-----Original Message-----
From: Arlene Alexander [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Monday, May 21, 2001 2:53 PM
To: Disabilities Rights Office Information
Subject: FCC Releases NPRM that Affects Persons who are Deaf & Hard of
Hearing


FCC NPRM released that addresses technology that affects persons who are
deaf and hard of hearing.

        The FCC has released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on analog
wireless telecommunications (Part 22 rules).   Among other things, the NPRM
seeks comments on whether the Commission should eliminate, modify or retain
the analog compatibility standard. This standard requires cellular licensees
that provided analog service in the past to continue providing this type of
service.  The Notice asks whether wireless analog service providers should
be able to drop analog wireless service and only provide digital wireless
service.  Note that this analog rule does not apply to wireless providers
that only offer digital service.  In other words, wireless companies that
only provide digital wireless services (e.g., PCS) are not required to also
provide analog services.

        The NPRM results from a statutory requirement to review cellular service
every two years.  The NPRM notes the importance of analog service to persons
who are deaf and hard of hearing, stating that the Commission is reluctant
to eliminate the rule if doing so would adversely affect users dependent
upon analog technology (this is addressed in paragraphs 23-31). For example,
the Notice asks how eliminating analog service would affect TTY users and
individuals who wear hearing aids.

        Interested members of the public should write the Commission about how the
issues raised in the Notice should be addressed in a final rule.  The NPRM
is on FCC's Disabilities Rights Office (DRO) web site at
http://www.fcc.gov/cib/dro/others.html or at
http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Wireless/Notices/2001/fcc01153.txt.   Comments
due:  July 2, 2001.  Reply comments due:  August 1, 2001.

        To obtain hard or accessible copies of the NPRM, contact the DRO at:
[log in to unmask]; fax (202) 418-1414; voice (202) 418-2517; TTY (202)
418-0189. When you make a request, please be sure to note the document you
are requesting (NPRM Year 2000 Biennial Regulatory Review¯Amendment of Part
22 of the Commission's Rules to Modify or Eliminate Outdated Rules Affecting
the Cellular Radiotelephone Service and other Commercial Mobile Radio
Services), as well as your full name and address.

        Comments must include the Docket Number (WT Docket No. 01-108) and be sent
to the Office of the Secretary of the FCC by the above deadlines.  Follow
instructions in the NPRM in Paragraphs #74-76 for filing comments.  You may
also send a copy of your comments concerning all disability-related topics
to the FCC's Disabilities Rights Office (DRO) for our information or contact
DRO for further information at Email:  [log in to unmask]


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