Wireless microphones, faire, and the FCC

[justsomeguytn]

I just saw an article that says the frequencies that wireless microphones work on is being handed over to cell companies for wireless broadband.  Anyone know how this will affect faires that use wireless microphones?

[dbaldock]

Mostly, it's just Wireless Microphones that operate at frequencies above 700 MHz that are no longer usable, but that's because of the transition from Analog to Digital TV Broadcasting in the USA.

Ref: Broadcast Engineering - FCC prohibits wireless mics in 700MHz band after DTV transition

Wireless Microphones are the Secondary user on the frequencies where they operate (and they run at low power so as not to interfere) - especially if they're operating in a Licensed Band (one assigned to Television Stations as the Primary user).  There are a few Unlicensed Bands where a lot of equipment operates (900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, 5.8 GHz), but that makes for a lot of interference.  It is possible that some of the previous Television Channel frequencies that were auctioned off by the FCC last year were purchased by Cellular companies to increase their wireless broadband networks.  But those are Licensed Band frequencies, and the license holder has the right to use it --- and no one else is allowed to be a jammer or create interference at that frequency.

Take Care,
David Baldock