Here is a helpful summary of twelve bullet points about the now completed FCC Incentive Auction, as prepared by Joe Ciaudelli, Director of U.S. Spectrum Affairs for Sennheiser Innovation & Research.
- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is repurposing UHF frequencies 614-698 MHz for mobile broadband services. These frequencies have traditionally been used for over-the-air TV broadcast and wireless microphones.
- Almost every venue and person using multiple wireless microphones in the United States will need to reconfigure their systems by 2021 to comply with new federal regulations.
- The definition of wireless microphones includes in-ear monitors, intercom systems, and interruptible fold back (IFB) systems.
- About half of the existing UHF equipment is likely to be rendered obsolete, or will require modification (if allowed; FCC decision is pending).
- UHF wireless microphones that do not have the ability to tune above 608 MHz can continue to be used as is in the future.
- Timing of the deployment of the new 600 MHz broadband services will vary by market area, with some services likely commencing well before 2021. Therefore, we recommend that wireless microphone owners and operators start replacing equipment now and plan to complete their transition by 2020 (at least a year before the final deadline).
- There will be portions (guard band and duplex gap) of the repurposed spectrum where wireless microphones will be permitted to operate but under different rules. Existing equipment cannot be used unless the FCC decides to permit modifications.
- The two reserved microphone channels that currently exist in each geographic market are being eliminated. However, wireless microphones may use portions of the guard band and duplex gap for their exclusive operation.
- The FCC has proposed that at least one vacant “white space” TV channel exist in every market for shared use between wireless microphones and white space devices, but it has not yet made a final decision. The possibility exists that the new FCC leadership may reverse course on this issue. Regardless, many areas, particularly suburban and rural ones, are likely to have more than one white space channel.
- It is important for wireless microphone users to know whether their operations are unlicensed (most) or qualify to be licensed under Part 74 of the Commission’s rules (e.g., TV/film producers, newscasters, major theaters or large sound companies).
- The FCC has opened other frequency bands for wireless microphone use.
- UHF is still a preferred band on which to operate wireless microphones for professional and many semi-professional applications.
