Overview and Regulatory Scope
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) released a public report compiling hearing aid compatibility (HAC) data submitted by wireless service providers. Released under document identifier DOC-343958A1, the report reflects handset offerings and compatibility metrics for the reporting period covering January 1, 2016, through December 31, 2016.
The report documents device offerings across national, regional, and specialized mobile service providers to ensure compliance with FCC hearing aid compatibility rules and to provide public transparency regarding accessibility options in the mobile device marketplace.
- Document Number: DOC-343958A1
- Issuing Bureau: Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB)
- Release Date: March 20, 2017
- Reporting Period: January 01, 2016 – December 31, 2016
- Core Subject: Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) and Wireless Handset Availability
Key Technical Data and Rating Metrics
The compiled report details critical technical specifications for mobile handsets offered to consumers during the 2016 calendar year. For each listed model, service providers reported exact technical parameters including air interface technologies, supported operating frequency bands, and availability timeframes.
In accordance with FCC standards, handsets are evaluated and categorized by specific hearing aid compatibility metrics. These metrics quantify radiofrequency (RF) interference reduction (M-ratings) and inductive telecoil coupling capability (T-ratings).
- Acoustic and RF Interference Ratings: Standard M-ratings (such as M3 and M4) measuring reduced RF interference when paired with acoustic hearing aids.
- Inductive Coupling Ratings: Standard T-ratings (such as T3 and T4) measuring electromagnetic coupling performance with hearing aid telecoils.
- Air Interface Technologies: Deployment data spanning GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE, EVDO, Wi-Fi, and iDEN.
- Operating Frequency Bands: Reported frequency ranges including 700 MHz, 750 MHz, 800 MHz, 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1700 MHz, 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 2600 MHz, and 5.0 GHz bands.
- Functionality Categorization: Service provider classifications ranging from Basic, Low Cost, and Mid-Tier to High-End, Feature Rich, and Smartphone/PDA categories.
Service Providers and Device Diversity
The report incorporates submissions from a wide array of wireless carriers, including nationwide operators such as AT&T Mobility, Sprint Corporation, T-Mobile US, Inc., and Verizon Wireless (Cellco Partnership), as well as regional operators and rural telecommunications cooperatives.
Handset manufacturers represented across provider inventories include Apple, Samsung, LG, Motorola, Kyocera, HTC, Alcatel, Huawei, BLU, ZTE, Sony Ericsson, Sonim, Caterpillar/Bullitt Group, and others. The full dataset serves as an official reference of available mobile hardware and corresponding accessibility ratings during the 2016 compliance cycle.
- Nationwide Carriers: AT&T Mobility, Sprint Corporation, T-Mobile US, Inc., and Cellco Partnership (Verizon Wireless).
- Regional and Rural Carriers: Bluegrass Wireless, Carolina West Wireless, Chat Mobility, Pioneer Cellular, Swiftel Communications, TruVista, and United States Cellular Corporation.
- Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) and Specialized Providers: Consumer Cellular, TracFone Wireless, GreatCall, Credo Mobile, Ready Wireless, and Puretalk Holdings.