PUBLIC NOTICE Federal Communications Commission 445 12th St., S.W. Washington, D.C. 20554 News Media Information 202 / 418-0500 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov TTY: 1-888-835-5322 DA 10-1894 Released: September 30, 2010 Wireless Telecommunications Bureau And Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Extend Time for Filing Comments on Accessible Mobile Phone Options for People who are Blind, Deaf-blind, or Have Low Vision CG Docket No. 10-145 On July 19, 2010, the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau and the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau released a Public Notice seeking comment on Accessible Mobile Phone Options for People who are Blind, Deaf-blind, or Have Low Vision.1 Comments were due September 13, 2010 and Reply Comments were due September 30, 2010. Based on the input that Commission staff has received during the comment period, we are concerned that people who are blind or have other vision disabilities have not had ample time in which to file their comments about accessible and affordable wireless phone options. We will extend the deadline to file reply comments in this proceeding by ten (10) business days.2 We find that parties and the record in this proceeding will benefit from this additional time in which to file comments on their interests and refine their positions. Accordingly, reply comments in this proceeding will be due on October 15, 2010. As a reminder, in order to be fully informed on the issues raised by consumers and determine appropriate next steps to achieve telecommunications access for these populations, we seek input from all stakeholders on the following: (1) The wireless phone features and functions in the current marketplace that are not accessible for people who are blind, have vision loss, or are deaf-blind and the extent to which gaps in accessibility are preventing wireless communication access by these populations; (2) The cost and feasibility of technical solutions to achieve wireless accessibility for these populations; 1 Wireless Telecommunications Bureau And Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Seek Comment on Accessible Mobile Phone Options for People who are Blind, Deaf-blind, or Have Low Vision, Public Notice, DA 10-1324 (July 19, 2010). 2 See 47 C.F.R. § 1.46(a). (3) Reasons why there are not a greater number of wireless phones – particularly among less expensive or moderately-priced handset models – that are accessible to people who are blind or have vision loss; (4) Technical obstacles, if any, to making wireless technologies compatible with Braille displays, as well as the cost and feasibility of technical solutions to achieve other forms of compatibility with wireless products and services for people who are deaf- blind; (5) Recommendations on the most effective and efficient technical and policy solutions for addressing the needs of consumers with vision disabilities, including those who are deaf-blind. (6) Recommendations on actions that our bureaus or the Commission should take to address the current lack of access. For example, is additional guidance needed on specific access features that should be included in wireless products? Should we facilitate a dialogue among stakeholders in order to reach a specific agreement to address the accessibility concerns outlined above? Pursuant to sections 1.415 and 1.419 of the Commission’s rules,3 interested parties may file comments in CG Docket No. 10-145 comments on or before October 15, 2010. Comments may be filed using: (1) the Commission’s Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) found at: http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/upload/display?z=767s5, (2) the Federal Government’s eRulemaking Portal, or (3) by filing paper copies. See Electronic Filing of Documents in Rulemaking Proceedings, 63 FR 24121 (1998). · Electronic Filers: Comments may be filed electronically using the Internet by accessing the ECFS: http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/upload/display?z=767s5. Filers should follow the instructions provided on the website for submitting comments. · Paper Filers: Parties who choose to file by paper must file an original and four copies 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. · Filings can be sent by hand or messenger delivery, by commercial overnight courier, or by first- class or overnight U.S. Postal Service mail (although we continue to experience delays in receiving U.S. Postal Service mail). All filings must be addressed to the Commission’s Secretary, Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission. · 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. · U.S. Postal Service first-class, Express, and Priority mail must be addressed to 445 12th Street, SW, Washington DC 20554. A copy of this document and any subsequently filed documents in this matter will be available during regular business hours at the FCC Reference Center, Portals II, 445 12th Street, SW, Room CY-A257, Washington, DC 20554, (202) 418-0270. This document and any subsequently filed documents in this matter may also be purchased from the Commission’s duplicating contractor at their website, www.bcpiweb.com, or by calling 1-800-378-3160. A copy of the submission may also be found by 3 47 C.F.R. §§ 1.415 and 1.419. searching on the Commission’s Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) at http://www.fcc.gov.cgb/ecfs. 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 the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418-0530 (voice), (202) 418-0432 (TTY). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth Lyle, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, (202) 418-1776; TTY (202) 418-1169 or email at Elizabeth.Lyle@fcc.gov. -FCC-