobile phones accessible and usable for people with hearing
loss since the ATIS hearing aid compatibility incubator group disbanded around 2010.47





interoperable with assistive technologies.” 29 U.S.C. § 3002(a)(19). See also Implementation of Sections 716 and
717 of the Communications Act of 1934, as Enacted by the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video
Accessibility Act of 2010; Amendments to the Commission’s Rules Implementing Sections 255 and 251(a)(2) of the
Communications Act of 1934, as Enacted by the Telecommunications Act of 1996; and In the Matter of Accessible
Mobile Phone Options for People who are Blind, Deaf-Blind, or Have Low Vision, CG Docket Nos. 10-213 and 10-
145, WT Docket No. 96-198, Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, FCC 11-151, 26 FCC
Rcd 14557, 14620, ¶ 151 (2011) (ACS Report and Order and ACS FNPRM), available at
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-151A1.pdf.
38 See 47 C.F.R. §§ 6.7(b)(3), 7.7(b)(3). Beginning January 30, 2013, covered entities must keep records of
information about their efforts to consult with people with disabilities. See 47 U.S.C. § 618(a)(5)(A).
39 See, e.g., CEA Comments at 5; CTIA Comments at 4; TIA Comments at 4.
40 CTIA Comments at 17.
41 Id.
42 Id.
43 TIA Comments at 4-5.
44 TIA Comments at 5. “Conversational gain” is a new method of measuring telephone speech amplification. Id. at
6.
45 TIA Comments at 5-6.
46 HLAA Comments at 3.
47 HLAA Comments at 4. The ATIS hearing aid compatibility incubator group was formed by the Alliance for
Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) to “investigate performance between hearing aids (HAs) and
Wireless Device (WDs) to determine methods of enhancing interoperability and usability for consumers with
hearing aids in order for those in the hearing aid and cellular wireless industries to meet the requirements of the
5

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17.
Information, documentation, and training.48 CTIA reports that it offers free 411
assistance for individuals who are blind, have low vision, dexterity disabilities, or cognitive disabilities,
and provides these customers with bills and other print material in alternate formats such as in Braille and
large print.49 Likewise, CTIA states that it provides written material in Braille and large print for
individuals who are visually impaired.50
18.
CTIA claims that wireless service providers and manufacturers train and educate
personnel about accessibility issues, citing AT&T’s customer service center for customers with
disabilities and RIM’s internal training module on accessibility.51 As a result, industry believes that the
disability community “is better informed about the diverse range of wireless services, equipment and
applications that are available to meet their needs.”52
19.
CTIA also claims that persons with disabilities are better informed because of CTIA’s
award-winning website, AccessWireless.org, and other collaborative efforts by the wireless industry and
the accessibility community.53 According to CTIA, the recently revamped and re-launched
AccessWireless.org site features direct links to service provider and manufacturer accessibility websites;
information relevant to individuals who are senior citizens, deaf or hard of hearing, blind, and physically,
cognitively or speech impaired; tools for service providers’ retail store employees to help customers; and
other features.54 In addition, “CTIA also has partnered with the Mobile Manufacturers Forum (‘MMF’) to
bring the Global Accessibility Reporting Initiative (‘GARI’) to AccessWireless.org,” to provide an online
database that consumers can use to search for wireless handsets based on built-in accessibility features.55
20.
Notwithstanding these efforts by industry, some consumers complain about the training
of customer service personnel. HLAA reports that “personnel often do not know what a [hearing aid
compatible] phone is or how to find which phones are [hearing aid compatible] among those the service
provider sells.”56 As a result, consumers shopping for hearing aid compatible mobile phones in retail
stores may not find what they need unless the store staff is in fact well trained and knowledgeable.57
21.
Service plans. CTIA states that wireless service providers such as CTIA members Sprint,
AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, and U.S. Cellular are offering voice, text, and data service plans
specifically for persons with disabilities, including unlimited text or data plans or message- or data-only
plans for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability.58





