Ranveer Chandra, one of the presenters at our October Meeting published this paper, White Space Networking with Wi-Fi like Connectivity in August 2009.
The FCC has finally sent out their notice to all users of wireless microphones and/or other devices that operate in the 700MHz Band to
stop operating this equipment by June 12, 2010.
www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones/
Statement from FCC Chairman Genachowski
While the FCC hasn't sent out the "Get Out of the Pool Now" (GOOTP) letter yet, things are beginning to happen. Verizon has been sending a generic GOOTP letter to some people; never by name, just a "dear sir" sort of letter. The link, above, is to a good article by Kevin Cobus that appeared in Tecnologies for Worship magazine. The error in the channel width for TV stations is noted. It should be 6mHz, NOT 6gHz.
You can find the latest info from Shure here. This is a comprehensive document; recommended reading.
They have also extended the rebate offer for 700mHz equipment (you have to buy a new Shure system) to December 2009 in the USA and Canada.
Audio Technica is offering a rebate on purchase of certain wireless systems.
The 700mHz band is now off limits to wireless microphones, but it remains to be seen what people actually do about this. Consider the situation on the Citizen's Band (27mHz).
The last tally for the dollar amount raised in the whitespaces auction is just under 20 BILLION dollars.
Shure and Sennheiser are both offering some level of trade-in towards the purchase of new wireless gear. While it's better than a boot in the butt, it's a small comfort.
Microsoft has still not proven to the Commission's satisfaction that their proposed hardware can co-exist with wireless microphones without interference.
Here are the coverage maps for Seattle-Tacoma and Portland.
May 16, 2008. The Grand Ole Opry, CMA, CMT, MTV and other Nashville-based music interests joined forces this week in an effort to stave off the efforts of manufacturers who are anxious to produce new television white space device, by filing a five-page letter of concern with the Federal Communications Commission. Read more.
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