Bill Would Give FCC More Authority to Vet Accessibility

A draft of a new version of HR 3101 would appear to give the Federal Communications Commission more flexibility to determine how cable operators and TV stations would meet a new congressional mandate that requirements for disability access to telecommunications be updated to reflect the rise of broadband and other technologies.

The FCC must require various phone, TV and online accessibility measures, including making mobile devices accessible, unless it would be "not achievable." The FCC would be tasked with determining whether that standard had been met, based on the nature and cost, the impact on the manufacturer and distributor and the deployment of new technologies, the manufacturers financial resources, and "the type of operations of the manufacturer or provider." That standard was described by an industry veteran as a midpoint between a "not readily achievable" standard and an "undue burden." The FCC will also have the ability to waive the requirement on its own authority or in response to a waiver request.