[Federal Communications Commission]” and completed its work in November 2010. ATIS: Hearing Aid
Compatibility Incubator at http://www.atis.org/hac/index.asp (viewed August 10, 2012).
48 See 47 C.F.R. §§ 6.11; 7.11; 14.20(d).
49 See CTIA Comments at 7.
50 See CTIA Comments at 7.
51 See CTIA Comments at 14-15.
52 Id. at 15.
53 Id. at 4. AccessWireless.org was a recipient of the FCC Chairman’s Award for Advancement in Accessibility in
2011.
54 CTIA Comments at 4.
55 CTIA Comments at 13. TIA, many of whose members are also members of the MMF, notes that the FCC
incorporated GARI on its Accessibility Clearinghouse website. TIA Comments at 7.
56 HLAA Comments at 3.
57 Id.
58 CTIA Comments at 6.
6

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22.
Consumer Groups, however, are concerned about the growing trend towards metering
and capping data plans, particularly because of the impact on deaf and hard of hearing individuals who
rely on video technology for direct communication and for telecommunications through a relay service.59
Consumer Groups report that some of their members are exceeding wireless monthly 2 GB and 3 GB data
caps and that many are paying overage fees, which advocates predict will become a larger problem as
wireless network speeds improve and video availability and use increases.60 Consumer Groups contend
that these increasing costs add to the higher costs that people who are deaf or hard of hearing already pay
for equipment and services to achieve functionally equivalent telecommunications.61 Consumer Groups
and the major wireless providers are engaged in discussions about possible solutions to ensure that the
deaf and hard of hearing community does not experience a significant disparity in costs.62
23.
Tentative findings on compliance with Sections 255, 716, and 718. With respect to
Section 255, based on the limited record provided in response to the CVAA Assessment PN, the
Commission tentatively finds that, although equipment subject to this longstanding statutory obligation
generally is meeting the hearing aid compatibility needs of people with hearing loss, feature phones
continue to offer only limited accessibility for consumers who are blind or visually impaired. The record
indicates that consumers who are blind or visually impaired have consistently and persistently expressed
frustration with the overall inaccessibility of telecommunications equipment that has grown increasingly
complex over time.63 Although the Commission has successfully resolved some informal Section 255
complaints,64 we agree with ACB that the resolution of Section 255 complaints during this reporting
period does not necessarily “provide the entire picture” with respect to compliance.65 The complaint data
indicate that the Section 255 complaint process has resolved relatively simple complaints;66 thus we find
that the resolution of these types of complaints is only one factor in assessing the level of compliance with
Section 255.
24.
The Commission is currently without sufficient information to accurately assess the level
of compliance with Section 716 of the Act. The Commission expects to be better informed after October
8, 2013, when Section 716 and the recordkeeping and enforcement provisions of Section 717 are fully
effective. However, the Commission tentatively finds that industry is taking multiple steps to comply
with the communications accessibility provisions of the CVAA, and we expect that such steps will result
in the availability of accessible equipment used for advanced communications services with a diverse
range of low-end and high-end features, functions, and prices when Section 716 is fully effective.
25.
Because Section 718 is not yet effective, the Commission is unable to present tentative
findings with respect to the level of compliance with that provision.


59 See Consumer Groups Comments at 13.
60 Id. at 14.
61 Id.
62 Id.
63 See, e.g., Attachment at ¶ 2, supra.
64 See Attachment at ¶¶ 35-39, infra.
65 ACB Comments at 1.
66 For example, under the Section 255 complaint process, the Commission has resolved complaints addressing
accessible directory assistance, accessible customer service, modified service plans, and the provision of information
in alternate formats. However, few complaints have successfully achieved the incorporation of accessible design in
services and products. See Attachment at ¶¶ 36-37, infra.
7

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B.

