FCC 600MHz Auction in 2016

Started by HCarlH, August 12, 2015, 02:32:14 PM

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HCarlH

Since the V-Guitar Forum is populated by very intelligent and knowledgeable gurus in matters of this type (Elantric being one of those!), I am asking here.   :)

It seems some of we owners of wireless devices might possibly be in for a shock next year with the FCC auction.
I've only had my Carvin branded EM900 for a year and it resides in the neighborhood of 638-662 MHz. I'm not
very knowledgeable about this stuff and I'm trying to determine if I'm in danger of having obsolete gear.
I've tried reading some of the bandwidth charts and not getting anywhere.

I've noticed that Carvin has already switched to an IEM system that operates in the 500MHz area.

Does anyone here know exactly which bands will be affected and if we will be able to exist in the "guard bands" or if we'll have access? This is the latest news I've been able to find.  Thanks!   :)

http://www.fiercemobilegovernment.com/story/fcc-opens-600-mhz-band-more-unlicensed-use-adopts-wireless-mic-rules/2015-08-12
GR-55 (or) Fishman TP + Kemper Profiling Rack -->> 
QSC K10 -->> FOH
Fender Squier Stratocaster Bullet (w/GK3), Ibanez AM93 (w/FTP pickup),  Stratocaster (w/FTP pickup)

Telecaster, Charvel SoCal ProMod, Gibson Les Paul, PV Wolfgang,

Elantric

#1
Reference reading
http://www.freqofnature.com/index.php?m=Common&p=Wireless%20Microphones
http://www.amazon.com/Shure-SLX24-Wireless-Handheld-Microphone/dp/B0006G394W?
Consumer Alert: Most users do not need a license to operate this wireless microphone system. Nevertheless, operating this microphone system without a license is subject to certain restrictions: the system may not cause harmful interference; it must operate at a low power level (not in excess of 50 milliwatts); and it has no protection from interference received from any other device. Purchasers should also be aware that the FCC is currently evaluating use of wireless microphone systems, and these rules are subject to change. For more information, call the FCC at 1-888- CALL-FCC (TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC) or visit the FCC's wireless microphone website at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones.

https://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/wireless-microphones

600 MHz Band.

In the May 2014 Incentive Auction Report and Order, the FCC adopted rules to implement the broadcast television spectrum incentive auction, which will involve reorganizing the existing television band and repurposing a portion of the UHF television band for new wireless broadband services, which will no longer be available to wireless microphones. This repurposing of the 600 MHz spectrum will, therefore, affect wireless microphone operations across the current TV bands in the future. Until the incentive auction involving this TV band spectrum is completed and the FCC issues a channel reassignment Public Notice establishing the final 600 MHz Band plan, the impact of repurposing on wireless microphones will not be known because the specific UHF frequencies that are being repurposed for wireless services and no longer available for wireless microphones will not be known.
The FCC has provided for a multi-year period to help smooth the transition as wireless microphone operators obtain new equipment and transition out of the repurposed 600 MHz band to other spectrum. During the transition period, these operators may continue to access the 600 MHz Band spectrum, but will operate on a secondary basis to the new 600 MHz licensees and must not cause interference to and must accept harmful interference from those licensees. The transition period will end 39 months after the issuance of the channel reassignment Public Notice, at which time all wireless microphone and other LPAS users must cease operations on the repurposed 600 MHz Band frequencies. The FCC is considering what steps to take for a smooth transition of wireless microphones out of the 600 MHz Band. FCC 14-145

The FCC is exploring steps to address wireless microphone users' long-term needs, including potentially accessing spectrum in additional spectrum bands. In a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in FCC 14-145, the FCC is examining other spectrum bands where wireless microphones currently operate as well as proposals for authorizing wireless microphones in additional spectrum bands. FCC 14-145

In a separate Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in FCC 14-144, the FCC is addressing issues that include the operation of unlicensed white space devices, unlicensed wireless microphones and wireless microphones licensed under Part 74, while protecting authorized licensed service from harmful interference.


700 MHz Band.

The FCC prohibits the operation of wireless microphones and similar devices (e.g., wireless intercoms, wireless in-ear monitors, wireless audio instrument links, and wireless cueing equipment) in the 700 MHz Band, i.e., 698 - 806 MHz. This 700 MHz band formerly had been allocated for TV broadcast services, and has been repurposed for wireless broadband and public safety services. The manufacture, import, sale, lease, offer for sale or lease, or shipment of wireless microphones or similar devices intended for use in the United States in the 700 MHz Band was banned by the FCC in January 2010, and use of the devices in the 700 MHz Band also was prohibited as of June 12, 2010. Refer to the materials available in the link below for further information on these prohibitions.
Wireless Microphones Prohibited 700MHz Band
https://www.fcc.gov/help/wireless-microphones-prohibited-700-mhz-band


gumtown

Here in New Zealand, it has been a big issue with the likes of community run theatrical societies, where they have fund raised and invested heavily in IEM and wireless mics, only to recently find the spectrum has been revoked from public free license use and is being sold, either to private terrestrial television or cellular phones companies.
And new frequencies allocated.
This includes much of the current IEM's, wireless mics, and wireless guitar equipment in the 600~700 MHz band
Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

HCarlH

Thanks Elantric and gumtown. Basically it's just a waiting game; no one knows and anything can happen.
GR-55 (or) Fishman TP + Kemper Profiling Rack -->> 
QSC K10 -->> FOH
Fender Squier Stratocaster Bullet (w/GK3), Ibanez AM93 (w/FTP pickup),  Stratocaster (w/FTP pickup)

