The FCC has released a public notice (DA 14-847) extending the due date for public comments in CG Docket No. 10-213, until July 15. 2014. This notice requests public input on the accessibility of communications technologies for inclusion in the FCC’s 2014 biennial report to Congress. The Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (“CVAA”) directs the FCC to report to Congress biennially as to the state of accessibility to telecommunications and advanced services by people with disabilities. Specifically, the Commission is seeking public input on the following subjects:
- Assessment of the level of compliance with Sections 255 (access to telecommunications services), 716 (access to advanced communications services), and 718 (access by the blind and visually impaired to Internet browsers on mobile devices) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (“Act”);
- Evaluation of the extent to which any accessibility barriers still exist with respect to new communications technologies; and
- Assessment of the effect of the requirements of Section 717 (recordkeeping obligations) of the Act on the development and deployment of new communications technologies.
It is expected that both advocates for the disabled and large manufacturers and service providers will file comments. Therefore, smaller providers of traditional telecommunications and advanced communications services (email, instant messaging, VoIP, and video conferencing), as well as manufacturers of covered equipment, may be interested in providing information to the FCC with respect to their experience dealing with CVAA obligations. For example, the Commission and Congress would be aided by learning about smaller service providers’ experiences in addressing accessibility issues on a cost-effective basis, as well as their ability to obtain accessible products and services while maintaining competitive retail prices in the marketplace.
Details of the FCC’s inquiry can be found in the June 17 public notice, DA 14-82, which is available online at https://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2014/db0617/DA-14-828A1.pdf.
In the event you have questions about the FCC’s request for public comment or about CVAA compliance matters generally, please contact Robert H Jackson at 703-714-1316 or by email: rhj@commlawgroup.com.
