Update on the Fate of the 700MHz band

There are currently two issues of concern regarding changes to allocation of RF spectrum in the UHF range.

They are:

1. Auctioning of the “700MHz band” (698-806MHz). As of June 12, 2010, this portion of RF spectrum will officially no longer be available to Part 74 users (i.e. wireless microphones): http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/wirelessmic_advisory.html
   
   At the same time, most analog TV broadcasts have shut down and only DTV stations are in operation in most locations. Because the 700MHz band is no longer available to TV broadcasters, they will have moved to a lower range.
   
   Thus, our blocks 27, 28 & 29 will have new transmissions appearing from the new owners of this spectrum (Verizon, Qualcomm, etc.), while our blocks 19-26 may have a few new DTV channels when compared to a couple years ago, depending on the local market. However, in many cases you will see less interference from TV channels since as of today, there are actually less of them operating overall since the duplicate analog channels have been shut off.
   
   Blocks 27, 28, 29 have not been sold for US for some time – dealers were informed of this situation in the Fall of ’07 and at the end of ’08 we stopped making them for the US market altogether.
   
   

2. The FCC has approved the development of unlicensed consumer products that will use the “white spaces” (remaining unused spectrum between existing TV transmissions). Here’s what that means
   
   These new devices will be required by the FCC to employ “Spectrum Sensing” technology that will determine what, if any, other users may be present in the RF spectrum, including TV transmissions and wireless microphone systems, among others.
   
   These devices will also use a geo-location system (GPS) along with a database of  known, licensed signal sources, such as TV broadcasts and high-profile wireless mic users to avoid interference.
   
   What This Means
   Since June of 2009, there have been fewer TV stations in operation overall. This is because today, many stations are running redundant NTSC (analog) and DTV broadcasts.
   
   Please note the tables in the sidebar at right showing some examples of major metro markets and the available white space spectrum now and after June, 2009
   Lectrosonics makes high-powered systems, from 50mW to 250mW, Thus, we already have a major advantage over systems with low-powered transmitters. Also, all of our transmitters have isolated outputs, thus using higher power, as we do, is not the problem (intermodulation products) as it is with competitor’s units that are not isolated. Bottom line: our systems will operate very well even with a fair amount of broad-band noise.
   
   Please note, however, that per the new FCC ruling, unlicensed users will only be allowed to use wireless microphone transmitters with 50 mW or less.
   It will not be legal for us (or any manufacturer) to make and sell transmitters above 698MHz. Our range now covers from 470 through 691 MHz so that spectrum lost at the high range can be compensated for on the low end. In addition, for broadcast users, we have products in the 944-952MHz range, IFB, SM Series, UCR401 and SR.
   Keep in mind that the first 68 frequencies available in block 27 will continue to be legal. If you are using block 27 systems, you may NOT need to do anything.
   For those customers who would like to convert their block 27, 28 or 29 systems to lower blocks, please consult this PDF price table. This applies only to current products and to those products purchased new within the last 5 years from an authorized dealer. Conclusions
   Conclusions

   1. The sky is not falling (remember Y2K?). Wireless mics in the UHF band will not be rendered useless within the next few years. Existing and foreseeable-future wireless mics, particularly those made by Lectrosonics, will be fully operational for years to come. Yes – there may be some challenges but mostly it will be about learning and adapting to the new RF spectrum.
   2. Although the FCC requires the 700MHz band to be "vacated' as of June 2010, it is unrealistic to expect that all users of low-powered devices (wireless mics) will stop using their current systems. It is very likely that many unaware wireless mic users operating in this range will continue to operate illegally for some time, until their equipment ceases to function.
   3. Licensed, legal, part 74 users such as broadcast stations will have to cease operation in the 700 MHz band, and many have already done so.
   4. Manufacturers of part 74 devices have already ceased manufacturing, importing, or even shipping units that operate in the 700 MHz band into the US market.
   5. Commercial development of this band will begin in the large metro areras first, then work its way out to the further reaches of the country, the same way that cellular coverage did in the 1990s. So again, you may not notice interference yet, but it will likely come within the next couple of years.
   6. Lectrosonics already has, as required by the FCC, ceased manufacturing and selling blocks 27, 28 and 29 for the US market at the end of 2008. To convert your systems in these blocks to lower blocks, consult this PDF pricing table.
   7. No one currently knows what will happen in the 470 to 698 MHz range. If and when the consumer "TV Band Devices" hit the market (probably starting at the end of 2010 or later), the UHF band will be similar in terms of congestion to the way the 2.4 GHz band and other unlicensed bands already are today. In other words, it will be workable with proper planning, good system components and good system design.

   Lectrosonics is very concerned about these issues, and we hope to do everything possible to make you aware of what is happening and help you with the transition. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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