FCC ADOPTS RULES FOR UNLICENSED USE OF TELEVISION WHITE SPACES

The FCC Whitespace Device Ruling that will allow the use of whitespace that exists in the broadcast television spectrum on a secondary basis at locations where that spectrum is open has passed. The devices must include a geolocation capability, which includes spectrum-sensing technology.

“Wireless microphones will be protected in a variety of ways. The locations where
wireless microphones are used, such as sporting venues and event and production facilities, can be registered in the data base and will be protected in the same way as other services. The Commission also has required that devices include the ability to listen to the airwaves to sense wireless microphones as an additional measure of protection for these devices”. (FCC Press Release, 4 November 2008, ¶ 2)

This has been a concern to many churches that use wireless microphones and other audio devices that utilize the same frequency spectrum. Keep tuned into this to determine when the database comes on line to register your facility as a whitespace user.

Reference: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-286566A1.pdf