ATIS Releases Multi-Band General Principles for Hearing Aid Compatibility

September 22, 2008, Washington – The ATIS Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) Incubator released a set of detailed Multi-Band General Principles to address hearing aid compatibility of handsets operating over multiple frequency bands and/or modes for which no technical HAC standard exists.

The ATIS HAC Incubator is a collaborative, consensus-driven body that includes representatives of the leading wireless service providers, wireless manufacturers and advocates for consumers with hearing loss. Development and submission of these Multi-Band General Principles to the FCC fulfills the commitment of the wireless industry and the advocates representing consumers with hearing loss to develop a consensus plan regarding multi-band and multi-mode handsets.

In March 2008, the Federal Communications Commission adopted cell phone hearing aid compatibility rules proposed in the Incubator’s Joint Consensus Plan. At that time, the FCC left open the issue of whether, or to what extent, multi-mode handsets should be counted as hearing-aid compatible if they operate in part over frequency bands or air interfaces for which technical standards have not yet been established and asked the ATIS HAC Incubator to address this matter. The Multi-Band General Principles proposed by the ATIS HAC Incubator outline the consensus-driven recommendations of stakeholders for dealing with the multiband and multimode devices. The Incubator urges the Commission to strongly consider adopting these consensus-based principles as it modifies the current HAC rules.

“The new Principles demonstrate the success possible when key stakeholders come to the table to address unique consumer needs and collaborate to create the new products that meet them.” said Susan Miller, ATIS President and CEO. “The consensus process model employed by the ATIS in its HAC Incubator is a model for the resolution of techno-policy issues.”

In addition to the Multi-Band General Principles, the ATIS HAC Incubator announced that consumer and industry representatives have achieved consensus on new labeling language to help consumers make informed choices on handsets operating in frequency bands and/or modes for which no HAC standard exists. This language would be conveyed in writing to consumers at the point of sale, in the form of an insert or text in manuals and through company Web sites.

View the full listing of Multi-Band General Principles at: http://www.atis.org/legal/DOCS/AISP.4-HAC%20DOCS/MBGP%20Ex%20Parte%20Mtg%2007-250%20ltr%2009-10-08%20(WTB)%20w%20attachments.pdf.

About the ATIS Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) Incubator
The ATIS HAC Incubator works to identify and address key technical issues related to the advancement of the ANSI C63.19 Standard and achieving a broad range of hearing aid compatible wireless devices as required by the FCC. For more information on the ATIS HAC Incubator’s activities, visit the ATIS Web site at http://www.atis.org/hac/.

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 300 communications companies are active in ATIS’ 22 industry committees and Incubator Solutions Program. www.atis.org