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Big Brother is watching you



The Federal Communications Commission has issued an order that could have far-reaching — and very expensive — consequences for organizations or individuals using wireless microphones.

The commission said wireless microphone users have until June 12, to modify or replace equipment that operates on the 700-megahertz frequency. Common users of wireless microphones include theaters, arenas and churches.

But the impact isn't limited to professional users. Individuals with karaoke systems or even children with wireless microphones could be affected, the FCC said. It estimated that about 25 percent of all wireless microphones must be replaced or modified.

"We will have to explore our options concerning our cordless mikes," said Donald Immel, senior pastor at The New Stanton Assembly of God Church in Westmoreland County. He was aware of talk about new rules, but had not heard about the FCC's Jan. 15 order. The church uses two earpiece mikes and two hand-held microphones.

"We have gotten an estimate of about $2,400 to replace all four mikes," Immel said.

The 700-megahertz frequency has been set aside for public safety communications, but primarily for manufacturers of the next generation of cell phones, or so-called 4G wireless devices.

"Our decision will accelerate the buildout of 4G wireless networks, and will prevent interference with first responders who rely on the 700-megahertz band for mission-critical communications," said FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, in a statement.

In an FCC auction last year, Verizon Wireless and AT&T won most of the spectrum. Verizon Wireless bid $9.6 billion to grab a large block of valuable spectrum, bolstering its nationwide network and positioning it to roll out next-generation, high-speed wireless systems. AT&T bid $6.6 billion to grab spectrum that will supplement the 700-MHz spectrum it purchased previously.

Word of Life ministries in Hempfield, Westmoreland County, has nearly 30 wireless microphones, with five impacted by the FCC directive, said worship director Nathan Walters.

"We were told last year via an e-mail from a manufacturer that we had until last June or July to replace units," Walters said. "There was a lot of talk, but since we didn't hear anything official, we kept using our units, which we purchased for close to $1,000 each just a few years ago."

The FCC mandated that manufacturers and retailers must provide clear notice to consumers about the terms and conditions under which they use wireless microphones and how they can find more information.

Genachowski said the FCC is planning a "major consumer outreach program," including a Web page.

To find out if a microphone is on the FCC list, and whether it can be modified, go to the FCC Web site, or call toll-free 1-888-225-5322.

I forgot to add the mfg List...see below



http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicropho ... urers.html

And Big Brother wins again.

Sure am glad my shure beta 58's aren't on that list!!

Our overly intrusive government thinks it has the right to spend taxpayer funds to buy back guns in the name of public safety, so why don't they shell out to buy wireless mics that fall in ranges they want to use? I don't think it's anywhere near fair to tell people that they just have to eat the investment they've made in a wireless mic system. Btw, that list on the FCC site included mics operating entirely in the 800 Mhz range, so I don't know how they justify saying they are only regulating the 700 Mhz band.

This does not concern VHF? only UHF ?

It's UHF Jam. VHF is in the 30-300 MHZ range.

There is a "buy back" system in place for the units that are affected (from the manufacturers). No need to blame "The Gummint".

It's actually a rebate on new purchases, and it's not enough.

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EveningStar Entertainment & Events
JR & Michele LaPorte
Peoria, AZ