Conformity Magazine - September 2007 - (Page 10)

NewsBreaks FCC Extends Disability regarding access to VOIP services at www.conformity.com/0910. Access Requirements Commission Fines to VOIP Importer $3 Million In its continuing efforts to ensure access by all consumers to telecommunications Over Non-Compliant equipment and services, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) TVs has extended its current disability access requirements to providers of Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) services, and to manufacturers of VOIP equipment. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed a monetary forfeiture of nearly $3 million against a distributor who continued to illegally import analog-only televisions after the federally mandated cut-off dates for such equipment. The company, Syntax-Brillian, allegedly imported and shipped over interstate lines at least 72,622 nonDTV-compliant televisions. The FCC estimated that Syntax-Brillian imported and made at least eight separate shipments of large-size screen receivers after the July 1, 2005 deadline, as well as more than 1700 shipments of midsize screen receivers after the March 1, 2006 deadline. Accordingly, the Commission issued a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture in the amount of $2,899,575 against the company. In a separate action, the Commission also proposed a monetary fine of $63,650 against Regent U.S.A., Inc. for the interstate shipment of analog-only television receivers larger than 25” after the March 1, 2006 deadline. In a statement issued in connection with the forfeiture notices, Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein noted that the Commission had adopted its digital transition rules in consultation with the consumer electronics industry to avoid placing undue burdens on manufacturers and retailers. However, in the face of willful and repeated violations by companies like Syntax-Brillian and Regent, “we need to send a message that the FCC takes this matter seriously, and will strongly enforce our rules,” said Adelstein. Our readers can view the complete text of the Commission’s Notice in connection with the enforcement action against Syntax-Brillian at www.conformity.com/0911. The text of Commissioner Adelstein’s statement can be viewed at www.conformity.com/0912. Under Section 225 of the Communications Act, telecommunications equipment manufacturers and service providers must ensure that equipment and services are accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. As a result of a Report and Order issued by the Commission in June, those requirements now also apply to VOIP equipment manufacturers and service providers. In addition, VOIP service providers will also be required to contribute to the Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Fund, and to offer 711 abbreviated dialing for access to relay services. The TRS Fund, which is funded by contributions from carriers that provide interstate telecommunications services, pays for the provisioning of services that allow persons with hearing or speech impairments to use the telephone. Our readers can view the complete text of the Commission’s Report and Order FCC Gets Tough on Retailers Over Analog TV Tuner Labeling The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued more than a dozen citations against major nationwide retail chains and online retailers who have so far failed to properly inform consumers who purchase remaining retailer inventories of televisions equipped with analog-only tuners. DiLbert: © Scott Adams/Dist. by United feature Syndicate, inc. reprinted with permission. 10 Conformity September 2007 www.conformity.com/0910 www.conformity.com/0911 www.conformity.com/0912

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Conformity Magazine - September 2007

Contents Editor’s Note FCC Extends Disability Access Requirements to VOIP Commission Fines Importer $3 Million Over Non-Compliant TVs FCC Gets Tough on Retailers Over Analog TV Tuner Labeling Analog Cellular Service Sunset Date Reaffirmed Commission Adopts Recommendations of Katrina Panel Free-Space Antenna Factors Through the Use of Time-Domain Signal Processing Editorial Correction ESD Open Forum An Update on Revisions to IEC 61000-4-2, the Basic Standard on ESD Practical Advice for Meeting the DFS Testing Requirements of the FCC The EMC Impact of Embedded Software ESD Design Buyer's Guide Tate Renominated to the FCC EPA Releases Report on U.S. Electronic Waste Additional Standards For The EU’s Toy Directive Medical Device Manufacturer Enters Consent Order Updated Guidance Document on Laser Products Issued FDA Offers Advice on Defective Heating Pads CPSC Issues China Product Safety Program Report Other CPSC Actions In The News IEC Standards Update Product Reviews Product News UL Standards Update From Our “You Can’t Make This Stuff Up” Department Looking Back: Items from Past Issues of Conformity Advertisers

Conformity Magazine - September 2007

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