Accessibility Barriers in New Communications Technologies

26.
Section 717(b)(1)(B) of the Act requires the Commission to provide an evaluation of the
extent to which any accessibility barriers still exist with respect to new communications technologies.67
In the CVAA Assessment PN, the Commission noted that the CVAA does not define “new
communications technologies” in this context, and sought comment on whether the scope of this inquiry
may be broader than “telecommunications” and “advanced communications services” technologies
covered under Section 255 and Section 716.68 The Commission also sought comment on the extent to
which new communications services or equipment have been deployed for the general public, the
accessibility barriers that still exist with respect to these new communications technologies, and whether
these barriers will be addressed by accessibility obligations under Section 716 or the mobile phone
Internet browser accessibility obligations under Section 718 that will become effective on October 8,
2013.69
27.
Contrary to the assertions of some commenters, we believe that our assessment of
accessibility barriers with respect to “new communications technologies” should not be limited to those
technologies covered under Sections 255, 716, and 718.70 We also disagree with TIA that any assessment
of accessibility barriers that still exist “must be evaluated by what is achievable with current
technology.”71 These limitations do not appear in the CVAA or its legislative history with respect to the
preparation of this Report to Congress. Given that Congress has acted in the past, in 1996 and more
recently with the CVAA, to ensure access to communications equipment and services by people with
disabilities, and may do so again to the extent that “the extraordinary benefits of [ ] technological
advances are [ ] not accessible to individuals with disabilities,”72 we believe that adopting a narrow
interpretation of the phrase “new communications technologies” in Section 717(b)(1)(B) would defeat
congressional intent to ensure such access to emerging communications technologies.
28.
Regarding accessibility barriers in new communications technologies, CTIA reports that
its member companies offer more than 600 unique wireless devices, while consumer advocates identify
only a few devices as being accessible “out-of-the-box” to individuals who are blind or visually
impaired.73 Consumer Groups acknowledge that new communications technologies can result in
eliminating accessibility barriers.74 For example, for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, the
development of e-mail, text messaging, video conferencing, captioned telephones, and the mobile
technologies to support these services has helped to level the communications playing field.75
Nonetheless, Consumer Groups also point out that new communications technologies can create
accessibility barriers. For example, Consumer Groups state that such new technologies as video
conferencing services and advanced communications service components of video gaming are not


67 See 47 U.S.C. § 618(b)(1)(B).
68 See CVAA Assessment PN, 27 FCC Rcd 7698-7699, ¶ 12. The CVAA legislative history is also silent on the
definition or scope of “new communications technologies.”
69 Id.
70 Contra, CEA Comments at 8.
71 See TIA Comments at 9.
72 S. Rep. No. 111-386 at 1 (Senate Report); H. Rep. No. 111-563 at 19 (House Report) (2010).
73 CTIA Comments at 3; Attachment at ¶ 3, supra (identifying Apple and Panasonic as manufacturers of accessible
mobile phones).
74 See Consumer Groups Comments at 2.
75 Id.
8

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accessible.76 Consumer Groups also note the lack of vibrating alert systems across all applications that
provide audible notifications of incoming messages or other communication, the inability to adjust
vibration settings similar to the ability to select ringtones, and the need to make equipment used for
advanced communications services compatible with residential signaling systems.77
29.
Tentative findings on accessibility barriers in new communications technologies. The
Commission believes that Congress will be better informed about the state of communications that are or
are not accessible to individuals with disabilities, the impact of the CVAA, and the need for additional
legislative action, if any, if the Commission’s Report includes an account of accessibility barriers with
respect to “new communications technologies” that fall within and outside the scope of the
Communications Act and that can and cannot be eliminated with reasonable effort or expense.
30.
Based on comments filed in response to the CVAA Assessment PN, we tentatively find
that accessibility barriers still exist with respect to both existing and new communications technologies.78
In particular, we tentatively find that, presently, new video conferencing technologies that are available
for peer-to-peer and video relay services are not meeting the full communication access needs of people
who communicate via American Sign Language.79 Further, the Commission agrees with Consumer
Groups that deployment of new communications technologies can either eliminate existing accessibility
barriers or create new ones. The Commission tentatively finds that many accessibility barriers in new
communications technologies will likely be addressed by industry compliance with the new accessibility
requirements under Section 716 and Section 718 when those requirements are fully effective, and by the
enforcement procedures mandated by Section 717 and the Commission’s rules. There may, however, still
be many accessibility barriers to new communications technologies that fall outside the scope of the
CVAA, including, for example, video conferencing services that are not interoperable.

C.

