83 FR 23378 - Hearing Aid Compatibility Standards
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 98 (May 21, 2018)
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 98 (May 21, 2018)
| Page Range | 23378-23380 | |
| FR Document | 2018-10767 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 98 (Monday, May 21, 2018)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 23378-23380] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-10767] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 47 CFR Parts 20 and 68 [CG Docket No. 13-46, WT Docket Nos. 07-250 and 10-254; FCC 17-135] Hearing Aid Compatibility Standards AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Final rule; announcement of effective date. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In this document, the Commission announces that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved, for a period of three years, the information collection associated with rules adopted in the Commission's document Access to Telecommunication Equipment and Services by Persons with Disabilities; Amendment of the Commission's Rules Governing Hearing Aid-Compatible Mobile Handsets et. al., Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration (Order). This document is consistent with the Order, which stated that the Commission would publish a document in the Federal Register announcing the effective date of those rules. DATES: The additions of Sec. Sec. 68.501 through 68.504 (subpart F), published at 83 FR 8624, February 28, 2018, are effective May 21, 2018. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Bahr, Disability Rights Office, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, at (202) 418-0573, or email: [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This document announces that, on May 1, 2018, OMB approved, for a period of three years, the information collection requirements contained in the Commission's Order, FCC 17- 135, published at 83 FR 8624, February 28, 2018. The OMB Control Number is 3060-0687. The Commission publishes this document as an announcement of the effective date of the rules. If you have any comments on the burden estimates listed below, or how the Commission can improve the collections and reduce any burdens caused thereby, please contact Cathy Williams, Federal Communications Commission, Room 1-C823, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554. Please include the OMB Control Number, 3060-0687, in your correspondence. The Commission will also accept your comments via the internet if you send them to [email protected]. To request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities (Braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), send an email to [email protected] or call the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418-0530 (voice), (844) 432-2275 (videophone), or (202) 418-0432 (TTY). Synopsis As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507), the FCC is notifying the public that it received OMB approval on May 1, 2018, for the information collection requirements contained in the Commission's rules at Sec. Sec. 68.501 through 68.504. Under 5 CFR 1320, an agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of [[Page 23379]] information unless it displays a current, valid OMB Control Number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act that does not display a current, valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number is 3060-0687. The foregoing notice is required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13, October 1, 1995, and 44 U.S.C. 3507. The total annual reporting burdens and costs for the respondents are as follows: OMB Control Number: 3060-0687. OMB Approval Date: May 1, 2018. OMB Expiration Date: May 31, 2021. Title: Access to Telecommunications Equipment and Services by Persons with Disabilities, CC Docket No. 87-124. Form Number: N/A. Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection. Respondents: Businesses or other for-profit entities; not-for- profit entities. Number of Respondents and Responses: 331 respondents; 3,028 responses. Estimated Time per Response: .25 hours (15 minutes) to 24 hours. Frequency of Response: Annual and on-occasion reporting requirements; Third party disclosure requirement. Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. The statutory authority for this information collection is contained in section 710 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 610. Total Annual Burden: 7,236 hours. Total Annual Cost: $991,618. Nature and Extent of Confidentiality: An assurance of confidentiality is not offered because this information collection does not require the collection of personally identifiable information from individuals. Privacy Impact Assessment: No impact(s). Needs and Uses: This information collection pertains to the extension of the currently approved information collection requirements concerning hearing aid compatibility (HAC) for wireline handsets used with the legacy telephone network, updated estimates of existing burdens that were included in the February 2015 PRA submission to OMB, and new information collection requirements related to HAC for wireline handsets used with advanced communications services (ACS), such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). These handsets are known as ACS telephonic customer premises equipment (ACS telephonic CPE). Beginning in the 1980s, the Commission adopted a series of regulations to implement statutory directives requiring wireline telephone handsets in the United States (for use with the legacy telephone network) to be hearing aid compatible. In 2010, the Twenty- First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA), Public Law 111-260, sec. 102, 710(b), 124 Stat. 2751, 2753 (CVAA) (codified at 47 U.S.C. 610(b)), amended by Public Law 111-265, 124 Stat. 2795 (technical corrections to the CVAA), amended section 710(b) of the Communications Act