Wireless Mics Shouldn't Have To Exit TV Band Early, Shure Says

The FCC should rethink a proposal that would force licensed, professional wireless mics to exit parts of the 600 MHz band earlier than other users, wireless mic maker Shure said in comments. These mics should be able to operate as long as low-power TV stations and TV translator stations, Shure said. “Wireless microphones have successfully operated, on a secondary basis, on unassigned channels in the TV spectrum for decades,” Shure said. “Wireless microphone use has grown rapidly and today, these devices provide critical support to a wide range of sectors including TV broadcasting, news casting, theater, live music, sports, religious, civic and academic institutions.” The transition timeline is “critical to users in these sectors and to wireless microphone manufacturers compelled to ensure that the dramatic change in available UHF spectrum resulting from the Incentive Auction and TV broadcast rebanding does not disrupt existing operation of wireless microphones or stymie continued availability of high quality wireless microphone equipment,” Shure said. It filed reply comments in the proceeding defining the official start date of operations for carriers that buy licenses in the TV incentive auction (see 1505190047). The comments were posted Tuesday in docket 12-268.