According to NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants), on November 4th, 2008, the FCC plans to vote to open wireless frequencies to wireless companys, hurting live musicians across the U.S.
The FCC will vote on a measure that will open TV band frequencies to new protable and mobile devices without a solution for wireless instrument and microphone interference problems. Harmful interference could hinder the performance of live music in public schools, universities, curches, performing arts center, outdoor arenas and countless bars and restaurants across the country.
NAMM and a large coalition of groups is asking for your help now to write to the FCC and express your feelings about this development, which will cause harm not just to companies that manufacture wireless music products, but also to anyoneone who has a stake in supporting live musicians, many of whom use wireless ear monitors, microphones and instrument systems.
Tell the FCC that for this to pass, there must be some allowances made for live musicians! Stand up with NAMM and be heard now!
Click the link below sign the NAMM petition.
http://www.namm.org/publicaffairs/action-alerts/protect-live-music
November, 7, 2008 - UPDATE:
FCC Votes Against MI Wireless Products
On Tuesday, the Federal Communications Commission voted to allow technology companies like Google, Microsoft, Dell, and Motorola to produce “white spaces” devices that will use the same radio frequency (RF) spectrum now being used by wireless microphone and guitar systems.
The commission adopted certain elements of Shure’s recent wireless microphone interference protection plan. However, there are still concerns that, despite technical evidence to the contrary, the commission’s action opens the door to a new breed of wireless gadgetry that relies on unproven technology as a safeguard against interference to wireless microphones.
“While not unexpected, today’s FCC decision will greatly complicate the lives of wireless microphone users across the United States and negatively affect tens of millions of Americans listening to live and broadcast events,” said Mark Brunner, Shure’s senior director, global public and industry relations.
