Posts Tagged ‘Accessibility’
Order Codifies TRS Fund Obligations for Non-Interconnected VoIP Providers
Posted on October 11, 2011The FCC has adopted an order implementing Section 103(b) of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (Accessibility Act) requiring interconnected and non-interconnected voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) service providers to participate in and contribute to the Telecommunications Relay Services Fund (TRS Fund). Though interconnected VoIP service providers have been contributing to the TRS Fund since 2007, the Accessibility Act and new rules codify the extension of this obligation to non-interconnected VoIP providers. The order takes actions to ensure that non-interconnected VoIP service providers have consistent obligations as other TRS Fund contributors, and it also addresses other registration, reporting and calculation matters.
FCC Accepting Applications for Participation in National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program
Posted on September 26, 2011The FCC recently issued new rules establishing the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP) pilot program to distribute equipment used for telecommunications services, Internet access services, and advanced communications, including interexchange services and advanced telecommunications and information services, to eligible people who are deaf-blind. The FCC has announced that it is accepting applications from programs interested in receiving certification to participate in the NDBEDP pilot program through November 21, 2011. Any public program or private entity may apply become the sole authorized entity for a state to participate in the NDBEDP and receive reimbursement for NDBEDP activities from the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Service Fund.
Pilot Program Launched For Equipment Funding For Low-Income Deaf-Blind
Posted on April 8, 2011The FCC has established a two-year National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (Pilot Program) to help fund advanced telecommunications equipment for low-income, deaf-blind individuals. Under the Pilot Program, the FCC will certify and provide funding to one entity in each state to distribute the equipment to qualifying low-income, deaf-blind individuals, who face unusually high medical and disability-related costs. The Pilot Program implements a provision of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010, which allocated $10 million annually from the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) Fund for the nationwide equipment distribution effort.
FCC Seeks Comment on New Accessibility Rules for Advanced Communications Services
Posted on March 7, 2011The Commission seeks comment on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to implement the requirements of new sections of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, pursuant to Section 104 of Title I of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (Accessibility Act). Specifically, Section 716 requires that providers of “advanced communications services” (e.g., VoIP, electronic messaging and interoperable video conferencing) and manufacturers of equipment used for ACS make their services and products accessible to people with disabilities, unless it is not achievable to do so. Section 717 directs the FCC to establish recordkeeping and enforcement procedures for these manufacturers and service providers. The Accessibility Act was enacted in October 2010 and requires the FCC to promulgate rules within one year of enactment. The comprehensive NPRM seeks comment on several foundational issues of the proposed accessibility rules, including the scope of coverage, industry flexibility, obligations and performance objectives, and industry guidance. In addition, the NPRM seeks comment on Section 718, which requires manufacturers and service providers to make mobile Internet browsers accessible to people who are blind or have visual impairments. Unlike the previous sections, however, the Section 718 requirements will take effect three years after enactment of the Accessibility Act. Comments on this NPRM will be due 30 days after date of publication in the Federal Register, which has not yet occurred. Reply comments will be due 30 days thereafter.
Commission Adopts Accessibility Items After Removing Them from Meeting Agenda
Posted on March 7, 2011The FCC has adopted two items implementing various provisions of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (Accessibility Act), despite having deleted them from the Commission’s March 3, 2011 open meeting. The Commission adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) regarding requirements that providers of advanced communications services and manufacturers of equipment used for those services make their products accessible to people with disabilities. The Commission also adopted an NPRM to reinstate pursuant to the Accessibility Act the video description rules, which the Commission originally adopted 2000. Comment deadlines for either of the accessibility NPRMs have not yet been established.
Comment Sought on Proposed Changes to TRS Fund Contribution Rules
Posted on March 7, 2011The FCC has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would modify its Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Fund contribution rules. Currently, providers of interstate and international telecommunications services and interconnected voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) service contribute to the TRS Fund. A new requirement set forth in the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (Accessibility Act) requires providers of “non-interconnected VoIP service” (e.g., one-way VoIP services and IP-based voice services that do not require a broadband connection) to contribute to the TRS Fund. Among other things, the NPRM proposes to conform the definition of “interconnected VoIP service” to the definition in the Accessibility Act, amend the FCC’s TRS Fund contribution rules and apply the $25 per year minimum contribution requirement only to contributors who have subject revenues. Comment is sought on numerous related issues, including free services, providers’ administrative costs, possible zero and de minimis contributions, FCC Form 499-A, a possible interim safe harbor percentage for calculating interstate end-user revenues and the implementation deadline. Comments on this NPRM will be due 30 days after date of publication in the Federal Register, which has not yet occurred. Reply comments will be due 15 days thereafter.