Complaints Received Pursuant to Section 717

31.
Sections 717(b)(1)(C) – (F) of the Act require the Commission to report on the following
issues with respect to complaints received pursuant to Section 717(a) of the Act that allege violations of
Sections 255, 716, or 718 of the Act:
·
the number and nature of complaints received during the two years that are the subject of the
Commission’s Report;
·
the actions taken to resolve such complaints, including forfeiture penalties assessed;
·
the length of time that was taken by the Commission to resolve each such complaint; and
·
the number, status, nature, and outcome of any actions for mandamus and any appeals filed.80


76 Consumer Groups Comments at 9-11 (most mainstream video conferencing services are not interoperable with
each other or with videophones provided by video relay service providers, and none are able to include
telecommunications relay services as part of these services); and at 12-13 (advocating for inclusion of relay services
to make online gaming voice communication accessible to deaf and hard of hearing gamers). Each of these
accessibility issues is the subject of pending Commission proceedings. See ACS FNPRM, 26 FCC Rcd at 14684-
14687, ¶¶ 301-305; Request for Comment: Petition for Class Waiver of Commission’s Rules for Access to Advanced
Communications Services and Equipment by People with Disabilities; CG Docket No. 10-213, Public Notice, DA
12-760, 27 FCC Rcd 5204 (2012) (Entertainment Services Association petition for waiver of gaming equipment and
services from the advanced communications services accessibility requirements) available at
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-12-760A1.pdf.
77 Consumer Groups Comments at 13.
78 See, e.g., Attachment at ¶¶ 2, 4, and 13, supra (providing examples of accessibility barriers).
79 See Consumer Groups Comments at 9-11.
80 See 47 U.S.C. §§ 618(b)(1)(C) – (F).
9

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32.
Existing accessibility complaint procedures. During the period that will be covered by
this Report,81 consumers filing accessibility complaints utilized the Commission’s existing informal
complaint procedures, which were adopted under Section 255 of the Communications Act.82 Currently,
an informal accessibility complaint may be communicated to the Consumer and Governmental Affairs
Bureau’s (CGB) Disability Rights Office (DRO) by letter, phone call, fax, online form, or other
reasonable means.83 The complaint is entered into the Consumer Complaint Management System
(CCMS) and is then assigned to a DRO telecommunications specialist, who forwards the complaint to
and serves a Notice of Informal Complaint (NOIC) on the service provider and/or equipment
manufacturer.84 The provider or manufacturer has 30 days in which to respond to the NOIC.85 DRO then
analyzes the response. If all issues are satisfied and the consumer’s satisfaction with the resolution is
verified, or if DRO determines that no further action is required or that DRO can take no further action,
DRO considers the matter closed and sends the consumer a close-out letter.86 Under the existing
complaint procedure, DRO is not authorized to impose forfeitures or take other enforcement action in
response to an informal complaint alone; however, if the consumer is not satisfied with the provider’s or
manufacturer’s response to the complaint and the DRO decision to terminate action, the consumer may
file a formal complaint.87 In some cases, DRO may forward the complaint to the Enforcement Bureau to
determine whether a material and substantial question remains with respect to compliance.88 If so, the
Enforcement Bureau may investigate further to determine compliance and what, if any, remedial actions
and/or sanctions are warranted.89
33.
Future accessibility complaint procedures. On October 8, 2013, the complaint process
will change upon full implementation of the enforcement provisions of Section 717(a).90 Before filing a
complaint, a consumer must make a request to DRO for dispute resolution assistance with the applicable
service provider or equipment manufacturer.91 If the two parties do not reach a settlement within 30 days
after the filing of a request for dispute resolution assistance, the parties may agree to extend the time for
dispute resolution in 30-day increments, or the requester may file an informal complaint with the


81 With respect to the Commission’s assessment of complaints received, required by Sections 717(b)(1)(C) – (F) of
the Act, this first Report will cover complaints for the time period between October 8, 2010, and December 31,
2011. Subsequent biennial reports will cover complaints for periods beginning January 1 and ending two years later
on December 31.
82 See 47 C.F.R. §§ 6.16 – 6.20 and 7.16 – 7.20. No formal complaints regarding accessibility were filed during the
period that will be covered by this Report. See 47 C.F.R. §§ 6.21 – 6.22 and 7.21 – 7.22 (formal complaint
procedures).
83 47 C.F.R. §§ 6.17(a) and 7.17(a).
84 47 C.F.R. §§ 6.18(a) and 7.18(a).
85 47 C.F.R. §§ 6.19 and 7.19.
86 47 C.F.R. §§ 6.18(a) – (b) and 7.18(a) – (b).
87 47 C.F.R. §§ 6.20(b), 7.20(b).
88 47 C.F.R. §§ 6.20(c), 7.20(c).
89 47 C.F.R. §§ 6.20(c) – (d), 7.20(c) – (d).
90 See 47 C.F.R. §§ 14.32 (consumer dispute assistance), 14.34 – 14.37 (informal complaints), 14.38 – 14.52 (formal
complaints).
91 Prior to October 8, 2013, consumers may file informal complaints with DRO alleging violation of Section 255 of
the Act without the prerequisite filing of a request for dispute resolution assistance.
10