of 1934 to apply the HAC requirements to ACS telephonic CPE, including VoIP telephones. In accordance with this provision, the Commission adopted Access to Telecommunications Equipment and Services by Persons with Disabilities et al., Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration, FCC 17-135, released October 26, 2017, which amended the HAC rules to cover ACS telephonic CPE to the extent such devices are designed to be held to the ear and provide two- way voice communication via a built-in speaker. The information collections contain third-party disclosure and labeling requirements. The information is used to inform consumers who purchase or use wireline telephone equipment whether the telephone is hearing aid compatible; to ensure that manufacturers comply with applicable regulations and technical criteria; to ensure that information about ACS telephonic CPE is available in a database administered by the Administrative Council for Terminal Attachments (ACTA); and to facilitate the filing of complaints about the ACS telephonic CPE. Wireline Handsets Used With the Legacy Telephone Network47 CFR 68.224 requires that every non-hearing aid compatible wireline telephone used with the legacy wireline network that is offered for sale to the public contain in a conspicuous location on the surface of its packaging a statement that the telephone is not hearing aid compatible. If the handset is offered for sale without a surrounding package, then the telephone must be affixed with a written statement that the telephone is not hearing aid compatible. In addition, each handset must be accompanied by instructions in accordance with 47 CFR 68.218(b)(2). 47 CFR 68.300 requires that all wireline telephones used with the legacy wireline network that are manufactured in the United States (other than for export) or imported for use in the United States and that are hearing aid compatible have the letters ``HAC'' permanently affixed. ACS Telephonic CPE New Sec. 68.502(a) of the Commission's rules contains information collection requirements for ACS telephonic CPE that are similar to the HAC label and notice requirements in 47 CFR 68.224 and 68.300 (discussed above), i.e., the ``HAC'' labeling requirement for hearing aid compatible equipment, and the package information for non- hearing aid compatible equipment, apply to ACS telephonic CPE. New Sec. 68.501 of the Commission's rules requires responsible parties to obtain certifications of their equipment by using a third-party Telecommunications Certification Body (TCB) or a Supplier's Declaration of Conformity. (A responsible party is the party, such as the manufacturer, that is responsible for the compliance of ACS telephonic CPE with the hearing aid compatibility rules and other applicable technical criteria. A Supplier's Declaration of Conformity is a procedure whereby a responsible party makes measurements or takes steps to ensure that CPE complies with technical standards, which results in a document by the same name.) Section 68.501 of the Commission's rules applies to ACS telephonic CPE rule sections defining the roles of TCBs and the uses of Supplier's Declarations of Conformity for wireline handsets used with the legacy telephone network. New Sec. 68.504 of the Commission's rules requires information about ACS telephonic CPE to be included in a database administered by ACTA. (ACTA is an organization, previously created pursuant to FCC regulations, whose key function is to maintain a database of telephone equipment.) In addition, ACS telephonic CPE must be labeled as required by ACTA. New Sec. 68.502(b) through (d) of the Commission's rules requires responsible parties to: Warrant that ACS telephonic CPE complies with applicable regulations and technical criteria; give the user instructions required by ACTA for ACS telephonic CPE that is hearing aid compatible; give the user a notice for ACS telephonic CPE that is not hearing aid compatible; and notify the purchaser or user of ACS telephonic CPE whose approval is revoked, that the purchaser or user must discontinue its use. New Sec. 68.503 of the Commission's rules requires manufacturers of ACS telephonic CPE to designate an agent for service of process for complaints that may be filed at the FCC. [[Page 23380]] Federal Communications Commission. Marlene Dortch, Secretary, Office of the Secretary. [FR Doc. 2018-10767 Filed 5-18-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712-01-P
![23378 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 98 / Monday, May 21, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
laboratory detection limit of 0.5 mg/L). adverse comments by June 20, 2018. If information collection associated with
As such, it was determined that the data adverse comments are received within rules adopted in the Commission’s
provided assurance that the cleanup the 30-day public comment period of document Access to
level for VC had been met in this this action, the EPA will publish a Telecommunication Equipment and
monitoring well. timely withdrawal of this direct final Services by Persons with Disabilities;
The data was also evaluated using a NOD before the effective date of the Amendment of the Commission’s Rules
time-dependent trend. The trend for the deletion, and the deletion will not take Governing Hearing Aid-Compatible
six data points had a statistically effect. The EPA will prepare a response Mobile Handsets et. al., Report and
significant decreasing slope providing to comments and continue with the Order and Order on Reconsideration
assurance that the groundwater will deletion process based on the NOID and (Order). This document is consistent
continue to meet the cleanup level. the comments received. In such a case, with the Order, which stated that the
Conclusion there will be no additional opportunity Commission would publish a document
to comment. in the Federal Register announcing the
Based on this analysis of all effective date of those rules.
