[Farfensound]

I know most of you slutz hardly see sun light and less frequently use wireless gear. But I'm hoping that some might be familiar with H.R. 5252 and S. 2686. "A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 and for other purposes." (A.K.A. Communications, Consumer's Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006).

These bills describe the redistribution of wireless frequencies after all US TV broadcasters switch over to Digital broadcasting (hopefully) in Feb 2009. Of particular interest is Title VI (Wireless Innovation Act of 2006 or WIN Act of 2006).

HISTORY: With analogue TV signals it was necessary to put some frequency distance between each station creating what is called "White Space" between each channel. Within this white space is where Audio manufactures have licensed their wireless products. With the Digital TV signals being much more controllable they can be put much closer together leaving less space between stations and more space left open elseware. This act hopes to effectively redistribute the Freq' bands.

Because of redistributed space and more technologies (broadband access) that want to use it, there is some pushing and shoving going on in the Senate. At the moment the Audio industry is getting pushed around. If the wireless audio industry isn’t careful they may be run out of their space.

At the moment it looks as if the Government is not taking all users of these frequencies into account when redistributing these Frequencies. (Big Surprise!). Lobbying groups for the Computer and Telecommunications industries are making headway into getting their way with these "Unused" TV Frequencies. (They seem to have a lot more money than the Audio industry does.)

What does that mean to users? It means that the wireless mics and in ear monitors we use will become inoperable in some or all markets. Requiring units to be retrofitted at a cost to the consumer and to the industry as a whole.

I’ve heard from Shure Inc. and know what their stance is on this. I’m looking for other manufacturers stance on this and to also get the word out about how this bill could negatively effect our industry.

Karl Steps down off his soap box and waits for the tomatoes to fly.