Australia's largest telcos, Telstra, Vodafone and Optus have promised hearing aid users better accessibility to their GSM mobile phone networks.
The scheme follows a public enquiry into complaints lodged with the Human Rights Commission over electromagnetic interference between hearing aids and mobile phones, which have occurred since the closure of the analogue network.
According to Telstra, the audible buzz heard by some hearing aids is due to the nature of the signal and level of interference the hearing aid can tolerate. By updating to the CDMA network, users should experience a significant reduction in interference.
The enquiry commenced in 1999.
The scheme, run by Telstra, Optus and Vodafone will enable hearing impaired mobile phone users to upgrade their phones to CDMA technology, or receive free or reduced cost accessories to facilitate access to the GSM mobile network.
All three telcos issued a statement saying, "if one of our mobile phones is causing interference with a person's hearing aid they should contact us and find out whether they have entitlements under the scheme."
"It has the potential to assist many hearing aid users who have signed up to mobile phone contracts since the closure of the analogue network," Public Interest Advocacy Centre Solicitor Alexis Goodstone said.
