July 25, 2012 –The Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission is seeking public comment on the impact of the passage of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA) on the accessibility of telecommunications and advanced communications services and equipment. Input on the degree to which industry is in compliance with and taking measures to become compliant with the Act will be included in the Commission’s First Biennial Report as required by the CVAA. Although final rules and regulations for Section 716 of the Act addressing accessible mobile browsers have yet to be promulgated, the Commission expects industry to report on preparations to address the accessibility of their products, on record keeping procedures on the accessibility of their products, and on how they plan to respond to consumer complaints. With regard to compliance with Section 255, the Commission seeks to assess the “state of accessibility” of analog and digital handsets, cordless phones used with VoIP services and landlines, wireless services and equipment, including smartphones. The assessment will include an examination of the ease of operation of the devices as well as the availability and range of accessible devices across the price spectrum and the provision of training to customer service and help desk personnel on accessible products and services. The report is due to Congress by October 8, 2012. [Source: Federal Communications Commission]
