On Thursday, January 30, 2020, the Commission released the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”) to amend the rules governing the standards for hearing aid-compatible (“HAC”) handsets (WT Docket No. 20-3), which was adopted during the January Open Meeting. The Commission proposes new standards, based on the 2019 American National Standards Institute (“ANSI”) technical standards, to ensure that the HAC requirements reflect technological advances and fulfill their purpose. These HAC standards would replace the existing 2011 standards after a proposed two-year transition period. The Commission also proposes to modernize its labeling requirements, remove unnecessary or superseded rule provisions and seeks comment on ways to simplify and update the HAC rules.
There were no changes made to the adopted version from the draft NPRM.
Comments will be due 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.
Reply comments will be due 45 days after publication in the Federal Register.
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