Most wireless microphone systems in the United States operate within the "white spaces" between licensed television stations in the UHF band. Recent changes in FCC rules may dramatically affect the operation of these devices, but the final outcome remains uncertain.

This post is a follow up to the previous Free the Airwaves discussion.

In 1996, a standard was adopted to convert broadcast television from analog to digital (DTV) transmission. The migration to DTV is nearly complete, and on February 17, 2009, all analog TV broadcasts will cease in the US.

As part of this migration, the portion of the television spectrum from 698 to 806MHz (UHF channels 52-69) has been reallocated, with some of it auctioned off and a portion being dedicated as emergency services communications channels. After February 17, 2009, operation of all wireless microphones, in-ear monitor systems, and similar equipment in this range must cease.

In addition, the FCC voted yesterday (PDF) to allow unlicensed use of the "white spaces" between stations in the range below 698MHz (channels 14-51, with the exception of channel 37, which is reserved.) While the initial FCC ruling indicates that new devices must detect and avoid existing broadcasts, the future of the wireless microphone industry remains unclear.

Wireless microphone operation in the US falls under Part 74, Subpart H of the FCC rules, "Low Power Auxiliary Stations." The catch is, operators have to file and pay for a license to be legal under these rules. There may be as many as 1 million systems in operation, but only 952 users have actually licensed their systems. Apparently, the FCC has always frowned upon these devices, so the application process is tedious and many who attempt it eventually give up.

When held to the letter of the law, your church is operating an illegal pirate radio station, a felony subject to confiscation of equipment and a fine of $11,000 per violation per day.

Yes, I picked the most alarmist Chicken Little language I could find. I did it on purpose, so you don't need to flame me for being a moron. The laws are rarely enforced, because your signal can barely make it outside the building, and it's not likely to become a big issue right away. However, something has to be done about all of this.

There are a couple of solutions in the works. One proposed solution is to hang us out to dry, and to prosecute everyone who has confessed to a felony by filing a comment with the FCC on the topic.

Shure has proposed simply allocating some channels for us to use and changing the rules to make us all legal.

In July, the Public Interest Spectrum Coalition (PISC) filed a 50 page complaint and Petition for Rulemaking, arguing that Shure and other manufacturers have been marketing wireless microphones in violation of FCC rules, then using the victims of this deceptive marketing scam as “human shields” in the white spaces debate. This complaint calls for amnesty for all unlicensed operators while the details are worked out, and a final solution calling for the manufacturers to replace the equipment they sold us at their expense.

Until the dust settles, there is probably little we can do except watch the news and pray for a favorable outcome. Other than that, it might be advisable to file for a license under Part 74, Subpart H.

The rules for obtaining a license seem pretty stringent, but I found some info in a post on ProSoundWeb that may help. Licenses are granted to broadcasters and TV/Film producers. Video - and perhaps even audio podcast - distribution of your services may make you eligible for a license, which isn't that expensive. It appears that regardless of the ultimate conclusion, licensed operators will get preferential treatment, so getting licensed seems like a good move no matter what else happens.

I have bookmarked several articles and resources while researching this topic. See my delicious whitespaces bookmarks for more information.

Micah