Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) has introduced the
Wireless Microphone Users Interference Protection Act of 2013, which would create two "safe haven" channels for wireless mics and otherwise attempt to
shield them from interference. The National Association of Broadcasters (
NAB) is backing the bill that would help protect wireless microphones in an FCC-repacked spectrum world. According to
NAB President Gordon Smith, who wrote to Rush, "Without safe haven protections for these operations, broadcasters may not be able to provide on-the-scene coverage of breaking news, emergency information and political events…." He also said available spectrum is likely to become more congested in the future and called Rush's bill an important step toward trying to safeguard licensed mic use.
Shure Inc. President/CEO Sandy LaMantia praised Rep. Rush's efforts in helping to protect wireless
microphone users, including houses of worship, government facilities, schools and universities, convention centers, theaters and live entertainment venues, and stadiums, from the loss of available spectrum.
HR 2911 would require that wireless mics have access to the TV band databases the FCC created to try and ensure that unlicensed wireless devices operating in the "white spaces" in broadcast spectrum do not interfere with licensed services, such as TV stations.
