STATEMENT OF 
COMMISSIONER MICHAEL J. COPPS
Re: Implementation of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 
2010, Section 103(b): Section 715 of the Communications Act of 1934, CG Docket No. 11-47, 
Implementation of Sections 716 and 717 of the Communications Act of 1934, as Enacted by the 
Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010, CG Docket No. 10-
213, Amendments to the Commission’s Rules Implementing Sections 255 and 251(a) (2) of the 
Communications Act of 1934, as Enacted by the Telecommunications Act of 1996, WT Docket 
No. 96-198, In the Matter of Accessible Mobile Phone Options for People who are Blind, Deaf-
Blind, or Have Low Vision, CG Docket No. 10-145, In the Matter of Video Description: 
Implementation of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 
2010, MB Docket No. 11-43.
One of the best parts of my job as Commissioner is the wonderful and totally inspiring experience 
of working with numerous disabilities communities.  I was thrilled to watch the President sign the 
Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act into law last October.  The 
legislation tasks the Commission with quick and far-reaching action to expand access and opportunity for 
persons with disabilities in the digital age.  With today’s items, we continue our ambitious pace to fulfill 
the mandates of this important new law and harness technological innovation for persons with disabilities 
who want to be, need to be and indeed deserve to be, fully participating, mainstream citizens in our 
society.  In the three Notices of Proposed Rulemaking we announce today, the Commission proposes 
rules to make video programming more accessible to the blind and visually impaired, to ensure the 
accessibility of advanced communications services and devices, and to expand contributions to our 
telecommunications relay services (TRS) fund.  In particular, I am thrilled that we are moving forward to 
implement Congress’ clear mandate to reinstate the video description rules.  I do want to commend CBS, 
FOX, PBS, TCM and TNT for providing this important service in the interim on their own accord.  I look 
forward to working with my colleagues and all stakeholders as we move forward to implement these rules 
swiftly and open new doors of digital accessibility for Americans with disabilities.