groundwater monitoring wells and List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 300
DATES: The additions of §§ 68.501
associated contaminant-specific data, it Environmental protection, Air through 68.504 (subpart F), published at
has been concluded that the pollution control, Chemicals, Hazardous 83 FR 8624, February 28, 2018, are
groundwater remedy has achieved the substances, Hazardous waste, effective May 21, 2018.
remedial cleanup levels, and data Intergovernmental relations, Penalties,
analysis indicates that the groundwater FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Reporting and recordkeeping Susan Bahr, Disability Rights Office,
will remain below these standards. requirements, Superfund, Water
Therefore, the groundwater restoration Consumer and Governmental Affairs
pollution control, Water supply. Bureau, at (202) 418–0573, or email:
remedial action is complete in
Dated: April 19, 2018. Susan.Bahr@fcc.gov.
accordance with the remedy, and
further groundwater monitoring at the Peter D. Lopez, SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This
Site is no longer necessary. Regional Administrator, EPA, Region 2. document announces that, on May 1,
All the completion requirements for For the reasons set out in this 2018, OMB approved, for a period of
the Off-Property area have been met, as document, 40 CFR part 300 is amended three years, the information collection
described in the December 28, 2017 as follows: requirements contained in the
Final Close-Out Report. The State of Commission’s Order, FCC 17–135,
New York, in a March 7, 2018 letter, PART 300—NATIONAL OIL AND published at 83 FR 8624, February 28,
concurred with the proposed deletion of HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES 2018. The OMB Control Number is
the Site from the NPL. POLLUTION CONTINGENCY PLAN 3060–0687. The Commission publishes
The NCP specifies that the EPA may this document as an announcement of
delete a site from the NPL if ■ 1. The authority citation for part 300 the effective date of the rules. If you
‘‘responsible parties or other persons continues to read as follows: have any comments on the burden
have implemented all appropriate Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1321(d); 42 U.S.C. estimates listed below, or how the
response actions required.’’ 40 CFR 9601–9657; E.O. 13626, 77 FR 56749, 3 CFR, Commission can improve the
300.425(e)(1)(i). The EPA, with the 2013 Comp., p. 306; E.O. 12777, 56 FR 54757, collections and reduce any burdens
concurrence of the State of New York, 3 CFR, 1991 Comp., p. 351; E.O. 12580, 52 caused thereby, please contact Cathy
through NYSDEC, believes that this FR 2923, 3 CFR, 1987 Comp., p. 193. Williams, Federal Communications
criterion for the deletion of the Site has Appendix B to Part 300 [Amended] Commission, Room 1–C823, 445 12th
been met in that the Site no longer poses Street SW, Washington, DC 20554.
a threat to public health or the ■ 2. Table 1 of appendix B to part 300 Please include the OMB Control
environment. Consequently, the EPA is is amended by removing the listing Number, 3060–0687, in your
deleting the Site from the NPL. under New York for ‘‘Fulton correspondence. The Commission will
Documents supporting this action are Terminals’’. also accept your comments via the
available in the Site files. [FR Doc. 2018–10798 Filed 5–18–18; 8:45 am] internet if you send them to PRA@
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P fcc.gov.
V. Deletion Action To request materials in accessible
The EPA, with the concurrence of the formats for people with disabilities
State of New York through NYSDEC, FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS (Braille, large print, electronic files,
has determined that all appropriate COMMISSION audio format), send an email to fcc504@
responses under CERCLA have been fcc.gov or call the Consumer and
completed at the Site and that it no 47 CFR Parts 20 and 68 Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202)
longer poses a threat to public health or 418–0530 (voice), (844) 432–2275
the environment. Therefore, the EPA is [CG Docket No. 13–46, WT Docket Nos. 07–
(videophone), or (202) 418–0432 (TTY).
250 and 10–254; FCC 17–135]
deleting the Site from the NPL.
