---
title: "How can a party get a waiver from the FCC's terminal equipment connection requirements under 47 CFR 68.5? Answer in under 100 words."
canonical: https://www.m-i-n-d.ai/minds/telecom/terminal-equipment-waivers-47-cfr-68-5
jurisdiction: "US Federal · FCC"
last_verified: 2026-08-26
license: CC BY 4.0 — https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
attribution: "Source: MIND (m-i-n-d.ai)"
---

# How can a party get a waiver from the FCC's terminal equipment connection requirements under 47 CFR 68.5? Answer in under 100 words.

Any interested person, such as a manufacturer or service provider, may apply to the Federal Communications Commission for a waiver from the hearing aid compatibility requirements of § 68.4(a)(1) under 47 CFR 68.5.

## Details / How it works

The Commission initiates a formal waiver proceeding upon application. The waiver applies to new telephones or devices associated with a new technology or service (e.g., VoIP phones or cordless phones using emerging digital standards).

## Numbers & thresholds

No specific numerical thresholds are defined; the grant is based on evidence in the administrative record.

## Exceptions & edge cases

A waiver may be granted if the telephones, technology, or service are in the public interest and at least one of two conditions is met: (a) **Technological Infeasibility** or (b) **Excessive Cost Impact**. The Commission must also consider the effect on hearing-impaired individuals and will periodically review any granted waiver.

## Sources

- [1] U.S. National Archives, Electronic Code of Federal Regulations — 47 CFR 68.5 — Waivers · https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/section-68.5 · as of 2026-08-26