INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION	Joint Coordination Activity On Accessibility and Human Factors
TELECOMMUNICATION STANDARDIZATION SECTOR STUDY PERIOD 2013-2016	Doc 223
English only Original: English
Source:	Brian Copsey, Invited Expert
Title:	Report on Radio Spectrum Issues Related to Assistive Listing Devices

This report covers issues and activities since the last meeting of JCA-AHF

New Issue

Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) is a technology transfers electric energy without the use of wires over a short distance. Examples are domestic items such as electric kettles and a range of domestic appliances as well as many other types of commercial equipment using low frequency radio waves.

The difference between WPT and inductive charging which has been promoted for charging mobile phones is that inductive charging requires the device to be charged being placed on a plate in physical contact, WPT does not but use an air gap of varying size to transfer the energy.

Why is this a problem? The frequencies proposed are either on or near to the T-coil spectrum used for almost all hearing aids, and given that the hearing aid is primarily worn for the waking hours, users will likely to be in proximity to WPT systems as they expand into the market place. If the technical characteristics of WPT systems are not correct, this will result in noise, clicks and possibly bangs being received by the hearing aid user who is unlikely to understand the source of the interference. I am attempting to carry out compatibility testing with these devices with the active support of the European Hearing Instrument manufacturers Association (EHIMA).

Suggestion

That a liaison statement should be prepared off line over the next few days, from this meeting to the relevant ITU-R Study Group 1 and the ETSI group preparing European harmonised Standards, requesting consideration of the hearing aid issue and compatibility testing. If the meeting wishes I am happy to be liaison for this work or will actively support any representative of this group.

Ofcom UK

I had an extremely successful meeting with the Radio sector of Ofcom in December where the various issues identified in this report where openly discussed and regular contact has now been established between Ofcom and the UK FM group which is focused on Children’s hearing issues. Members of the Ofcom team are joining this meeting remotely and we look forward to helpful interaction in the future.

UK FM Working group

Are actively considering a publicity campaign on the problems associated the the use of the 2.3-2.4GHz spectrum by mobile phones

ITU-R Radio Assembly and World Radio Conference

Whilst disability was not covered by the agenda of WRC 2015, the UAE introduced a proposal which has become ITU-R Resolution 67(copy attached below):.

RESOLUTION ITUR 67

Telecommunication/ICT accessibility for persons with disabilities
and persons with specific needs

In brief:

taking into account

that the use of telecommunications/ICTs by persons with disabilities and persons with specific needs represents an essential tool for their personal, social and economic development, giving them the chance in their lives to empower their autonomy,

resolves to invite ITU-R

to continue conducting studies, research, guidelines and recommendations, related to telecommunication/ICT accessibility for persons with disabilities and persons with specific needs, taking into account recognizing b) and c), and in close cooperation with ITUT and ITUD,

instructs the Director of the Radiocommunication Bureau

1	to cooperate with the Directors of the Telecommunication Development Bureau and the Telecommunication Standardization Bureau in the sustainable development of devices and applications promoting compatibility of the new technologies with the current ones to benefit telecommunication/ICTs for persons with disabilities and persons with specific needs;

For the first time we have a method of covering the various issues for those with disabilities as a single joined up entity rather than separate approaches by the various ITU Sectors

Existing Issues

2.3-2.4GHZ Allocation to Mobile Phone

In addition to discussions with UK Ofcom which emphasised the disruption to those with ALDs especially school systems, The European Commission(EC) has requested their Joint Research Centre to investigate the interference issue of this allocation to all devices using the 2.4-2.480 GHz band this included ALDs, Wi-Fi and other commonly used devices. I have been discussing the ALD issues with JRC and engaged EHIMA members to supply equipment for these tests, and we await dates for these compatibility tests.

Suggestion

A liaison statement should be prepared off line over the coming few days and sent to the EC and JRC highlighting the concerns over this spectrum allocation and identifying that mitigation and information to users from the mobile industry should be considered

ETSI Harmonised Standard for ALDs EN 300-422

The EC has issued a new Radio Equipment Directive which changes the conditions for placing equipment on the European market for member states.

This has two major changes:

Receivers are now covered

There is no lower frequency limit, this has brought Inductive loop systems(T-Coil) and hearing Aid T-Coil revivers into the scope of the standard

A draft EN 300-422 is in the final stages of preparation

This standard either as a whole or parts are also used in a number of other countries around the World.