Background
Following television’s transition to digital broadcasting, the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) ordered that a specific portion of the
broadcast spectrum be vacated. Performing arts organizations were among
the users who were ordered to discontinue use of wireless microphones in
the 700 MHz Band, but to accommodate the needs of the many unlicensed
users, the FCC announced that two safe haven channels would be set apart
for shared use by unlicensed TV band devices, including wireless
microphones. These two safe haven channels are expected to provide a
total of 16 frequencies, which may be sufficient for an individual
institution; however, the usage of nearby venues must be taken into
account in order to determine whether the aggregate usage might exceed
the two channel allowance. Other potential wireless microphone users
would include other arts organizations such as theaters and opera
companies, but also houses of worship and any other institution that
uses the “white space” between TV channels.
Participate in Trial Database NOW
To help prepare for the arrival and impact of new white space devices,
the FCC has announced a public trial period of a TV band database that
will remain open through November 2, 2011. All interested parties are
encouraged to participate in the test database and share feedback, ask
questions, and report any technical difficulties. Full instructions and
access to the test database can be accessed here >>
The trial database is not testing interference protection, but rather the functionality of the database itself. To participate, orchestras and other wireless microphone users must contact an authorized database system and provide their geographic location, after which the database will return a list of channels that are available for operation by the device for its specific location. This public trial is designed to ensure that the database system can correctly identify channels that are available for unlicensed TV band devices and properly register those facilities entitled to protection.
Sound engineers and operations personnel are urged to test the database! Although individual institutions can experiment with the trial database, venues where large numbers of unlicensed wireless microphones are used can apply to the database as a collective group during this trial period as well. All information entered into the testing site will be erased at the conclusion of the trial, so please remember to share your feedback and usage with the League by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Coming Soon
In addition to participating in the trial database, orchestras should
ascertain now the number of other wireless microphone users that share
the same range of broadcast channels. Once the FCC has concluded the
trial database and launches an official version, it is important to note
that only those users who will exceed the safe haven allowance will be
permitted to register in the new database to come. Therefore, it is
strongly recommended that wireless microphone users work together to
determine their total usage and plan on applying for additional channels
as a collective group. These groups or ad hoc coalitions need not be
incorporated or formalized – there would simply need to be some system
put in place to share anticipated usage for up to a year, submit the
group’s request 30 days before the first performance, and let all
participants know which channels are permitted by the database.
Details are subject to change and the procedure is still being
formulated, but venues will only be able to request the exact number of
channels needed. The channels themselves can be swapped, but the number
of them that are needed will have to be precise, with some
demonstration that the safe haven allowance is insufficient. Once
approved, will be notified whether they can use the channels they requested, and they will need maneuver around others sharing that space as usual.
