Important Dates Regarding Wireless Hearing Aid Compatibility & Electronic Cable Customer Notices

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published its approval in two proceedings we’ve been telling you about over the last year, which trigger the compliance dates for both. First, wireless providers must comply with new record retention and website information rules for hearing aid compatibility by early September. And second, cable companies can begin sending their customers required notices via email instead of as printed notices.

Wireless Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) Compliance Dates
Last November, the FCC adopted wireless HAC rules that eliminated the FCC Form 655 annual report. The Commission at that time also revised record retention, website posting and filing requirements for wireless HAC (see JSI’s Nov. 30, 2018, e-Lert for full details).

The publication of OMB’s approval sets the following compliance dates for wireless service providers:

  • September 3, 2019 – Carriers must comply with the record retention and expanded website requirements.
  • Between September 3 and October 3, 2019 – Carriers must submit electronic certification of compliance with HAC rules to cover calendar year 2018. This filing window only applies to this year. Going forward, all certifications must be filed annually by January 15. The certifications will be a new electronic FCC Form 855, currently pending FCC announcement that the site is open for submissions.

E-Delivery of Cable Customer Notices Effective Date
Cable operators are now permitted to email all required “written” cable customer notices, subject to certain conditions. The July 18, 2019, publication of OMB’s approval established the effective date of the amended rules.

As explained in JSI’s Nov. 29, 2018 e-Lert, the FCC amended its rules to allow for email delivery of customer notices if sent to a verified email address and if there is an opt-out for customers to request paper notices.

If you have any questions about cable customer notice requirements, contact a member of our team by clicking the button below.

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