Telecaster, Charvel SoCal ProMod, Gibson Les Paul, PV Wolfgang,

HCarlH

GR-55 (or) Fishman TP + Kemper Profiling Rack -->> 
QSC K10 -->> FOH
Fender Squier Stratocaster Bullet (w/GK3), Ibanez AM93 (w/FTP pickup),  Stratocaster (w/FTP pickup)

Telecaster, Charvel SoCal ProMod, Gibson Les Paul, PV Wolfgang,

gumtown

You might be able to listen to a bit of TV while playing then  ;)
Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

HCarlH

Quote from: gumtown on August 12, 2015, 03:25:54 PM
You might be able to listen to a bit of TV while playing then  ;)

My TV screen is used as my computer monitor and weather forecasts plus the odd episode of Hogan's Heroe's.....and that's about it.   ;D
GR-55 (or) Fishman TP + Kemper Profiling Rack -->> 
QSC K10 -->> FOH
Fender Squier Stratocaster Bullet (w/GK3), Ibanez AM93 (w/FTP pickup),  Stratocaster (w/FTP pickup)

Telecaster, Charvel SoCal ProMod, Gibson Les Paul, PV Wolfgang,


admin

#8
Status  and Trade in programs for users of 600MHz gear

http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/site/16505e589e0be6c8/index.html

QuoteHow long will Audio-Technica continue to sell wireless systems that operate in the 600 MHz band?


We have discontinued all of our 600 MHz wireless systems in North America, effective April 21, 2017.

http://performermag.com/music-news/sennheiser-offers-upgrade-path-for-600mhz-wireless-users-following-fcc-decision/
QuoteSENNHEISER OFFERS UPGRADE PATH FOR 600MHZ WIRELESS USERS FOLLOWING FCC DECISION

https://sesystems.com/blog/wireless-trade-in-programs/
Attention Pro Audio Wireless Users
Let SE Systems help you navigate through the 600MHz jungle of products affected by the newest FCC rulings.
Over the next few years, the FCC's Incentive Auction will prohibit customers from operating wireless microphones in the 600 MHz frequency band. The auction impacts the 600 Megahertz ("MHz") band, specifically 614-698 MHz. Your current wireless systems may be affected. New rules now in effect for operating wireless microphones and similar devices will restrict their use in certain bands of the spectrum currently used for television broadcast. As a result, some equipment changes may be needed for local theaters, churches, schools, conference centers, sports stadiums and other users of such devices. SE Systems is here to help users make the transition to non 600 MHz gear. If you own a wireless microphone or in-ear system that operates in the 600 MHz band, you need to take advantage of the trade-in programs offered by the major manufacturers of wireless gear. Three of the largest wireless manufacturers have Trade-In programs that can help users replace their 600 MHz gear. These programs will not last forever, so the time to replace is now. Let the SE Systems staff help you buy the best wireless unit for your needs, and get a rebate by trading in your 600 MHz gear.

Audio-Technica 600 MHz Wireless Rebate
Audio-Technica is offering a "Trade-In On Your Terms" program to help you make the switch out of 600 MHz when necessary. For each 600 MHz wireless system you trade in (regardless of manufacturer) you'll receive a rebate on an eligible Audio-Technica wireless system. To give you the flexibility to budget and switch to a new system, A-T is running this trade-in program from August 15, 2017, through March 31, 2019. Verify that your trade-in system operates in the 600 MHz band. Your receiver and/or transmitter should include a sticker with the frequency range. If any part of the listed frequency range falls within the 614 – 698 MHz range, your system will eventually be prohibited from operating and is eligible for trade-in. Purchase an eligible Audio-Technica wireless system from an authorized Audio-Technica dealer in the U.S. and its territories between 8/15/2017 and 3/31/2019.

For more info on the A-T wireless rebate visit: www.audio-technica.com/600mhztradein.

Sennheiser 600 MHz Wireless Rebate
Sennheiser offers a wide range of wireless mics and monitoring systems for any budget, which fully comply with current and future FCC rules and regulations. Wireless mics and monitoring systems are currently allowed to operate from 470 - 698 MHz. In the next few years, the FCC will limit operation to 470 - 608 MHz. While the majority of wireless systems in use today will be unaffected, 614-698 MHz will be repurposed, and will largely become unavailable to wireless microphones after a transition period that will end on July 13, 2020. To check if your current wireless will be affected, look for a printed sticker on your equipment indicating its frequency range. On Sennheiser wireless, this information is printed on both transmitters and receivers and is often visible on the main display. Purchase new wireless from an authorized Sennheiser dealer from June 14th, 2017 through December 31st, 2017. Send back your 600MHz wireless unit regardless of manufacturer for rebate.

For more info on the Sennheiser wireless rebate visit: www.sennheiser.com/600-mhz-promo

Shure 600 MHz Wireless Rebate
The Shure 600 MHz Wireless Rebate allows you to trade in your eligible system (regardless of manufacturer) for a rebate with the purchase of a new system. This rebate offer is available for purchases made from April 17, 2017, until April 30, 2018. Due to the FCC Incentive Auction, the use of wireless microphones and personal monitor systems in the 600 MHz Band eventually will be prohibited by law. 614-698 MHz will be repurposed, and will largely become unavailable to wireless microphones after a transition period that will end on July 13, 2020. If you use wireless systems that operate in the 600 MHz Band, then you should plan to transition to another range of spectrum. Rebates are paid per channel. To qualify for the full rebate amount, the number of returned channels must match the number of purchased channels. Systems come in a variety of configurations. Receivers may have multiple channels. Personal monitor system transmitters also may have multiple channels. Receiver types include tabletop, camera mount, bodypack, and rack mount. Transmitter types include handheld, bodypack, and plug-on. Personal monitor systems include rack mount transmitters.

For more info on the Shure wireless rebate visit: https://wirelessrebate.shure.com/