Inquiry Concerning the Deployment of Advanced Telecommunications Capability to All Americans in a Reasonable and Timely Fashion, and Possible Steps to Accelerate Such deployment Pursuant to Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, GN Docket No. 07-45
On May 16, 2007 the Wireless RERC submitted comments to the FCC in the above-referenced matter in response to the Notice of Inquiry adopted on March 12, 2007. In general the comments addressed the potential for advanced telecommunications to provide greater opportunities for people with disabilities to participate more fully in society (i.e., telework, telemedicine). On the same token, these same advanced telecommunication technologies have significant barriers to access by people with disabilities such as cost, awareness and proficiency factors, and technologically related barriers. Specifically comments address the availability of broadband connectivity, Video Relay Services, access to emergency communications, and the need for special consideration of the unique characteristics and specific needs of vulnerable populations by both public and private sector actors.