Personal tools
You are here: Home → Publications → Technology and Disability Policy Highlights → March 2008 Technology and Disability Highlights
Document Actions

March 2008 Technology and Disability Highlights

Volume: 8.03 March 2008

Other Available Formats

Contents:

Overview

March was a record-breaking month for regulators at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The Commission raised a total of $19.592 billion in its auction of 700MHz airwaves that concluded March 19, 2008. Total revenues were almost double what regulators predicted before the auction began. The auction did not, however, establish new networks for public safety organizations by selling a group of licenses known as the D-block. This group was unable to attract the minimum required bid.

The FCC received notice from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit that the order it approved in September 2007 to enforce stricter requirements on wireless carriers’ E911 systems was put on hold. The stay was sought by major wireless carriers along with rural wireless phone companies that plan to use the time to file an appeal against the Commission’s E911 requirements. The Commission’s goal in enacting the new standards was to allow public safety workers to better locate individuals who have called for emergency assistance from a wireless phone. For many people with disabilities, a wireless phone is considered a lifeline.

At a meeting scheduled for April 3, 2008, the Telecommunications and Electronic and Information Technology Advisory Committee ( TEITAC) will deliver to the Access Board its recommendations on updating the Board’s Section 508 standards for electronic and information technology and its guidelines for telecommunications products covered by Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act.

In an effort to encourage application developers and handset manufacturers to consider the needs of seniors or customers who have disabilities when designing products and services, AT&T announced through a press release that the company's approach to Universal Design will be made publicly available for the first time. By making AT&T's Universal Design methodology available on its Web site, the company is hoping all developers of wireless products and applications will consider how future designs can create products which are both innovative and accessible.

back to top of page


NEW: This Month's "Hot Topic"

In order to stimulate discussion on a variety of policy-related topics pertinent to wireless technology and accessibility issues for people with disabilities, the RERC is introducing a new section of the Technology and Disability Policy Highlights (TDPH) titled This Month’s “Hot Topic.” Each month we will present a new issue, question or commentary relating to wireless technology and/or disability. We would like you, our readers, to share your opinions on each month’s Hot Topic by emailing the TDPH Editor, Austin Dickson, at [austin.dickson@cacp.gatech.edu]. Select comments will be published in the subsequent editions of TDPH. This month’s Hot Topic is based on an article published in the December 2007/January 2008 edition of TDPH on the censorship of the content of text messages by wireless service providers. Read the article below and let us hear from you!

Groups Petition FCC to Prohibit Discrimination against Text Message Content

From December 11, 2007 – A group of consumer advocacy organizations petitioned the FCC to clarify how much control wireless service providers can have over the messages and services they deliver over their networks. The joint petition for declaratory ruling, filed on behalf of the groups Public Knowledge, Free Press, Consumer Federation of America, Consumers Union, EDUCAUSE, Media Access Project, New America Foundation, and U.S. PIRG, asks the FCC to declare that text messaging services are governed by the anti-discrimination provisions of Title II of the Communications Act. The coalition asserts that text messaging is used as a “replacement for and a complement to traditional voice communications.” The group also stated that wireless service providers are currently allowed to arbitrarily choose which messages are sent over their network and often refuse to send content that the company finds controversial or that competes with the mobile carrier’s services. In response, the FCC issued a request for comments on the Petition for Declaratory Ruling; those comments were due to the FCC in February and Reply Comments were due by March 14, 2008.

Additional Information

[Sources: FCC, Washington Post, and Public Knowledge]

back to top of page

Legislative Activities

National 9-1-1 Education Month Inclusive of People with Disabilities

March 10, 2008 - The resolution Expressing Support for the designation and goals of a ‘National 9-1-1 Educations Month’, and for other purpose (H. Res. 537) was passed by the House. The Resolution lists 23 reasons to support the designation of a National 9-1-1 Education Month, one of which addresses people with disabilities. It states, “[…] a growing segment of the population, including deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind, and individuals with speech disabilities, are increasingly communicating with nontraditional text, video, and instant messaging communications services and expect these services to be able to connect directly to 9-1-1.” Such acknowledgement indicates that policymakers are more mindful of the needs and realities of people with disabilities when drafting legislation that will have an impact on the lives and safety of all Americans. The Resolution envisions a National 9-1-1 Education Month as providing an impetus for annual public awareness events, media outreach and training activities aimed at educating people of all ages and abilities on the importance of and proper use of 9-1-1. Additionally, as enhanced 9-1-1 (e911) features become more robust and public safety answer points (PSAPs) gain the ability to receive text messages and data files, such training and educational efforts will become as critical as the service itself. The preceding week, on March 3, 2008, identical legislation was introduced by Senator Clinton (D-NY) designating April 2008 as ‘National 9-1-1 Education Month,’ it was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Additional Information:

back to top of page

Judicial Activities

Court of Appeals Puts Hold on New FCC E911 Standards

March 25, 2008 – The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia circuit, cited “procedural irregularities” when it stayed an FCC order approved in September 2007 which would enact stricter requirements that wireless carriers must meet for the accuracy of their E911 system. The new standards were designed to allow public safety workers to locate individuals who have called for help from a wireless phone. According to the FCC Report & Order (07-166), the Commission’s action received widespread support from the public safety community by requiring carriers to meet interim, annual benchmarks over five years to ensure that they achieve Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP)–level compliance. The stay was sought by a group of major wireless carriers and rural wireless phone companies that needed time to file an appeal. The FCC’s spokesman, Clyde Ensslin, issued a statement saying the agency "will comply with the court's order and continue to work with public safety and the wireless industry to ensure that the public can get help in times of emergency."

Additional Information:

[Sources: FCC and Reuters]

back to top of page

Regulatory Activities

FCC Raises $19 Billion in Record Auction

March 19, 2008 – Wireless companies bid more than $19 billion for the rights to radio spectrum licenses in the most profitable government auction in history. Broadcasters will surrender these spectrum licenses to the government as the digital television conversion is completed in early 2009. Consumer demand for wireless devices offering high-speed Internet connections is one factor that fueled the auction. FCC Chairman Kevin J. Martin noted in a statement that, in addition to raising a record amount of money, the auction “advanced new wireless open platform policies, created opportunities for new entrants and small businesses both nationwide and in rural markets.” The auction did not, however, establish new networks for public safety organizations by selling a group of licenses known as the D-block. This group was unable to attract the minimum required bid. The FCC issued a separate order (AU Docket No. 07-157) on March 20, 2008 announcing that the D-block would not be immediately re-offered at auction. Instead, the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau will establish procedures for the D-block auction and will hold off on the auction until further notice.

Additional Information:

[Sources: FCC and The New York Times]

HAC Waiver Petitions Denied by FCC

March 20, 2008 – The FCC Wireless Telecommunications Bureau issued a Memorandum Opinion and Order (WT Docket No. 01-309) addressing three waiver petitions filed by Tier III wireless carriers requesting extensions of the September 18, 2006 deadline to provide handsets that meet the FCC’s Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) standard for inductive coupling. Specifically, Alaska DigiTel, LLC (Alaska DigiTel), Edge Wireless Licenses, LLC (Edge), and NE Colorado Cellular, Inc. dba Viaero Wireless (Viaero) requested waiver of the handset deployment requirement set forth in Section 20.19(d)(2) of the Commission’s rules. The rules stated that, by September 18, 2006, each mobile service provider subject to that provision must offer at least two wireless telephone handset models per digital air interface that are certified as meeting, at a minimum, the “U3T” or “T3” rating for inductive coupling.
The FCC denied the petitions for waiver of Section 20.19(d)(2) of the Commission’s rules filed by Alaska DigiTel, Edge, and Viaero. Although each service provider is now in compliance with the HAC rules for inductive coupling, the measures taken by these providers, as described in their petitions for waiver, do not satisfy the FCC’s criteria for waiver of the applicable HAC requirement. The FCC noted that the wireless service providers’ failures to meet this important HAC requirement would be addressed through the Commission’s enforcement process.

Additional Information:

[Source: FCC]

back to top of page

Studies / Reports

GAO Reports on Management of FCC Enforcement Program

February, 2008 – The FCC annually receives approximately 100,000 complaints from a variety of individuals and companies. The Commission has the authority to investigate these complaints and take enforcement action if it finds a violation of the telecommunications laws and rules which are designed to ensure, for example, that hard of hearing individuals have access to hearing-aid compatible (HAC) wireless phones. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) was asked by the House of Representatives, Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet to review the FCC’s enforcement program and

  1. the number and type of complaints received, investigations conducted, and enforcement actions taken by FCC from 2003 through 2006;
  2. discuss how the FCC assesses the impact of its enforcement program; and
  3. discuss challenges the FCC faces in providing complete and accurate information on its enforcement program.

To address these objectives, the GAO analyzed FCC databases, interviewed FCC officials, telecommunications executives, and experts. The GAO recommends that the FCC should improve its data collection and analysis to help it better manage its enforcement efforts and develop and implement performance goals and outcome measures for its enforcement program. The FCC said it has already implemented measures that address both recommendations; however, the GAO said the actions the FCC identified do not fully address its recommendations.

Additional Information:

[Source: GAO]

Survey Examines Accessibility of Social Networking Websites

TecAccess, an accessibility consultancy, and AbilityNet, a nonprofit organization dedicated to accessibility, have teamed up to research the accessibility of networking websites such as MySpace, Facebook, Bebo and LinkedIn. The strategic partnership is also interested in photos and video sharing websites such as YouTube, Flickr and PhotoBucket.

