The Issue of White Space and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

Action Alerts:

4/5/11: Protect Wireless Microphones Used by Performing Arts Organizations
Professional wireless sound equipment is used to provide high-quality audio to performing arts audiences. The FCC's introduction of new wireless devices in radio frequencies currently used for wireless microphone and related audio equipment could have a negative impact on theatres’ backstage operations.
ACTION: Ask your Representative and Senators to oppose legislation that would allow unlicensed devices to threaten wireless microphones used in theaters and nonprofit performance venues. Click here to send your elected officials a message protecting wireless microphones used by theatres.

2/4/10: FCC Issues Notice to Vacate the 700s MGz Band
On January 15, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued an Order and a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking making effective their call for wireless microphone users to vacate the 700 MHz spectrum by June 12, 2010.  Performing arts organizations using wireless microphones must comply with the FCC's order and leave the 700 MHz Band as soon as possible. 
ACTION: If you have not already done so, be sure to confirm the frequencies on which your wireless microphones operate.  If they operate in the 700 MHz Band, consult the FCC's online resource to verify if your equipment can be modified to operate outside of the affected spectrum.  Depending on make and model, some of your equipment could be re-banded with a new frequency range, so it is important to begin this process immediately.

1/27/10: TCG joins Coalition of Wireless Microphone Users  Theatre Communications Group has joined the Coalition of Wireless Microphone Users (CWMU) led by the Broadway League. This coalition also includes organizations from other sectors which utilize wireless microphone technology. Government Affairs Staff from the Performing Arts Alliance have had meetings with senior staff in both commissioner Copps and McDowell’s offices, and on September 11, TCG executive director Teresa Eyring, along with other representatives of the CWMU met with Ruth Milkman, Wireless Communications Bureau Chief; Erin McGrath, advisor to Commissioner Baker; and David Goldman, legal advisor to Chairman Genachowski. They discussed the White Space issue and FCC staff members were receptive to the concerns expressed by the CWMU.  ACTION: Sign up for action alerts from the Performing Arts Alliance.

6/10/08: Protect Wireless Microphones
The FCC’s introduction of new wireless devices in radio frequencies currently used for wireless microphone and related audio equipment could have a negative impact on our communities, performers, and audiences.
ACTION: Ask your Representative and Senators to oppose legislation that would allow unlicensed devices to threaten wireless microphones used in theaters and nonprofit performance venues. Click here to see the Performing Arts Alliance Webpage, an Action Alert on this issue, and to access a sample letter.

10/30/07: FCC Rulemaking May Threaten Performing Arts Wireless Microphones!
The FCC is under pressure to approve new wireless devices to operate in the so-called "White Space." These are the same wireless frequencies used by wireless microphones in our theatres and could jeopardize your system. This issue is the most serious technology issue the American arts community has faced in the last 30 years. The FCC could act in early November on this issue.
ACTION: If your theatre has not yet filed comments with the FCC, please visit the Performing Arts Alliance website for more information.