The FCC is currently considering a change that would allow organizations and productions with less than 50 microphones to become licensed users and therefore have better access to microphone bandwidth, and we encourage you to share your views with the FCC to make this change.
The deadline is THIS WEDNESDAY, OCT 12!
Please take a moment now to make your voice heard!
If you are an individual:
Please leave a comment expressing support for the potential change in the brief comment box at this link: https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings/express
Please be sure to specify this proceeding number: 14-165
A sample comment might read as follows:
“Dear Chairman Pai, Commissioner Clyburn, Commissioner O’Rielly, Commissioner Carr, Commissioner Rosenworcel, and Ms. Dortch,
As a professional working in the performing arts/frequent attendee of the performing arts, I am very aware of how important wireless microphones are to the success of thousands of productions across the United States every year. I am writing to voice my support for the Commission’s proposal to expand Part 74 license eligibility to include persons and organizations that can demonstrate the need for professional, high-quality audio and have the capability of providing it through conscientious use of wireless microphones. I support and endorse the comments filed in these dockets by The Performing Arts Wireless Microphone Working Group. As well, wireless microphones are critical for delivering the performance in a meaningful way to persons with hearing disabilities. Professional performing arts organizations hold thousands of performances each year, and wireless microphones are essential to producing high-quality performances while mitigating significant public safety concerns. Thank you for your consideration in this matter.”
If you work for a performing arts organization or a school that has performing arts performances:
Please write a letter to the FCC on your organization’s letterhead, using the suggested letter below as a template. All information about your organization’s use and dependence on wireless microphones will be extremely influential. You can submit the letter at this link: https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings.
Please use the following template for filing as an organization or school because this is the MOST IMPORTANT part of influential process to show how dependent we are in the technology:
THEATRE OR ORGANIZATION LETTERHEAD
Date
Chairman Ajit Pai
Commissioner Mignon Clyburn
Commissioner Michael O’Rielly
Commissioner Brendan Carr
Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel
c/o Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20554
Re: ET Docket No. 14-165 and GN Docket Nos. 12-268 and 14-166 Via Electronic Filing
Dear Chairman Pai, Commissioner Clyburn, Commissioner O’Rielly, Commissioner Carr, Commissioner Rosenworcel, and Ms. Dortch,
On behalf of XX theatre, located in City, State, that provides approximately XX performances per year to XX audience members and education programs to XX students, I write with concern about available spectrum and protection for our wireless microphones and backstage communications devices. [ – include service and mission here]
We strongly support the Commission’s proposal to expand Part 74 license eligibility to include persons and organizations that can demonstrate the need for professional, high-quality audio and have the capability of providing it through conscientious use of wireless microphones. We support and endorse the Comments filed in these dockets by The Performing Arts Wireless Microphone Working Group.
Professional performing arts organizations hold thousands of performances each year, and wireless microphones are essential to producing high-quality performances while mitigating significant public safety concerns. Professional wireless capability, with successful interference protection, is essential to our sector.
(Please provide the following information IN NARRATIVE FORM. Please tell the story of your organization’s use of wireless microphones and the importance of wireless devices to your operations:)
- What type of wireless devices do you use?
- microphones
- in-ear communications (IFBs)
- cue and control devices
- equipment controlling devices (not transmitting sound)
- How many units do you use in a typical presentation or performance? (A range is acceptable.)
- How frequently do you offer presentations that use wireless devices?
- What bands and channels do you use?
-
- VHF (channels 2–13, 54 MHz to 216 MHz)
- Low UHF (channels 14–36, 470 to 608 MHz)
- High UHF (channels 38–51, the 600 MHz band, 614 MHz to 698 MHz)
- Any bands outside the TV channels
- Which of your devices are outside the TV bands?
- Are your microphones able to tune to more than one frequency?
- How wide is their tuning ability?
-
- Which of your wireless devices are analog, and which are digital?
- Do you own or rent your wireless equipment?
- For equipment that you own, what is its reasonable life expectancy?
- How did you handle the move out of the 700 MHz band?
- How much did it cost?
- How long did it take for you to retune or replace all your devices?
- If you have an experienced audio technician on staff or as a contractor, please describe his or her education and experience, including any professional associations and certifications.
I would urge the Commission to grant a Part 74 license if an applicant can provide certification of:
- A mission statement of providing performing arts to the public;
- A history of professional-quality wireless audio presentations to audiences without interference;
- Technical guidance and frequency coordination by qualified professionals (active in audio engineering who have academic degrees or equivalent professional experience and who are familiar with radio-frequency coordination);
- A commitment to register for protection only the frequencies, times, and locations actually needed; and
- A practice of keeping logs of all wireless microphone uses, including frequencies, for all performances.
(Please add a personal summary and conclusion. You may take ideas from the following two paragraphs, but please do not merely duplicate them.)
I appreciate that the Commission has sought Public Comment on this very important issue. Professional performing arts organizations and educational institutions should have access to reliably available spectrum with interference protection. I would request that the Commission consider the burden already borne by the performing arts community in vacating the 700 MHz band. I am concerned about the cost of once again replacing my organization’s sound equipment. Once that investment has been made, I would like some assurance that the system will work properly and without interference.
Performing arts organizations provide demonstrable service to the public in improving quality of life; preserving our cultural heritage; and providing education, enlightenment, and entertainment. They also contribute to local economies in every community across this country. I respectfully endorse the Commission’s proposal to expand Part 74 LPAS rules to accommodate performing arts organizations and educational institutions that use fewer than 50 wireless microphones. The proposal is a much-needed solution that benefits the arts community and the public as well as the many new and emerging unlicensed white space technologies.
Sincerely,