Maybe Mike can add more, but my understanding is that the database is part of the White Space Device (now called TV Band Devices) decisions and the FCC is in the process of bidding for the management of the database.
It gets rather convoluted. In allowing TV Band Devices the FCC legalized the use of White Space by unlicensed devices, which opened up the conundrum of how can you accept new unlicensed devices and not also address the large number of current unlicensed devices. However, the specific requirements for these new devices are not met by wireless mic or IEM systems, in fact I don't think they have been proven to be fully met yet by any devices. At the same time, the FCC recognized they needed to some how address the many existing wireless mic and IEM users and is trying to accommodate them. TV Band Devices devices will have to look for unused spectrum, but since some other wireless systems may not be operating at the time this search is done an added element is a geolocation database for certain types of wireless users and certain types of TV Band Devices will have to check this database and avoid operating on any registered frequencies in their geographic area. What is still not known are many related details such as who will run this database, who can be registered in it, how that registration occurs and so on. It is known that the database will accommodate large production houses, major sporting events, etc. but it is not clear how it might apply to smaller theatres, churches, corporate and educational facilities, etc.
The 700MHz spectrum is a totally separate issue, TV Band Devices will not be allowed to operate in that spectrum, thus the database would not apply, and it is expected that the prohibition on anyone other than the successful bidders in the auctions or the first responder systems using that spectrum will soon be passed.
I personally look at what has transpired so far as a positive. Sure, it would have been great for many here if the FCC simply made unlicensed wireless systems legal, but that is unrealistic. However, the recognition of the number and types of existing unlicensed wireless system users and a need to address them coupled with the requirements for TV Band Devices to essentially work around any other transmitting devices were very positive compared to what could have happened. When you look at it from the perspective that there were some fairly powerful and well connected organiztions, 'public interest' groups and corporations that wanted to outright ban all of your existing wireless systems and fine the manufacturers of those devices out of business, primarily so that they could then have exclusive use of that open spectrum for their own unlicensed devices, then the outcome so far looks quite good. We'll have to wait and see how this continues under the new administration.
