White Spaces

White Spaces Comment Period Extended to March 1

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is considering expanding its licensing rules for wireless microphones, in-ear monitors, production intercom systems, and similar equipment that operate in the television broadcast (VHF and UHF) band.

Until recently, only broadcasters, motion picture and television program producers and similar entities were eligible for licenses. However, the FCC is aware that wireless microphones are used today by a host of others, including live event professionals, performers, houses of worship, theaters, schools, businesses and others.

The FCC permits wireless microphone operation either with or without a license. In the future, however, licensed users may be granted additional protection against interference from potential consumer wireless TV Band Devices that will operate in the same spectrum as wireless microphones.

The FCC needs to hear from wireless users who believe they should be eligible for a wireless microphone license. It is imperative that you inform the FCC how your operations will be affected by periodic interference from new TV Band Devices. All who rely on wireless audio devices should submit comments to the FCC before the deadline of March 1, 2010.

Please contact Betsy Jaffe, InfoComm Director of Public and Government Relations, for additional information.

Guidelines for User Comments on Proposed FCC Wireless Mic Rules (PDF)
FCC Comment Filing Template Letter (PDF)

On November 4, 2008, the FCC approved the use of the “white spaces” — the TV channels that are not actually occupied by a broadcast station — to deliver wireless broadband Internet and other services to consumer wireless devices.

InfoComm Special Report on White Spaces

FCC's Second Report and Order and Memorandum Opinion and Order (PDF)

Summary of the FCC's White Spaces Order (PDF)

InfoComm’s Complete Comments on the FCC White Spaces Decision (PDF)

FCC Press Release and Commissioners’ Comments (11/4/2008) (PDF)

Statement of Chairman Kevin J. Martin (PDF)

Statement of Commissioner Jonathan S. Adelstein (PDF)

Statement of Commissioner Robert M. McDowell (PDF)

Statement of Commissioner Michael J. Copps (PDF)

Statement of Commissioner Deborah Taylor Tate (PDF)

White Spaces Archive

InfoComm International Statement to the Federal Communications Commission on Rulemaking 04-186 (PDF)