TecAccess seeks input from people with disabilities on social networking websites. To provide input and suggestions on how social networking can be improved, visit AbilityNet to take the survey.

Additional Information:

TEITAC to Release 508 Standards Recommendations

February 27, 2008 – At a meeting scheduled for April 3, 2008, the Telecommunications and Electronic and Information Technology Advisory Committee (TEITAC) will deliver to the Access Board its recommendations on updating the Board’s Section 508 standards for electronic and information technology and its guidelines for telecommunications products covered by Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires access to electronic and information technology procured by federal agencies. The Access Board developed accessibility standards for the various technologies covered by the law. These standards have been folded into the federal government's procurement regulations. TEITAC is a federal advisory committee providing recommendations for updates of accessibility standards issued under section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and guidelines under section 255 of the Telecommunications Act.
At the Committee’s last meeting, which took place in early January, members continued their review of the recommendations prepared to date and sought consensus on remaining issues. In addition to recommendations on the substance of provisions, the Committee also addressed revisions to the organization and structure of the standards that take into account the continuously evolving nature of the technologies covered. The Committee’s report will be the basis for the Board’s first update of the Section 508 standards since their original publication in 2000. The Board will review the Committee recommendations and issue an update proposal which will be available for public comment.
The Committee is continuing its discussions by weekly teleconference every Tuesday from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. (Eastern). Further information on the work of the committee, including its schedule for conference calls, is available on the 508 Update page and the committee’s website at http://teitac.org. For more information, contact Tim Creagan at creagan@access-board.gov , (202) 272-0016 (v), or (202) 272-0082 (TTY).

Additional Information:

[Source: TEITAC]

back to top of page

Other Items of Interest

Google Suggests FCC Open White Spaces to Wireless Devices

March 25, 2008- Following the record-setting $19 billion spectrum auction held by the FCC earlier this month, Internet search engine Google proposed a plan suggesting how these airwaves could provide high-speed mobile access to consumers. This portion of the spectrum is highly prized because it can propagate long distances and through obstacles. In a letter to the Commission, Google asked the FCC to unlock the airwaves for unlicensed uses after the digital television transition takes place in 2009. The letter also attempts to alleviate concerns on the part of television broadcasters and microphone manufacturers about harmful interference caused by the entry of new devices. Finally, Google seeks to protect the airwaves used by the military and public safety agencies by using spectrum-sensing technology to free up the airwaves when they are needed by the government. Google’s proposals are designed to help ensure that consumers in any part of the country would be able to use wireless devices on those airwaves. Microsoft and Dell have both publicly supported Google’s proposals. Given consumer trends toward portable wireless devices, Google plans to boost revenue by creating more Internet services for mobile phones and devices.

Additional Information:

[Sources: Google, The New York Times, CNet.net]

GPS Ranger Displays Sign Language for Virtual Tours

March 21, 2008 – The “GPS Ranger” is one of many portable Global Positioning System (GPS) devices on the market. However, this handheld device is attempting to distinguish itself by appealing to Deaf and hard of hearing individuals. The Ranger uses a tool developed by BarZ Adventures that can offer virtual tours with captioning and American Sign Language (ASL). Austin, Texas was the first venue to launch this technology by using it for the city’s multimedia virtual tour; other cities, parks and zoos are expected to begin testing the device soon.

[Source: Cnet.com]

Mobile Wireless Airline Check-In on the Horizon

March 18, 2008 – With 80% of airline passengers using self-service check-in options, major air carriers are now examining the feasibility of electronic passes that will allow passengers to pass through security and board a plane without handling a paper boarding pass. An encrypted barcode will appear on the screen of the mobile wireless devices and can be scanned by agents and security personnel. Continental Airlines is the only carrier in the United States that has begun testing electronic passes. The company is using a two-dimensional encrypted bar code, which is more difficult to copy than the one-dimensional bar code traditionally used for boarding passes. The increased security of the two-dimensional bar codes is the reason the Transportation Services Administration (TSA) is expected to embrace the technology.

Assuming that mobile devices become an integral part of the travel industry, the accessibility of these devices becomes even more crucial for people with disabilities. One project of the Wireless RERC focuses on addressing the location-based and individual-specific information needs of patrons with hearing or vision impairments in airports and other public venues. The project team is collaborating with the National Center for Accessible Transportation (NCAT) and Delta Airlines to provide flight status, gate information, and general public announcements to travelers with hearing or visual impairments. For example, notification of a gate change or flight delay would be sent directly to a traveler's mobile phone or other mobile wireless device. Depending on location, the traveler would also receive general PA announcements pertinent to that location. The system will be designed to accommodate the traveler’s need for access to information and the airport's need for integration with existing infrastructure and cost effectiveness.

