January 30, 2024
Lindsey Morris represented the Wireless RERC at the FCC's DAC quarterly meeting in Washington, DC. The meeting included a presentation of a DAC working group report and recommendations for transmitting audio description files to Internet Protocol programming. Updates were provided on working group reports focusing on best practices for quality Telecommunications Relay Services for individuals with multiple disabilities and the use of artificial intelligence to caption live video programming.
Leaders shared the latest FCC news related to disability and accessibility. This information is available anytime through the FCC website under AccessInfo Announcements.
Recent updates included but were not limited to:
-
The FCC’s timeline and steps regarding the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) wind-down.
-
The FCC is currently seeking comments on two recent notices of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), including 100% hearing aid compatibility (HAC) requirement for wireless handset models offered or imported for use in the United States is “achievable” and next steps on the FCC’s efforts to prevent digital discrimination and promote equal access to broadband internet access service.
-
The FCC launched an inquiry into ai’s impact on robocalls and robotexts including consideration of how we can protect accessibility while still protecting consumers from unwanted and illegal robocalls and texts.
The FCC recently adopted:
-
Rules for implementing the Safe Connections Act for survivors of domestic abuse and ensuring solutions are accessible for persons with disabilities
-
New rules and ensuring accessibility of new authentication methods to protect cell phone consumers from sim swapping and port-out fraud, which are fraudulent practices used to take control of a consumer's cell phone.
Lastly, the meeting included an insightful and informative discussion on accessible emergency communications. Subject matter experts summarized the accessibility of current options for contacting 911 and 988. Discussion further explored the expectations, requirements, and concerns in ensuring effective outreach for individuals with disabilities. FCC leaders announced recent FCC Adoption on Report and Order on Location-Based Routing for Wireless 911 Calls and RTT-to-911 Messages to allow for faster more accurate call routing to emergency services.