From Mark Frink's column in Live Sound International:
It gets better: the FCC is considering allowing unlicensed wireless devices to operate in channels 2-51 that are not occupied by local TV stations, referred to euphemistically as “White Spaces” because they are theoretically unused, unlicensed RF real-estate. These devices include wireless broadband Internet, PDA’s, cell phones, home networking devices and other consumer electronics. Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) has introduced a bill (S. 234) to allow unlicensed use of White Spaces within six months, and Sen. John Sununu (R-NH) introduced another (S. 337) that would allow them by October 1st.Conversely, Congressman Bobby Rush (D-IL) has introduced The Interference Protection for Existing Television Band Devices Act of 2007 (H.R. 1320), which would force manufacturers of these new unlicensed devices to demonstrate that their product will not interfere with existing technology, like wireless microphones. Obviously there’s a lot at stake on both sides. Imagine if those cell phones held in the air at your last concert worked on unused UHF white space. Hmm? Go to http://www.house.gov/writerep, find your representative by entering your zip code and ask them to support HR 1320.
Mark Frink, Associate Editor
May 13, 2008. Motorola resubmits its whitespace device for further testing. Read more.
May 6, 2008. Shure has filed a letter with the FCC specifically asking for more testing of non-wireless microphone devices, such as those proposed by Google and Motorola. These devices have failed in previous testing, and Shure is asking the FCC to require further testing, emphasizing that the Motorola proposal is still a "proof of concept." Read more.
April 17, 2007. Read here and here two papers attempting to explain the new uses for the white spaces created after the DTV switch in 2009. Note, however, that there is absolutely NO mention of wireless microphones. It's as if they don't exist. Scary. Really Scarry.
The FCC, when in the process of rulemaking, leaves a block of time open for public comment. If you have issues with their proposed rules, you (yes you) should make your issues known to them. There is a particular protocol for contacting them, and the website link further down this page will help you be successful in doing this.
The following representatives have legislation pending now, and need to hear your viewpoint:
| Who | State | Position | email link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Representative Jay Inslee, 1st Congressional District | WA | Wants FCC to allow new wireless devices to coexist with wireless microphones. Pushed for October 2007 adoption date (which won't happen now). | Email Jay Inslee |
| Senator John Sununu | NH | Pushing FCC for early adoption time for new wireless devices. S337 | Email John Sununu |
| Senator John Kerry | MA | Pushing FCC for early adoption time for new wireless devices. S234 | Contact Senator Kerry |
| Representative Ric Keller | FL | Supports wireless microphones and related uses. | Contact Rep. Keller |
| Senator Bobby Rush | IL | Supports wireless microphones and related uses. See H.R. 1320 | Contact Senator Rush |
Grammy.org's very helpful page for contacting elected representatives
How to file comment with the FCC
Shure Press Release for HR 1320