§ 6.5   General obligations.

   (a) Obligation of Manufacturers. (1) A manufacturer of telecommunications
   equipment or customer premises equipment shall ensure that the equipment is
   designed, developed and fabricated so that the telecommunications functions
   of  the  equipment  are  accessible  to and usable by individuals with
   disabilities, if readily achievable.

   (2) Whenever the requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of this section are not
   readily achievable, the manufacturer shall ensure that the equipment is
   compatible with existing peripheral devices or specialized customer premises
   equipment commonly used by individuals with disabilities to achieve access,
   if readily achievable.

   (b) Obligation of Service Providers. (1) A provider of a telecommunications
   service  shall  ensure that the service is accessible to and usable by
   individuals with disabilities, if readily achievable.

   (2) Whenever the requirements of paragraph (b)(1) of this section are not
   readily achievable, the service provider shall ensure that the service is
   compatible with existing peripheral devices or specialized customer premises
   equipment commonly used by individuals with disabilities to achieve access,
   if readily achievable.

   (c) Obligation of Telecommunications Carriers. Each telecommunications
   carrier must not install network features, functions, or capabilities that
   do not comply with the guidelines and standards established pursuant to this
   part or part 7 of this chapter.

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