O'Rielly Fleshes Out Call To Create List of HAC-Compliant Wireless Handsets

The FCC should ensure wireless carriers can identify handsets complying with rules on hearing aid compatibility, said Commissioner Michael O’Rielly in a blog post following up on a vow he made Nov. 19 to seek a fix (see 1511190032). He said there is no definitive list of HAC-compliant handsets, causing confusion and “unnecessary and time-consuming enforcement actions against wireless providers, which, oftentimes through no fault of their own, procured” handsets that don't meet the agency’s standards. “In fact, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been paid in FCC penalties just because available data regarding hearing aid compatibility compliance turned out to be inaccurate,” he said. O’Rielly said compiling such a list “can be done post haste” because industry participants already submit necessary information on Form 655. O’Rielly said he is pleased commissioners agreed to seek comment on the issue in the FCC’s recent Further NPRM aimed at expanding its HAC rules: “Without prejudging the comments to be received, the answers to the questions should provide a sufficient platform to address a flaw in our hearing aid compatibility requirements.”