This is a reminder that wireless service providers are required to submit their annual HAC certification for the 2019 calendar year by Wednesday, January 15, 2020, pursuant to the updated requirements adopted in the 2018 Report and Order. The filing window will open on the first business day after January 1, 2020, which is Thursday, January 2, 2020.
The Commission’s HAC rules require wireless service providers to offer hearing-aid compatible handset models to consumers and to provide information regarding the compatibility capabilities of their handset models to consumers and the Commission. All wireless service providers, including de mimimis providers, must annually certify whether they have been in full compliance with the Commission’s HAC requirements throughout the prior calendar year by filing FCC Form 855 (which replaces the previous Form 655 reporting obligation for service providers).
Certifications must be submitted via the electronic interface for the FCC Form 855 and should include the following information:
- The name of the signing executive and their contact information;
- The company(ies) covered by the certification;
- The FCC FRN;
- The website address of the page containing the required handset model information (for non-de minimis service providers); and
- The percentage of handsets offered that are HAC compatible. Providers will derive this percentage by determining the number of hearing-aid compatible handsets offered across all air interfaces during the year divided by the total number of handsets offered during the year.
Instructions for the Form 855 can be accessed here.
Please Contact Us if you have any questions.