Overview and Key Compliance Dates
In a Public Notice released August 8, 2019 (DA 19-759), the FCC's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau announced the opening of the filing window for wireless service providers to submit electronic hearing aid compatibility certifications on FCC Form 855 for the 2018 reporting period.
The electronic filing portal opens on September 3, 2019, and will close at midnight EDT on October 3, 2019. In addition, wireless service providers must comply with updated website posting and record retention requirements under 47 CFR § 20.19(h) beginning September 3, 2019, following Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval of the information collection on June 25, 2019.
- Docket: WT Docket No. 17-228
- Form 855 Filing Portal Window: September 3, 2019 to October 3, 2019 (midnight EDT)
- Website and Record Retention Compliance Date: September 3, 2019
- Future Filing Deadlines: Annually by January 15, with the filing window opening the first business day after January 1 (January 2, 2020 for the 2019 filing year)
Annual Certification Requirement (FCC Form 855)
All wireless service providers, including de minimis providers, must annually certify full compliance with the Commission's hearing aid compatibility rules throughout the prior calendar year by submitting FCC Form 855. This obligation replaces the previous requirement for service providers to file FCC Form 655, which now must only be submitted by device manufacturers.
The Commission previously waived the January 15, 2019 FCC Form 655 reporting requirement for service providers covering the 2018 reporting period to ensure an orderly transition to the new certification and website framework.
Service providers that were not in full compliance with the Commission's hearing aid compatibility requirements during the reporting period must attach an explanatory statement.
- Name of the signing executive and their contact information
- Company or companies covered by the certification
- FCC Registration Number (FRN)
- Website address of pages containing required handset model information (for non-de minimis providers)
- Percentage of handsets offered that are hearing aid compatible across all air interfaces during the reporting year
Website Posting Requirements
Beginning September 3, 2019, wireless service providers other than de minimis providers must comply with 47 CFR § 20.19(h) by publishing expanded hearing aid compatibility data on their websites.
All handset lists must include the marketing model name or number and the FCC ID number for each model currently offered. Website pages must include a date stamp showing when they were last updated, and information must be updated within 30 days of any relevant changes.
- A list of all currently offered hearing aid-compatible models, their ratings, and an explanation of the rating system
- A statement defining provider-designated functionality and rating levels, showing where each model falls and explaining functionality variations across levels
- A list of all currently offered non-hearing aid-compatible models, including functionality levels and a link to the FCC's hearing aid compatibility web page
- A link to the Global Accessibility Reporting Initiative (GARI) website (http://gari.info/) or a clearly marked list of hearing aid-compatible models offered within the past 24 months that are no longer offered
Record Retention Requirements and Contact Information
Effective September 3, 2019, non-de minimis wireless service providers must retain internal records regarding discontinued handset models.
For materials in accessible formats or questions regarding this proceeding, the Commission provided Bureau and staff contact channels.
- Ratings of all hearing aid-compatible and non-compatible models discontinued within the past 24 months, if last offered in January 2018 or later
- Calendar months and years each discontinued model was first and last offered, for models discontinued within the past 24 months
- Marketing model name/number and FCC ID number for each model discontinued within the past 24 months, if last offered in January 2018 or later
- Proceeding Contact: Susannah Larson at (202) 418-1883 or susannah.larson@fcc.gov
- Accessibility Inquiries: Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau at fcc504@fcc.gov, (202) 418-0530 (voice), (844) 432-2275 (videophone), or (202) 418-0432 (TTY)