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Enforcement Bureau.92 Informal complaints alleging a violation of Section 255, 716, or 718 of the Act
must be filed with the Commission’s Enforcement Bureau, instead of with DRO.93
34.
The Commission has established minimum requirements for information that must be
contained in an informal complaint, effective October 8, 2013.94 The Commission will investigate the
complaint and, within 180 days after the complaint was filed, will issue an order determining whether a
violation has occurred.95 The Commission may, in such order, or in a subsequent order, direct the service
provider or equipment manufacturer to bring the service or, in the case of a manufacturer, the next
generation of the equipment, into compliance with the requirements of Section 255, 716, or 718 within a
reasonable period of time and take other authorized and appropriate enforcement action.96 Any
manufacturer or service provider that is the subject of such an order shall have a reasonable opportunity to
comment on the Commission’s proposed remedial action before the Commission issues a final order with
respect to that action.97
1.

Number and Nature of Complaints Received

35.
From October 8, 2010, to December 31, 2011, the time period that will be covered by the
Report, 73 informal complaints were filed with the Commission alleging violations of Section 255 of the
Act or its implementing rules.98 Of those complaints, approximately 33% alleged violations by
equipment manufacturers and 53% alleged violations by service providers, with the remaining 14%
alleging both service and equipment violations.
36.
Equipment-related complaints raised a wide range of issues, illustrating difficulties
encountered by consumers with various types of disabilities in obtaining accessible equipment. For
example, in one informal complaint filed with the Commission, a consumer who is deaf needed a hearing
aid compatible cell phone with a full keyboard, but the cell phone he had previously used was
discontinued by his service provider. Another individual complained that she could not find a cell phone
with the type of Bluetooth signal needed to communicate with specialized CPE. Consumers who are
blind or visually impaired filed several complaints about the difficulty of locating cell phones with fully
accessible features, such as an accessible contact list. Complaints related to obtaining equipment that
meets the needs of consumers with multiple disabilities were also filed. Several complainants sought
hearing aid compatible phones with buttons that were easy to control for individuals with dexterity
disabilities due to carpal tunnel syndrome or multiple sclerosis.


92 47 C.F.R. § 14.32(e). See also ACS Report and Order, 26 FCC Rcd at 14658, ¶ 237. We expect that the new
dispute resolution process will resolve consumer concerns before complaints are filed and will encourage service
providers and equipment manufacturers to comply with the accessibility rules.
93 47 C.F.R. § 14.34(a). On or after October 8, 2013, consumers may still file formal complaints with the
Enforcement Bureau without first making requests for dispute resolution assistance. See 47 C.F.R. §§ 14.38 –
14.52.
94 See 47 C.F.R. § 14.34(b).
95 47 U.S.C. § 618(a)(3)(B). The Commission shall forward the informal complaint to the service provider or
equipment manufacturer. 47 C.F.R. § 14.35(a). The service provider or manufacturer must file and serve an answer
to the complaint and a non-confidential summary of that answer within 20 days of service of the complaint. 47
C.F.R. §§ 14.36(b)(i) and 14.36(c). The complainant may file a reply. 47 C.F.R. § 14.36(d).
96 47 U.S.C. § 618(a)(3)(B)(i).
97 47 U.S.C. § 618(a)(4); 47 C.F.R. § 14.37(c).
98 Information in the first Report will be limited to complaints filed under existing procedures for alleged violations
of Section 255 because the complaint procedures established pursuant to Section 717(a) of the Act will not be
available to consumers until October 8, 2013. See Attachment at ¶ 33, supra.
11

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37.
In complaints against service providers, the predominant issues were as follows:
·
need for instructions or billing in an accessible format;
·
need for accessible customer service;
·
need for alternatives to an inaccessible telephone directory (e.g., free directory assistance);
·
requests for waiver of early termination fees when a phone that did not meet accessibility
requirements was exchanged for another phone that was accessible; and
·
requests to modify a bundled service plan to eliminate charges for service(s) not used due to
disability (e.g., phone plans with text only).
2.

