Wireless Microphones and FCC Regulations

Ever since the edict came down from the FCC on switching all TV air-time to a digital format, there's been considerable concern by those who depend on wireless microphone technology. Performers that play live in a show or preachers who prefer to be unhindered and free to walk the stage as they preach and a number of actors in plays all rely on wire free vocals in order to be able to do a proper job. New technological advances in the realm of frequency rules have resulted in problems for these and others.

The broadband spectrum was not this crowded until only a few short years ago. Even since the year 2000, there wasn't the explosion of wireless Internet hook-ups, public hot-spots, and the ever growing boon of the most recent cell phones that there are now. All of these devices use parts of the available, and very finite, broadcasting bands.

At first the problem was quite stunning. No one was entirely sure what the eventual impact would be, but those who used wireless mics understood immediately that there were going to be some difficulties, especially with some of the older equipment. Many UHF frequency mics in use these days are set up to broadcast in a range between seven hundred and forty-six and eight hundred and six Megahertz. With the new signal restructuring, the FCC intended to allocate that section of the band to emergency services instead of UHF band television, seemingly oblivious to the inconvenience that such interference could cause.

Emergency services are unpredictable. With this new frequency sharing, it was entirely likely that someone could rehearse all day on what they thought was a clear channel, only to find that they start broadcasting the local fire or ambulance service in the middle of a live performance. While it is feasible to have the frequency modified on most mics, this will cost a bit as the manufactures won't do it for nothing.

Churches with larger congregations find themselves hardest hit in some ways. Many places of worship have traditionally occupied the seven hundred Megahertz band for their services, and they are very resistant to changing their set up now. Unfortunately, there are significant fines now in effect for those found to be operating illegal seven hundred Megahertz devices and those companies who now command the band are not likely to brook much trespass on their spectrum.

When that part of the broadband spectrum was auctioned off, the major telecommunications companies like AT&T and Verizon were extremely determined to possess it. For the most part, this claiming of a frequency range has a lot to do with the projected developments in the future, but it is also relevant to the continued operation of existing systems.

The problem for those who continue to operate unauthorized transmitters in this range is that these companies are far more aggressive about protecting their investments than the FCC is about simply enforcing their regulations. While they may feel sure that there's no way an FCC agent would ever happen to come across their small congregation in rural Oklahoma during the Sunday services and an illicit microphone is being used, those same people might not see it the same way about the telecommunications companies.

So on one side there is the big business interests of AT&T and Verizon. On the other side we have the FCC quite able to claim that, with the new allocation of the band to emergency services, unauthorized wireless use represents a potential public danger. At the center is the ill-fated 700 Megahertz user, facing a big fine and very forceful attorneys for the plaintiffs. This isn't what a small town pastor wanted when he decided to form a ministry.

This was proven to be a realistic concern shortly after the white space band was given over to the telecommunication companies. After only 2 months that the restrictions were employed, there was no enforcement by the FCC against wireless users functioning in the designated spectrum. There had, however, been instances of Verizon claiming exclusive license and a right to protection against users who are in violation of the new FCC ruling.

It's not a great situation for many churches and performers. While it is true that the available bandwidth is limited and that there is much to be said for keeping great swaths of it clear for future development, it really does inconvenience those people who have been using wireless microphones quite happily and without incident for years.

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