Just when we thought the discussion regarding reallocation of wireless mic frequencies (known as the “white space debate”) was beginning to die down, a new problem is looming on the horizon.
Users of high end (UHF) wireless mics are now mostly aware that mics designed to be used in the 700mHz range of the broadcast spectrum were supposed to be retired in June of this year because the FCC has auctioned off that part of the spectrum for other uses.
Mic users in high end professional audio and those users in metropolitan areas have mostly migrated to new frequencies, many times taking advantage of great manufacturer rebates in the process. Many users in secondary markets and rural areas have decided to stick with the mics they have while they wait to see what new users will show up in the 700 mHz range.
New initiatives by the FCC to allow currently unused spectrum between major broadcasters in the impacted 700 mHz range are intended to make these “buffer” frequencies available to bring wireless broadband internet services to rural areas.
Furthmore, the FCC is teaming up with the private sector to build databases of unused spectrum that could be made available for broadband. This could force those whose 700 mHz wireless mics to give up their strategy and upgrade.
Big companies like Microsoft and Google are pushing the FCC to allow them to use this space without licensing it. Since their signals would be much more powerful, they would quickly override the unlicensed wireless microphones that now use the same spectrum.
How have you decided to handle wireless mic upgrades. Let us know.
You can read more in this article in the current InformationWeek magazine.
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