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 Federal  Communications  Commission  FCC  05-  169 
 STATEMENT  OF  COMMISSIONER  MICHAEL  J.  COPPS 


 RE:  Section  68.4(  a)  of  the  Commission’s  Rules  Governing  Hearing  Aid-  Compatible  Telephones;  T-  Mobile  Petition  for  Waiver  of  Section  20.19(  c)(  3)(  i)(  A)  of  the 
 Commission’s  Rules,  Memorandum  Opinion  and  Order  (WT  Docket  No.  01-  309). 
 Today’s  Order  grants  T-  Mobile  a  short  extension  in  complying  with  our  hearing  aid  compatibility  rules.  As  I  stated  last  week  when  the  Commission  granted  a  waiver  to  Cingular 
 Wireless,  I  am  unhappy  that  we  find  ourselves  having  to  do  this.  Again  with  hesitation,  I  will  support  today’s  action  because  the  brief  extension  will  ensure  that  Americans  with  hearing 
 disabilities  will  soon  have  access  to  digital  wireless  services.  In  granting  this  limited  waiver,  we  understand  the  T-  Mobile  will  have  at  least  one  type  of  HAC-  compliant  phone  in  stores  by  the 
 September  16,  2005  deadline.  Under  today’s  waiver,  T-  Mobile  must  have  an  additional  phone  within  one  month—  and  comply  with  our  HAC  rules  by  making  four  phones  available  within  two 
 months.  We  have  insisted  that  T-  Mobile  file  reports  with  the  Commission  certifying  compliance  with  the  applicable  HAC  rules.  I  intend  to  monitor  compliance  closely—  and  expect  complete 
 resolution  by  the  firm  deadline  of  November  16,  2005. 
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