Somebody out there doesn’t like us. Actually they like part of us — the wireless spectra many of us have been using for our RF mics, intercoms and IEM’s — and they’re bringing some deep pockets to the table to make sure we get left out of the picture. But to be perfectly fair, that statement isn’t quite accurate either, because what AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and other wireless services providers are currently lusting after is what’s known as the 600 MHz band. Occupying the 608 to 698 MHz — the previous UHF TV channels 36 through 51 — these are destined to wind up on an FCC auction block in 2014. This of course, follows directly on the heels of the FCC’s previous “reallocation” of TV channels 52 to 69 (the so-called 700 MHz band from 698 to 806 MHz) in 2008, from which we were summarily kicked out of after June 12, 2010.
Now, if you thought that live sound providers and customers were mad the last time they were forced to buy new gear (or modify their existing wireless systems) because the equipment they owned was suddenly deemed illegal to operate, just wait until this time around. Tossing your fully-functioning RF audio gear away might seem like chump change to big broadcasters, but such expenditures can really impact the pocketbooks of sound companies, schools, churches, musicians, bands, venues, theater groups and other “smaller” customers.
The problem is, unlike business radio, taxis, railroads, maritime and other “legitimate” RF
radio users, the audio industry never really bothered to petition the FCC for our own little slice of the pie. Instead it was much easier to piggyback onto “white space” guard bands of TV channels. Then once DTV eliminated the need for that additional spectra, they went up for grabs and a cash-strapped government turned to the FCC to transform those “unused” frequencies into cold, hard cash. And there is no shortage of well-heeled wireless Internet/smartphone/data providers ready and waiting to snap up all those surplus airwaves.
Honey, I Sold the Spectra
You can rest assured that they’re not just picking on wireless audio users in the 600 MHz band. Postponed a week due to the recent government shutdown, the next FCC spectra auction — this time for H Block licenses in the 1,915 to 1,920 MHz and 1,995 to 2,000 MHz bands —has been rescheduled for January 22, 2014. However, that mere 10 MHz slice is small potatoes compared to the Big Kahuna: the upcoming grab for the entire 600 MHz band.
One thing that is clear is that billions of dollars are at stake. Providers that snag the most bandwidth will be able to tout faster downloads and better service, while the losers will be confined to crowding into smaller spaces. Given that choice, which company would you select for your smartphone and wireless service needs?
And even if your wireless rig is outside of the 600 MHz band, this doesn’t mean that sooner or later, the FCC won’t come knocking on your door. With a lot of money involved, anything is possible. Remember, it wasn’t long ago that we all assumed the 600 MHz band was “safe” after wireless audio usage in the 700 MHz band was usurped.
Given the unlikelihood of the pro audio industry suddenly coming together and doing enough fundraising bake sales and car washes to compete with the major telecommunication players, things may look somewhat grim (although not hopeless) for us audio types.
That’s not to say that nothing’s happening on audio wireless side. Recently, the FCC’s media bureau was seeking comments regarding the reimbursement of expenses related to broadcaster’s channel reassignment costs (GN Docket No. 12-268, Public Notice, DA 13-1954). On November 4th, Sennheiser filed an official response comment to that, essentially saying that like these reimbursed broadcasters, any winners in the upcoming auctions (who would obviously be gaining revenues from that cleared spectra), should be responsible for reimbursing end-users whose gear was made obsolete by that action, regardless of remaining useful life. Sounds like a fair plan to me and it would offer protection to wireless owners who, through no fault of their own, stand to be the big losers in this high-stakes game.
On another front, Congressman Bobby Rush (D-IL) has sponsored a bill into the House of Representatives, called H.R. 2911, the Wireless Microphone Users Interference Protection Act of 2013. Currently referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, the bill would require the FCC to expand eligibility for part 74
licenses to certain wireless users, including owners and operators of events and performances at amusement parks, arenas, convention centers, educational facilities, houses of worship, hotels, museums, outdoor venues, recording studios and theaters.
Perhaps more significantly, H.R. 2911 would also establish 6 MHz wide “safe haven” channels for exclusive use by wireless microphone users in the spectrum ranging from 470 MHz to 698 MHz — other than frequencies identified as guard bands and the mid-band gap between the frequencies designated for uplink and downlink service in auctioned 600 MHz spectrum. Again, perfectly reasonable and a good compromise that should be equitable for all involved.
Unfortunately the words “fair” and “equitable” don’t always jive with big-money corporate interests. Yet there’s always hope, and we’ll keep our fingers crossed.
Catch George’s editorial commentary at www.fohonline.com/foh-tv.