[Source: The New York Times]

Additional Information:

New York Governor Paterson Makes History

March 17, 2008 – David Paterson took office as governor of New York on March 17, 2008, becoming the state’s first African-American governor and the first legally blind governor of any state. Mr. Paterson, 53, was first elected in 1985, at the age of 31, to the Senate seat in Harlem that his father once held. He gained a reputation as a smart, consensus-driven leader who pushed for reform in state government. Paterson served on the American Foundation for the Blind’s Board of Trustees from 1997-2006. He is a nationally recognized advocate for people with disabilities.

Additional Information:

[Source: American Foundation for the Blind and the New York Times]

Call for Proposals

February 1, 2008 - The deadline, April 2, 2008, is fast approaching for the 2008 National Center for Technology Innovation’s (NCTI) Technology in the Works call for proposals. The purpose of the program is to fund research that advances the development of assistive and learning technologies that can improve the rate of successful educational outcomes for students with disabilities. To qualify, the research must be done in collaboration with a vendor, in order to quickly develop a usable technology with wide market appeal. Award announcements will be made in May 2008.

Additional Information:

[Source: NCTI]

Peer-Review Competition

February 27, 2008 – The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) within the U.S. Department of Education is searching for candidates to participate in a peer-review competition being held via teleconference and computer on May 5-7, 2008. The panel will be reviewing applications for a Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) on Hearing Enhancement. The Hearing Enhancement RERC proposal requirements can be found in the February 2, 2008 Federal Register, search term “Hearing Enhancement” or “Priority 15.” If you are interested in sitting on the peer review panel send a copy of your CV, contact information and description of your areas of expertise to [bonnie.gracer@ed.gov] as soon as possible.

Additional Information:

[Source: NIDRR]

back to top of page

Wireless RERC Updates

RERC Efforts Acknowledged in AT&T Press Release

March 13, 2008 - In an effort to encourage application developers and handset manufacturers to consider the needs of seniors or customers who have disabilities when designing products and services, AT&T Inc. announced through a press release that the company's approach to Universal Design will be made publicly available for the first time. AT&T embraces the concept of Universal Design and has urged its handset and software partners to consider this methodology as they develop wireless products and applications. AT&T's recently launched Mobile Speak and Mobile Magnifier applications as examples of accessible products and services that result from innovative collaboration and design.

In creating its Universal Design methodology, AT&T consulted with many leading experts, such as the Wireless RERC. By making AT&T's Universal Design methodology available on its website, the company is hoping all developers of wireless products and applications will consider how future designs can create accessible products, like Mobile Magnifier and Mobile Speak. "Integration of Universal Design into business practice is fundamental to our mission of equitable access to wireless technologies for people of all ages and abilities," said Jim Mueller, project director, User-Centered Research, Wireless RERC. "We're glad that AT&T shares our commitment and is making its Universal Design methodology publicly available."

Additional Information:

back to top of page

Upcoming Events

FCC’s Consumer Advisory Committee Meeting

March 10, 2008 – The FCC’s Consumer Advisory Committee’s next meeting will take place on Friday, April 4, 2008 at the Commission’s headquarters in Washington, DC. At the meeting, the Committee will continue its consideration of DTV transition issues. The Committee may also consider other consumer issues within the jurisdiction of the Commission. A limited amount of time on the agenda will be available for oral comments from the public. Meetings are open to the public and are broadcast on the Internet in Real Audio/Real Video format with captioning at www.fcc.gov/cgb/cac. Members of the public may address the Committee or may send written comments to: Scott Marshall, Designated Federal Officer of the Committee, at: Consumer Information Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, SW, Washington, D.C. 20554. Telephone 202-418-2809 (voice) or 202-418-0179 (TTY) and email: [cdtac@fcc.gov].

International Information Communication Technology (ICT) Standards Conference

A one-day forum, sponsored by the Global Initiative for Inclusive ICTs (G3ict) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), will evaluate the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities with regard to the evolution of ICT standards. Industry, Standards Development Organizations (SDOs), NGOs, academia, and governmental representation are all expected to attend. Entitled "The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Challenges and Opportunities for ICT Standards," the forum will be held on April 21, 2008 in Geneva, Switzerland.

Additional Information

back to top of page

For further information on items summarized in this report, or if you have items of interest that you would like included in future editions, please contact this edition’s editor, Lynzee Head [lynzee_head@shepherd.org], MS, Wireless RERC Operations Manager or Paul M.A. Baker [paul.baker@cacp.gatech.edu], Ph.D., AICP, Director of Research .

« July 2008 »
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031
Upcoming Events
ASSETS 2008 Halifax, Canada,
2008-10-13
Previous events…
Upcoming events…
 
Powered by Plone CMS, the Open Source Content Management System

This site conforms to the following standards: