One consequence of the DTV transition some weeks ago was a rather large change in the wireless microphone spectrum. Granted, everyone has known about (and been preparing for) these changes for a dozen years now and it's not like anyone noticed when the switch was officially thrown, but it is true that a change took place.

The fundamental issue for wireless microphone users (videographers, stage musicians, repertoire theaters, conference halls, etc.) is that these devices have operated in a sort of gray area for decades now (actually, officially know as "white spaces"). They occupy "open" bandwidth and while technically the FCC should either allocate bandwidth to the devices or require some sort of license to operate them,  the unofficial policy for decades has simply been to ignore the issue. Under the status quo, the FCC doesn't have to spend a ton of money, have a bunch of boring meetings and get official policy passed and wireless mic users can do their thing and everyone is happy. The problem is that there are other devices in that same spectrum (notably medical devices) and, now that the DTV switch has created a bandwidth landrush, people are paying attention to what's been ignored for so long. Specifically at issue today is the 700MHz band.

I don't know if this is generally controversial, but Shure microphones sure *ahem* certainly cares, since it apparently has devices in that bandwidth that it wants to continue selling. Specifically, Shure is objecting to a proposal that wireless mics be deemed co-equal to newly emerging unlicensed devices (Part 15 status, apparently). The short of it is that by officially making wireless mics in this bandwidth "unlicensed," this means they have to "accept" interference, which, theoretically could render them useless. Shure further asserts that this change would contradict the FCC's "...long-standing mandate to protect incumbent users of ‘white spaces’ spectrum...” Did I mention that the proposed change comes from Verizon? So while I really want to side with Shure as the underdog fighting the giant corporate interest, I can see both sides here. First, Shure (and other wireless mics) have enjoyed more or less unofficial protection via a "long-standing mandate" and their business depends on the FCC not changing this. And there are a lot of us that own wireless gear that we depend on for our livelihood. Still,  Verizon is also right when it points out that the FCC auctioned off this bandwidth and Verizon paid a bunch of money for it and they are right that it's probably time to hammer out an official policy on this. I'm guessing Verizon's proposal is not what's best for consumers (or wireless mic manufacturers), but something probably needs to be done. I'm glad I'm not the freakin' FCC.

References:
* EX PARTE COMMENTS OF SHURE INCORPORATED (very exciting FCC filing)
* Shure Objects to Clearing Out of 700 MHz
* Dangerously High Levels Destroying Television
* The Threat to Wireless Mics
* FCC Auction Wraps Up
* h/t to reader Bohus Blahut for the lead - thanks!