Beam me up, Scotty!

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

News

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.

Seattle-specific Information

Page showing current and future whitespace 
Page showing all local frequency assignments 

Shure Brothers

Shure's whitespace site 
Shure's FAQ 
Frequency Compatibility chart for Shure products 
Shure's Frequency Finder 
Shure's Wireless Workbench software (free). Does useful frequency coordinating function. 
Shure Guide to Wireless operation.  Good section on frequency selection. Has table of TV channel frequencies.

Federal Communications Commission

FCC homepage 
FCC Spectrum Task Force homepage 
FCC Office of Engineering and Technology homepage 
Unlicensed and Unshackled — Whitepaper on Unlicensed Devices 
FCC Spectrum Auction Band Plans 
Spectrum Allocation Chart — DC to Light 
Search for info about TV stations in an area 
FCC Rules, Part 74 (authority under which existing wireless microphones operate) 
FCC Rules, Part 15.219 (license-free operation in the AM broadcast band) 
Part 15.239 Operation in the FM broadcast band 
CFR-47 — FCC Rules 
700MHz Band Plan (pdf) 
Excel Spreadsheet showing final channel assignments 

Auction 73 / 700mHz band

January 24, 2008
News Article 
The FCC began the auction of the spectrum above 700mHz on 1/24/08. There are 1099 spectrum licenses and 214 registered applicants. The bidding lasts a month and the gummint expects to make 10 Billion ($10e9!) dollars from this. You can follow the action on the FCC's website: http://auctions.fcc.gov  Auction 73 (700mHz band)  Auction 73 Summary 

Be Heard

If you're concerned about what may happen to your ability to use wireless microphones, in-ear monitoring, and other wireless devices after the DTV switch is thrown, do make yourself heard by your elected representatives. It is important to let both sides know your position (those in favor of opening up whitespace to other uses and those working to protect wireless microphone usage in whitespaces).

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 


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