Archive for the ‘700MHz’ Category

Washington, DC (February 1, 2010)–Shure, Inc. is mobilizing the pro audio community in response to the Federal Communications Commission’s proposed expansion of Part 74 licensing eligibility for wireless microphones.

The FCC has set a very short deadline of February 20, 2010 for wireless microphone users to submit comments regarding the importance to them of wireless microphones, personal monitor systems, intercoms and wireless assist devices in their businesses and productions. The FCC hasn’t reviewed the rules for Part 74 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, under which wireless mics are classified, since 1977.

“They were written for TV networks and broadcasters,” explains Mark Brunner, senior director, brand management, for Shure. “They were the only people using wireless mics in 1977.”

RF mic usage has grown almost exponentially over subsequent decades. A bill–HR 4353–submitted to Congress by Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL), proposes an expansion of the Part 74 rules to allow 13 sites of wireless microphone usage access to a geolocation database. The database is the FCC’s proposed solution to the sharing of the RF frequency spectrum used by wireless pro audio products and proposed new unlicensed TV band consumer devices.
The categories outlined by Rep. Rush include amusement parks, fairgrounds, restaurants and museums in addition to theaters, arenas, convention centers and churches. Shure, through spokesman Brunner, is stressing the urgency with which interested parties should submit their comments regarding their particular use of wireless audio products to the FCC.

“But we’re also recommending that anybody who might want to file and get some guidance contact Shure’s counsel in Washington, DC [Tim Bransford at Bingham McCutchen, LLP]. He’s up to speed on the issues and will help people put those comments into the proper format,” says Brunner.

The second order of business, says Brunner, is for professionals working with wireless mic products to encourage co-sponsorship of HR 4353. “They should contact their local representatives and say, ‘Take a look at HR 4353, it’s important to me.’”

Comments may be filed electronically with the FCC at http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs

Tim Bransford, Bingham McCutchen, LLP
timothy.bransford@bingham.com

Shure, Inc.
www.shure.com

On January 15, 2010, the FCC released the long-awaited 700 MHz Report and Order (Revisions to Rules Authorizing the Operation of Low Power Auxiliary Stations in the 698-806 MHz Band) and Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making.  This document outlines a number of changes to the rules affecting  the operation and marketing of wireless microphones, in-ear monitors, production intercom systems, and related wireless equipment (which the FCC refers to collectively as “Low Power Auxiliary Stations”), and contemplates the future operation of these devices.

Summary of the FCC’s Revisions to Rules Authorizing the Operation of Low Power Auxiliary Stations in the 698-806 MHz Band

On January 15, 2010, the FCC released the long-awaited 700 MHz Report and Order (Revisions to Rules Authorizing the Operation of Low Power Auxiliary Stations in the 698-806 MHz Band) and Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making. This document outlines a number of changes to the rules affecting the operation and marketing of wireless microphones, in-ear monitors, production intercom systems, and related wireless equipment (which the FCC refers to collectively as “Low Power Auxiliary Stations”), and contemplates the future operation of these devices.

Clearing The 700 MHz Band

The spectrum between 698 and 806 MHz (known as the “700 MHz Band”) has been reallocated for exclusive use by Public Safety agencies and licensed wireless service providers (e.g. AT&T, Verizon, Qualcomm, and many local and regional providers).

Issues For Wireless Users

* Wireless system users-whether licensed or unlicensed-must stop operating in the 700 MHz Band (698-806 MHz) no later than June 12, 2010.

* Wireless system users must stop operating within 60 days of receiving notice that a Public Safety agency or licensed wireless service provider intends to begin using their licensed 700 MHz spectrum in that geographic area. This notice may come directly from the licensee or from the FCC.

* Wireless system users must stop operating in the 700 MHz Band immediately upon notification if they are causing interference to a licensed Public Safety or commercial user.

CONSUMER ALERT

Most users do not need a license to operate this wireless microphone system. Nevertheless, operating this microphone system without a license is subject to certain restrictions: the system may not cause harmful interference; it must operate at a low power level (not in excess of 50 milliwatts); and it has no protection from interference received from any other device. Purchasers should also be aware that the FCC is currently evaluating use of wireless microphone systems, and these rules are subject to change. For more information, call the FCC at 1-888-CALL-FCC (TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC) or visit the FCC’s wireless microphone website at www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones.

Call JSS to find out if your wireless microphone

uses frequencies in the 700 MHz band.

(615) 534-1190

Some wireless microphones are marked with the frequency the device uses. If information on the device indicates that it operates on frequencies between 698 and 806 MHz, then the device uses 700 MHz spectrum and may not be used after June 12, 2010.

In addition, the FCC’s website provides information about which wireless microphones currently operate in the 700 MHz band at www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones/. Consumers may use this site to look up their equipment by manufacturer and determine if their particular equipment operates in the 700 MHz band. The website also includes information about how to contact manufacturers about wireless microphone equipment at www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones/manufacturers.html. In addition, you may call the FCC at 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) where staff will be able to help you determine if your equipment is affected.

Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau 700 MHz Public Safety Spectrum

The 700 MHz Band comprises 108 megahertz of spectrum from 698-806 MHz and is designated for commercial and public safety uses. Currently, this spectrum is occupied by TV broadcasters in Channels 52-69. Congress has directed that TV broadcasters transition to digital broadcast technology and vacate the spectrum in order to accommodate wireless commercial and public safety uses of the spectrum. The Digital Television and Public Safety Act of 2005 (DTV Act) set a firm deadline of June 12, 2009, for the completion of the DTV transition. In July 2007, the Commission adopted the 700 MHz Second Report and Order that adopted a regulatory framework for the 700 MHz public safety band to facilitate the establishment of a nationwide, interoperable broadband communications network for the benefit of state and local public safety users.

What does this mean? It is no longer legal to operate a wireless system in the 700MHz bandwidth.

That’s the bad news. The good news is that manufacturers are offering rebates of up to $1000 toward updating your wireless system but TIME IS RUNNING OUT. Take advantage of these rebates before it’s too late.