On November 4th the FCC proposed rules that would allow communication devices to operate in the spectrum ranges of unused TV channels – the so-called "white spaces" that have traditionally been used by wireless microphones. The detailed specifics of these rules were released November 14th in a 130-page document that is considered by the FCC as a cautious first step toward unlicensed use of the “white space” spectrum. As part of this document, the FCC cites safeguards they feel will protect wireless mics from interference. The following is a portion of the FCC’s press release of 11-04-08. “Wireless microphones will be protected in a variety of ways. The locations where wireless microphones are used, such as sporting venues and event and production facilities, can be registered in the data base and will be protected in the same way as other services. The
Commission also has required that devices include the ability to listen to the airwaves to sense
wireless microphones as an additional measure of protection for these devices. “ Complete FCC Press Release 11-4-08 (DOC) Though this ruling by the FCC was constructed to protect the incumbent spectrum users and therefore is supposed to limit the impact of these issues for new and existing wireless microphone systems, a few outstanding issues remain – interference concerns has resulted in the FCC putting in place these types of very general statements to protect its position and that of the end user. Complete FCC Document Released 11-14-08 (PDF) What about 698 MHz to 806 MHz - Earlier this year, the FCC auctioned the 698MHz to 806 MHz spectrum to public safety and commercial users and have proposed to clear the use of this spectrum from wireless microphones and other low-power auxiliary station (“LPAS”) devices that operate in the 700 MHz frequency range. The position of the FCC is to clear the spectrum of any unlicensed LPAS devices and ultimately clear licensed LPAS devices from this spectrum too. At this time, there is no definitive ruling when the spectrum needs to be completely clear and the FCC may impose a new rulings in response to petitions filed by the new licensees that will require the spectrum to be clear February 18th, 2009.
Therefore AKG has issued new frequencies for all its wireless systems that comply with these new rulings and will no longer sell equipment in prohibited frequencies. Ultimately, customers will want to update their wireless to comply with any new rulings as well as to minimize chances of potential interference when using their wireless systems. What will happen in the White Spaces? - When TV broadcasts migrates to digital only on February 18th, 2009, we will see more open and usable frequencies than exist today. In each region of the country, two channels between 21 and 51 will be reserved and available for the use of wireless microphones. These will be the first open (non-TV) channels available above and below channel 37 (which is reserved for radio astrology). Personal/ Portable communication devices will be barred from channels 14 – 20 (470 – 512 MHz) and regional public safety will be assigned operating channels (in 13 different regions) using this bandwidth. No more than 2 of the available 7 channels will be in use in any one of these regions with the exception of New York (using channels 14, 15 and 16) and Los Angeles (using channels 14,16 and 20). As our industry is unsure what the RF landscape will be in two, five or ten years, AKG is committed to keeping abreast of these changes and providing the best products and support for today and tomorrow. If you would like help with your wireless microphone and monitor systems in this challenging RF environment contact AKG Technical Support at 818-920-3285 or email AKG at gsmith@harman.com, you will be contacted by one of AKG’s RF specialists.
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