Actions Taken to Resolve Such Complaints

38.
For each complaint filed with the Commission during the period that will be covered by
this Report, DRO forwarded the complaint to and served an NOIC on the service provider and/or
equipment manufacturer alleged to have violated Commission rules. In most cases, equipment
manufacturers and service providers attempted to work with consumers to resolve their particular needs.
Equipment manufacturers often addressed complaints by providing the requested equipment, identifying
equipment that was available as an upgrade, or informing consumers of new models that would be issued
in the future. Service providers also accommodated consumers who needed accessible formats for billing,
equipment instructions, and directory assistance. As a result, for a majority of complaints, DRO was able
to confirm that the consumer was satisfied with the resolution.
39.
For all but eight of the complaints filed, DRO verified the consumer’s satisfaction with
the resolution or determined that no further action was required or that DRO could take no further action,
and sent the consumer a close-out letter. For two of the remaining eight complaints, DRO determined
that the complaints involved issues outside the Commission’s jurisdiction and referred the complainants
to the U.S. Department of Justice, advising consumers of their right to file a complaint alleging violation
of the Americans with Disabilities Act or other disability-related law. DRO is making best efforts to
facilitate resolution of the remaining six complaints that are still pending, which involve general
dissatisfaction with services or equipment or complex issues of accessibility that include determining the
extent to which the accessibility requested is readily achievable.
40.
The Commission did not assess any forfeiture penalties for accessibility-related violations
during the period that will be covered by this Report.
3.

Time to Resolve Each Complaint

41.
Under existing procedures, there is no prescribed time frame for resolving informal
complaints alleging violations of Section 255. Of the 67 informal complaints that have been closed by
DRO, two complaints, or about 3%, were resolved within the first 30 days after receipt. Another 41
complaints, or about 61%, were closed within 90 days. Another 22 complaints, or approximately 33%,
were closed within 180 days. Two complaints, or about 3%, were closed within a year.
4.

Actions for Mandamus and Appeals Filed

42.
There were no actions for mandamus or appeals filed with respect to Section 255
complaints during the period that will be covered by this Report.

D.

Effect of Section 717’s Recordkeeping and Enforcement Requirements on the Development
and Deployment of New Communications Technologies

43.
Section 717(b)(1)(G) of the Act requires the Commission to provide an assessment of the
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effect of the requirements of Section 717 of the Act on the development and deployment of new
communications technologies.99 Section 717 requires the Commission to establish new recordkeeping
and enforcement procedures for service providers and equipment manufacturers that are subject to
Sections 255, 716, and 718.100 In October 2011, the Commission adopted these procedures,101 which
require service providers and equipment manufacturers to maintain records to demonstrate compliance
with Sections 255, 716, and 718 when a complaint is filed.102 In the CVAA Assessment PN, the
Commission sought comment on whether service providers and equipment manufacturers have taken
measures in anticipation of the new recordkeeping and enforcement requirements that will result in
increased accessibility for people with disabilities.103
44.
Comments in response to this inquiry in the CVAA Assessment PN were sparse. CTIA
states that it appreciates and agrees with the Commission’s establishment of its consumer dispute
assistance process as a prerequisite to the filing of an informal complaint.104 CTIA reports that the
wireless industry is “actively preparing and initiating measures to meet the enforcement and
recordkeeping requirements of the CVAA.”105 In addition, TIA states that its members “have been
complying with the recordkeeping requirements.”106 CEA reports that manufacturers and service
providers are modifying internal recordkeeping systems to accommodate the records that the new rules
require to be kept.107
45.
At the same time, CTIA suggests that developing an effective recordkeeping process may
require some experience with the rules and their enforcement: “CTIA appreciates the FCC’s decision to
adopt a flexible approach to recordkeeping . . . [but] the lack of any guidance against which regulated
entities can judge their individual recordkeeping systems places those entities at risk of being found in
violation of the requirements, despite their best efforts to comply.”108 As a result, CTIA urges the
Commission not to penalize entities that are attempting in good faith to comply with the rules if their
records are ultimately found to be insufficient or non-compliant.109 In other words, CTIA urges the