The Site is now suitable for unlimited Synopsis
Hearing Aid Compatibility Standards
use and unrestricted exposure. As required by the Paperwork
Therefore, no further five-year reviews AGENCY: Federal Communications Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507),
will be conducted for this Site. The Commission. the FCC is notifying the public that it
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES
deletion does not preclude future action ACTION: Final rule; announcement of received OMB approval on May 1, 2018,
under CERCLA. Because the EPA effective date. for the information collection
considers this action to be requirements contained in the
noncontroversial and routine, the EPA SUMMARY: In this document, the Commission’s rules at §§ 68.501 through
is taking this action without prior Commission announces that the Office 68.504.
publication. This action will be effective of Management and Budget (OMB) has Under 5 CFR 1320, an agency may not
July 20, 2018 unless the EPA receives approved, for a period of three years, the conduct or sponsor a collection of
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![23380 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 98 / Monday, May 21, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
Federal Communications Commission. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Commission amends 47 CFR part 54 as
Marlene Dortch, Alexander Minard, Wireline follows:
Secretary, Office of the Secretary. Competition Bureau, (202) 418–7400 or
[FR Doc. 2018–10767 Filed 5–18–18; 8:45 am] TTY: (202) 418–0484. PART 54—UNIVERSAL SERVICE
BILLING CODE 6712–01–P SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
Commission published a document in ■ 1. The authority citation for part 54
the Federal Register, 82 FR 14466, continues to read as follows:
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS March 21, 2017 summarizing a Report Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151, 154(i), 155, 201,
COMMISSION and Order and Order on 205, 214, 219, 220, 254, 303(r), 403, and 1302
Reconsideration. Although the Report unless otherwise noted.
47 CFR Part 54 and Order and Order on
Reconsideration specified a requirement ■ 2. Amend § 54.309 by revising
[WC Docket Nos. 10–90, 14–58; FCC 17– paragraphs (a)(2)(iii) and (iv) to read as
12]
of 2 terabytes of monthly usage on
certain service tiers, the Report and follows:
Connect America Fund, ETC Annual Order and Order on Reconsideration § 54.309 Connect America Fund Phase II
Reports and Certifications inadvertently failed to include a rules Public Interest Obligations.
appendix reflecting that change in the
AGENCY: Federal Communications rules. The Commission issued an (a) * * *
Commission. Erratum correcting that error, DA 18– (2) * * *
ACTION: Final rule. 293, released on March 26, 2018. This
(iii) Winning bidders meeting the
document includes the amendments
SUMMARY: In this document, the Federal above-baseline performance tier
that were inadvertently left out of the
Communications Commission standards are required to offer
document published March 21, 2017.
(Commission) amends its rules to broadband service at actual speeds of at
require 2 terabytes of monthly usage for List of Subjects in 47 CFR Part 54 least 100 Mbps downstream and 20
certain Connect America Fund Phase II Communications common carriers, Mbps upstream and offer at least 2
auction performance tiers, taking Health facilities, Infants and children, terabytes of monthly usage.
another step towards implementing the Internet, Libraries, Reporting and (iv) Winning bidders meeting the
Connect America Fund Phase II auction recordkeeping requirements, Schools, Gigabit performance tier standards are
in which service providers will compete Telecommunications, Telephone. required to offer broadband service at
to receive support of up to $1.98 billion Federal Communications Commission. actual speeds of at least 1 Gigabit per
to offer voice and broadband service in Marlene Dortch, second downstream and 500 Mbps
unserved high-cost areas. upstream and offer at least 2 terabytes
Secretary.
DATES: The amendment to of monthly usage.
§ 54.309(a)(2)(iii) & (iv) of the Final Rules * * * * *
Commission’s rules is effective June 20, For the reasons discussed in the [FR Doc. 2018–10765 Filed 5–18–18; 8:45 am]
2018. preamble, the Federal Communications BILLING CODE 6712–01–P
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Document Created: 2018-11-02 11:07:25
Document Modified: 2018-11-02 11:07:25
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Rules and Regulations | |
| Action | Final rule; announcement of effective date. | |
| Dates | The additions of Sec. Sec. 68.501 through 68.504 (subpart F), published at 83 FR 8624, February 28, 2018, are effective May 21, 2018. | |
| Contact | Susan Bahr, Disability Rights Office, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, at (202) 418-0573, or email: [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 23378 | |
| CFR Citation | 47
CFR
20 47 CFR 68 |
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