In the wake of the recent FCC ruling that set a final date for the retirement of wireless microphones in the 700 MHz band, there’s word that churches may be excluded from the new geo-location database that will provide important protection from interference with your wireless mics.

Chris Lyons with Shure, and Doug Gould of Worship MD (formerly with Shure, too!) along with many others are working hard to get the word out on what could be a huge issue for churches. It’s another part of the complex 700 MHz, digital TV transition, white spaces issue that have been causing confusion for wireless users for the past few years.

The FCC is considering a change in licensing rules, for wireless microphone, in-ear monitors, wireless com and similar equipment operating in the television broadcast band.

Until now, only a select few, like broadcasters, and movie and TV producers could actually license this equipment. All other users, including churches, schools, theaters and other users were operating without a license. The FCC has been aware of this for years, and operation of these devices is permitted with or without a license.

However, development and testing of a new generation of portable devices and fixed location services has begun. Look forward to a lot of cool new connected toys. But, they will be operating in the same TV bands that wireless mics use.

To protect wireless mic, monitor and com users, the FCC is working to develop a geo-location database that will allow licensed wireless users to register their systems. These new TV band devices will check that database to avoid licensed wireless users. It’s an important protection to avoid having someone with a cool new connected handheld device stepping all over your wireless mic transmissions in the middle of a show.

The question is whether churches will be among those who can obtain licenses, and register in the database.

“The FCC believes that not everyone needs protection from interference, and that protecting everyone would make too much spectrum off-limits to new internet-enabled ‘white space’ devices.,” said Lyons.  “They are seeking some way of classifying wireless mic users so that they can easily determine whether they should or should not be eligible for license, whether that is based on the type of facility (church, school, theater), type of activity (broadcasting, recording, live performance), number of seats, or whatever.”

And, if churches are not on that list, that could potentially leave churches wide open to intermittent and continuous interference in their systems.

So, what can you do about it?

The FCC is accepting comments on who should be allowed to get licenses until February 22nd. It is critical that they hear, loud and clear from churches about how important it is that they be allowed to register.

For guidelines on how you can submit comments on this issue, send an email message to wirelessmicrophones@shure.com. You will receive a reply message with details on what information must be included in your comments and how to file them with the FCC.

In your comments, be sure to include how many systems you use, what kind of services and productions you do, and describe the impact that losing reliable wireless would have on your services.

I’ll be sending my comments later today. I hope you will, too.

For 700 MHZ wireless, the end is finally near!

The deadline has been set.  Finally!  The FCC has made official their order regarding wireless mic systems operating the the so-called 700 MHz band. As of June 12, it will be illegal to operate wireless mics in this spectrum. This has been a drama played out over more than 10 years. It’s nice just to have a firm date. There is more background on the “why” behind this decision this morning, over at TechnoPraxis if you’re interested.

So, if you still have systems operating between 695 and 806 MHZ, what should you do?

First, if you have not already done so, it’s time to contact your dealer to replace your now obsolete systems. You can check your system on the FCC website to see if it’s covered by the new rule.

http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones/manufacturers.html

The good news is that the major manufacturers have extended their rebate programs through the end of June, so you can get some help with the financial impact of this decision.

Beyond that, expect the remaining spectrum that we are allowed to use for wireless to get a bit more congested. The FCC has stated that wireless mic usage takes priority over these new broadband devices, but only when it comes to preventing interference. If you’re operating a wireless microphone, the THEORY is that the new devices should avoid you and pick another frequency to operate on.

There will be a registration database that will allow wireless users to stake a claim for specific frequencies in specific locations. There are also ongoing tests to create workable sensing technology. The new devices will check to see if you’re operating a wireless mic before they operate on a specific frequency. We may also see the development of wireless beacons. Think of it as a wireless lighthouse. Wireless mic users will transmit a signal that will tell these new broadband devices to stay away.

Regardless of how this all shakes out, one thing is clear. The airwaves are getting more crowded, and wireless mics are expensive. You can avoid all of these problems pretty easily, by simply using wired microphones whenever possible. If the talent isn’t moving around, and moving around a lot, think wired. As my friend tp:// is fond of saying, “the cheapest wired microphone on the cheapest cable is FAR more reliable than the most expensive wireless system available.”

That is good advice.