*Pages 1--1 from Microsoft Word - 36400* PUBLIC NOTICE Federal Communications Commission 445 12 th St., S. W. Washington, D. C. 20554 News Media Information 202 / 418- 0500 Internet: http:// www. fcc. gov TTY: 1- 888- 835- 5322 DA 04 - 630 March 8, 2004 WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU ANNOUNCES HEARING AID COMPATIBILITY REPORTING DATES FOR WIRELESS CARRIERS AND HANDSET MANUFACTURERS (WT DOCKET NO. 01- 309) By this Public Notice, the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau’s Public Safety and Critical Infrastructure Division announces reporting dates in accordance with the Federal Communications Commission’s (Commission) August 14, 2003, Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) Report and Order. The Commission’s Report and Order modified the exemption for wireless phones under the HAC Act of 1988 to require that digital wireless phones be capable of being effectively used with hearing aids. Pursuant to the Report and Order, wireless carriers and handset manufacturers are required to report every six months for the first three years and then annually through the fifth year of implementation. The reporting requirements are to assist the Commission in verifying compliance with the various benchmarks for handset compatibility. To minimize the reporting burden, digital wireless phone manufacturers and service providers may submit joint reports. The deadline for the first reporting requirement is May 17, 2004. The Hearing Industries Association (HIA) has agreed to inform the Commission of hearing aid manufacturers’ plans to label hearing aid models with their immunity levels. HIA is also encouraged to submit its report on May 17. Future Reporting Dates are: May 17, 2004; November 17, 2004; May 17, 2005; November 17, 2005; May 17, 2006; November 17, 2006; November 19, 2007; and November 17, 2008. The Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) has developed a form so that manufacturers and carriers can submit collective reports through their organization. Participation in the ATIS reporting process is voluntary. More information can be obtained by accessing http:// www. atis. org. WTB Contacts: Public Safety and Critical Infrastructure Division; Andra Cunningham, Attorney, at (202) 418- 1630 or Greg Guice, Acting Assistant Division Chief, at (202) 418- 0095; TTY at (202) 418- 7233. -FCC- 1