United States21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act, access to advanced communications services and equipment
47 U.S.C. 617 and 618; 47 CFR 14.1 to 14.38
In force since .
An accessibility requirements rule binding private bodies.
As of .
What it requires
- If you manufacture equipment used for advanced communications services (end user equipment, network equipment or software) and offer it for sale or distribute it in interstate commerce, make it accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, unless that is not achievable (47 U.S.C. 617(a)(1); 47 CFR 14.20(a)(1)).
- If you provide an advanced communications service (interconnected or non-interconnected VoIP, electronic messaging, interoperable video conferencing, or inmate audio or video communications), make the service accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, unless that is not achievable (47 U.S.C. 617(b)(1); 47 CFR 14.20(a)(2)).
- Where building in accessibility is not achievable, make the equipment or service compatible with existing peripheral devices or specialized customer premises equipment commonly used by individuals with disabilities, unless that is not achievable (47 CFR 14.20(a)(3)).
- Consider the performance objectives of 47 CFR 14.21 at the design stage and identify barriers to accessibility and usability during evaluation (47 CFR 14.20(b)).
- Make the information and documentation you give customers accessible, if achievable, including bills, user guides and installation guides, and let individuals with disabilities reach call centers and customer support at no extra cost (47 CFR 14.20(d)).
- From , an interoperable video conferencing service must provide at least one mode with accurate, synchronous captions and let users connect third-party captioning, enable third-party sign language interpretation, and provide user controls for captions, speakers and signers (47 CFR 14.21(b)(2)(iv) and (b)(4)).
- Keep records of your accessibility efforts and sign and file an annual compliance certificate with the Commission (47 CFR 14.31).
These lines are LexLint's reading of the law's text, as of .
Who enforces it
Enforcement body
Federal Communications Commission, which receives formal and informal complaints of a violation of section 255, 617 or 619 of title 47 and may direct the manufacturer or service provider to bring the service, or the next generation of the equipment, into compliance
What this law does
A manufacturer of equipment used for advanced communications services, including end user equipment, network equipment and software, must ensure that the equipment and software it offers for sale or otherwise distributes in interstate commerce is accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, unless the requirement is not achievable.
A provider of advanced communications services must ensure that the services it offers in or affecting interstate commerce are accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, unless the requirement is not achievable.
The Commission's rules define advanced communications services as interconnected VoIP service, non-interconnected VoIP service, electronic messaging service, interoperable video conferencing service, and audio or video communications services used by inmates to communicate with individuals outside the institution.
The rules do not apply to customized equipment or services that are not offered directly to the public, or to such classes of users as to be effectively available directly to the public. Beginning , interoperable video conferencing services must provide at least one mode with captions that accurately and synchronously display the spoken communications in a video conference.
Each manufacturer and service provider must create and maintain records of its efforts to implement the accessibility requirements. An officer of each manufacturer and service provider must sign and file an annual compliance certificate with the Commission. Any person alleging a violation may file a formal or informal complaint with the Commission.
When LexLint raises it
When your app profile says your app provides telecom services or distributes a software product.