By George Petersen

YOU’VE HEARD THAT OLD ADAGE “WRITE YOUR CONGRESSMAN” a million times, but you probably never did. But maybe this time you should, especially if you’re a user of pro audio wireless systems, whether for mics, guitars, IFB, radio intercoms or in-ear monitoring. You see, with the upcoming shift to DTV broadcasting less than two years away, analog TV over the airwaves is gonna disappear. So who cares, anyway? I get cable at home… Well, you better care, because, some very large, well-financed players are looking at picking up a lot of soon-to-be unused frequencies for new uses, such as portable Internet devices.

So what does any of this have to do with audio? Plenty. Because unlike CB radio and maritime navigation, pro audio never had any official allotment of frequencies from the FCC for wireless use. We rode on the coattails of broadcasters, first using unused VHF TV frequencies and later mainly moving to the middle and upper UHF bands. Now here’s the rub: DTV operates with more precision than analog TV channels, which require large areas of “white space” padding around each frequency to avoid interference from adjacent channels. And that white space offered a mostly safe haven for wireless audio users. So with no white space requirement, DTV’s arrival leaves a whole lot of ex-analog TV spectra, which a cash-strapped FCC is more than willing to reallocate to deep-pocketed companies such as Sprint Nextel, Verizon, ATT/Cingular and others who see boon times ahead for wireless Internet.

Meanwhile, Senators John Kerry and John Sununu are offering separate bills mandating the FCC allocate the vacant spaces for wireless broadband. Wireless Internet is a wonderful advancement in technology and good for the nation as a whole. However, some key issues must be resolved. Firstly, portable wireless products are two-way devices, operating as both receivers for downloading data, as well as transmitting e-mails, text messaging, baby pictures, etc. As the market expands, ensuring adequate testing so these devices don’t interfere with existing products operating in the white spaces–such as wireless mics.

With that in mind, Illinois Congressman Bobby Rush introduced H.R. 1320, “The Interference Protection for Existing Television Band Devices Act of 2007.” Rush’s bill doesn’t seek to negate the Kerry and Sununu proposals, but would allow some white space use for gear such as wireless mics, while asking the FCC to require interference testing of portable broadband devices.

The long-term effect of any frequency reallocation remains unsure. Will your wireless gear work after the changeover? Maybe, maybe not. It may come down to losing certain frequencies or having a shorter operating range, but at least the Rush bill gives our industry and the general public the best shot at maintaining high-quality wireless communications in the years to come.

But’s it’s not quite law yet. Currently being examined by the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, H.R. 1320 is a balanced approach and audio pros should encourage their local representatives to support this bill.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Get involved. Just go to www.house.gov/writerep, enter your state and zip code and an e-mail form pops up with your representative’s name. It couldn’t be easier. As the bill is in committee right now, the people to contact are the subcommittee members, listed below by state. Let them know how important wireless audio products are in both your day-to-day work as well as the industry as a whole. It doesn’t require an essay, just a quick note, like an e-mail. The best part? It won’t cost you a stamp. It’s even fun, and while you’re at it, encourage your colleagues to do the same, particularly if any subcommittee members represent your districts.

CALIFORNIA: Mary Bono, Lois Capps, Anna Eshoo, Jane Harman, George Radanovich, Hilda L. Solis

FLORIDA: Cliff Stearns

GEORGIA: Nathan Deal

ILLINOIS: Bobby Rush, J. Dennis Hastert, John Shimkus

INDIANA: Baron P. Hill

MASSACHUSETTS: Edward J. Markey

MICHIGAN: John D. Dingell, Fred Upton, Bart Stupak

MISSISSIPPI: Charles “Chip” Pickering

NEBRASKA: Lee Terry

NEW JERSEY: Mike Ferguson, Frank Pallone, Jr.

NEW MEXICO: Heather Wilson

NEW YORK: Eliot L. Engel, Vito Fossella, Edolphus Towns

OREGON: Greg Walden

PENNSYLVANIA: Mike Doyle

TENNESSEE: Bart Gordon

TEXAS: Joe Barton, Charles A. Gonzalez, Gene Green

VIRGINIA: Rick Boucher

WASHINGTON: Jay Inslee

WYOMING: Barbara Cubin

When not working on Mix stuff, George Petersen records and performs with the SF Bay Area-based rock band ARIEL. Check ‘em out at www.jenpet.com.

__________________________

What do YOU think?

CLICK ON THE COMMENTS LINK BELOW AND SPEAK OUT!