99 47 U.S.C. § 618(b)(1)(G).
100 47 U.S.C. § 618(a).
101 See Attachment at ¶¶ 33 and 34, supra, for a description of the new enforcement procedures. Entities must
certify annually to the Commission that they have kept records pertaining to the accessibility of their products
beginning January 30, 2013. 47 U.S.C. § 618(a)(5)(B); 47 C.F.R. § 14.31. In response to an informal complaint, the
manufacturer or service provider “must produce documents demonstrating its due diligence in exploring
accessibility and achievability . . . throughout the design, development, testing, and deployment stages of a product
or service.” 47 C.F.R. § 14.36(a).
102 See 47 C.F.R. § 14.36(a).
103 CVAA Assessment PN, 27 FCC Rcd at 7698, ¶ 11. Among other things, the Commission also asked to what
extent the recordkeeping requirements and enforcement procedures established have increased collaboration among
industry, consumers with disabilities, and other stakeholders. Id.
104 CTIA Comments at 18.
105 Id.
106 TIA Comments at 8.
107 CEA Comments at 5.
108 CTIA Comments at 19. See also TIA Comments at 9 (“an established level of recordkeeping cannot easily be
determined” until the Commission undertakes enforcement actions). TIA also cites this “regulatory uncertainty” as
a “major barrier to accessibility” while, at the same time, it urges the Commission to afford manufacturers
“maximum flexibility” in meeting the CVAA requirements. TIA Comments at 9.
109 CTIA Comments at 19-20.
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Commission to maintain “a flexible approach to recordkeeping requirements.”110 TIA also urges the
Commission to take a flexible approach in its first enforcement action to ensure that “anticipatory
documentation requirements do not burden or derail the product design process.”111
46.
Consumer Groups perceive “ongoing resistance by some members of the industry to
incorporate and implement accessibility features” as an underlying cause of many communications
accessibility barriers.112 They claim that industry appears to collaborate in good faith with consumers as
members of organized accessibility committees, but express frustration that this spirit of collaboration
dissolves outside of those settings.113 They suggest that industry requests for waiver of the accessibility
rules “can lead consumer groups to question the sincerity of industry stakeholders.”114 In contrast, CEA
asserts that the granting of waiver requests would avoid the anticipated negative effect of the accessibility
rules, including the recordkeeping and enforcement requirements of Section 717.115
47.
Tentative findings on the effect of Section 717’s recordkeeping and enforcement
requirements. Industry commenters express concerns about the anticipated burden of maintaining the
records required by Section 717 to demonstrate compliance with Sections 255, 716, and 718. Yet
industry commenters also report that they are already complying or preparing to comply with the new
recordkeeping requirements. We tentatively find that nothing in the record indicates that Section 717’s
recordkeeping and enforcement requirements will hinder the development and deployment of new
communications technologies. We also find, however, that there is insufficient information to assess
whether initial steps taken in anticipation of the new recordkeeping and enforcement requirements will
result in the development and deployment of new communications technologies that are accessible to and
usable by individuals with disabilities.


110 Id. at 16.
111 TIA Comments at 8-9.
112 Consumer Groups Comments at 2.
113 Consumer Groups Comments at 3.
114 Id. Industry requests for waiver of the accessibility rules are the subject of pending Commission proceedings.
See, e.g., Request for Comment: Petition for Class Waiver of Commission’s Rules for Access to Advanced
Communications Services and Equipment by People with Disabilities; CG Docket No. 10-213, Public Notice, DA
12-759, 27 FCC Rcd 5202 (2012) (Consumer Electronics Association petition for waiver of Internet protocol
televisions and digital video players from the advanced communications services accessibility requirements)
available at http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-12-759A1.pdf. Further, the Consumer Groups
“urge the Commission to send the message to Congress that some in the industry are refusing to embrace
accessibility as a priority and to adopt universal design principles, despite the clear mandates from Congress in the
CVAA.” Consumer Groups Comments at 5.
115 CEA Comments at 7-8. See also Letter from Julie M. Kearny, Vice President, Regulatory Affairs, Consumer
Electronics Association to Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary, FCC, CG Docket No. 10-213, at 2 (filed August 2, 2012),
refuting Consumer Groups’ assertion that waiver petitions illustrate industry reluctance to adopt universal design
principles.
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