FCC Approves Use of Revised Hearing Aid Compatibility Standard for Wireless Devices as Endorsed by ATIS

June 23, 2006, Washington – The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) recently announced its support of revisions to an American National Standard supporting hearing aid compatibility (HAC) requirements in wireless communications devices, following recommendations filed by the ATIS HAC Incubator in March and May of this year.

The FCC Public Notice (DA 06-1215) allows the use of the 2006 version of the American National Standard for methods of Measurement of Compatibility between Wireless Communication Devices and Hearing Aids (ANSI C63.19). The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau and Office of Engineering and Technology of the FCC have determined that the various clarifications and improvements in the standard will advance the Commissions’ objective of ensuring hearing aid compatibility for digital wireless phones.

In its Memorandum Opinion and Order, issued September 8, 2005, the FCC acknowledged the difficulties that were identified by ATIS with the HAC rating of 850 MHz GSM wireless devices under the C63.19 Standard. The 2006 version of the C63.19 Standard addresses the underlying technical issue by adopting separate frequency bands.

On March 27, 2006, the ATIS HAC Incubator urged the Commission to immediately adopt the latest version of the standard and to clarify that applicants for certification may rely on this version in determining compliance with the Commission’s HAC mandates and upcoming deadlines.

About ATIS

ATIS is a technical planning and standards development organization that is committed to rapidly developing and promoting technical and operations standards for the communications and related information technologies industry worldwide using a pragmatic, flexible and open approach. Participants from more than 350 communications companies are active in ATIS’ 23 industry committees and Incubator Solutions Program. www.atis.org

###