White Space
In Brief
For the past three decades, wireless microphone users including performing arts organizations, academic institutions, touring organizations, individual artists, and audio services contractors have utilized wireless equipment operating within the “white space” radio frequencies between broadcast channels of the broadcast spectrum. In order to avoid radio interference to professional wireless microphone and audio systems, as well as new white space devices, these class of users must be licensed under a Part 74 license classification.
Advocacy and Leadership on White Space Issues for the Performing Arts
On January 22nd, 2010 the FCC issued its Final Report and Order regarding the removal of wireless microphones from the 700 MHz band (TV channels 52-69). The FCC also adopted an early clearing mechanism permitting public safety or commercial licensees commencing operations in the 700 MHz Band before June 12 to require wireless microphone users to cease co-channel operations upon 60 days prior notice. The FCC says it has taken this action to "...ensure that public safety and commercial licensees can operate in the 700 MHz Band without interference, while providing entities currently operating wireless microphones in the band with an opportunity to relocate to other bands." Effective immediately, the Commission has granted temporary authorization to all wireless microphone users, but all wireless microphone usage in 700 MHz must cease no later than June 12th , 2010 (even if the users were licensed with the FCC). A link to the FCC decision can be reviewed here. In coordination with the FCC, APAP has issued a fact sheet to guide users on vacating the 700 MHz band.
Note: If a microphone does not operate on frequencies within the 700 MHz band, no action is required.
The Commission posted consumer publications to the Operation of Wireless Mics in 700 MHz Band - FCC Publications section of its Operation of Wireless Mics in 700 MHz Band web site informing the public of these facts. The Commission has also published a list of affected microphones at Operation of Wireless Mics in 700 MHz Band - Manufacturers and compiled a Frequently Asked Questions list.
The Commission issued a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking focusing on the question of how much regulatory protection wireless microphones will receive from TVBDs (TV band devices). The Commission proposes making most wireless microphone use unlicensed under Part 15 of FCC regulations, which means that wireless microphones will directly compete with TVBDs for available frequencies. A smaller number of users may be licensed under Part 74 of FCC regulations. Licensed users will have access to a database in which they can enter the dates and times of their events using wireless microphones and receive protection from TVBDs.
On March 1, 2010, APAP filed comments in response to the ongoing wireless microphone FCC regulatory proceedings.
APAP’s comments to the FCC (PDF)
On March 23, 2010, APAP filed “reply-comments” in response to the ongoing wireless microphone FCC regulatory proceedings.
APAP’s reply- comments to the FCC (PDF)
Part 74 licensees must:
- Coordinate frequencies with other Part 74 licensees
- Avoid TV broadcast and land mobile radio frequencies
- Keep TV Bands Database entries up to date so that frequencies are protected only during times of actual use. Frequencies will be available to TVBDs when not in use by wireless microphones.
- Provide all necessary information to the database
Necessary database information includes:
- Name and contact information
- Coordinates in latitude and longitude for the location where the wireless microphones will be used (GPS or Google Earth might be useful for this)
- Specific channels being used
- Specific dates and times when the wireless microphones will be in use
If there is any additional information that would be helpful or if you have further questions, please contact Leah Frelinghuysen at Arts Presenters or the FCC Consumer Hotline at 1-888-CALL-FCC.