
FCC Denies Wireless-Microphone Makers' Plea for Vacant Spectrum Availability The action also spotlights new WMAS spectrum-efficient wireless technology By Dan Daley, Audio Editor
Friday, May 20, 2022 - 7:10 am
Print This Story | Subscribe
Story Highlights
In an Order on Reconsideration issued on May 11, the Federal Communications Commission denied a request from microphone-systems manufacturers Sennheiser and Shure to sustain a vacant channel in the TV bands reserved for wireless-microphone use. That channel was part of the FCC's landmark 2015 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking intended to outline the post-auction landscape for wireless microphones.
In issuing the 2015 Notice, the FCC acknowledged that there would be fewer unused television channels in the TV bands post auction and after spectrum repacking, but it expected that at least one channel in the UHF band would be available for shared use by unlicensed white-space devices or wireless microphones. The matter engendered a lengthy legal and technical back-and-forth. In the ensuing debate, broadcasters argued against the idea, contending that the FCC's 2015 proposal would limit future expansion and innovation potential for full-power TV stations. Broadcasters also said the proposal would require novel engineering studies that would be expensive and time-consuming, particularly for smaller broadcasters.
In responding to the most recent ruling, wireless-microphone users and those who make that equipment contended that the provisions for those wireless devices were necessary, expressing strong support for the important functions performed by wireless microphones and support for the designation of one UHF channel for wireless-microphone use, as per the Order On Reconsideration. Issues are identified regarding the adequacy of higher-frequency alternatives to a vacant UHF channel, as well as the past costs imposed on wireless-microphone users when spectrum availability was moved.
The National Association of Broadcasters, on the other hand, had argued that the preservation of at least one vacant channel on a nationwide basis is no longer achievable and that it was entirely appropriate to close this proceeding in light of the burdens to broadcasters.
Both Shure and Sennheiser filed replies to NAB's opposition, with Shure suggesting that a vacant channel for wireless microphones be preserved in every market where at least two vacant channels are available. Sennheiser also filed an ex parte disagreeing with the commission's assertion in the Termination Order that there is currently no vacant 6-MHz channel in multiple major metropolitan areas and including information purporting to identify a vacant channel suitable for wireless microphones used in nearly every top-50 market.
Ultimately, the FCC determined, We find that adoption of the rules proposed in the 2015 NPRM would not strike the most reasonable balance that would best serve the public interest. We make this determination in light of other actions taken by the Commission since the 2015 NPRM that will support wireless-microphone users and the burdens that the proposal would impose on broadcasters. Because we agree that the totality of these circumstances support the findings in the Termination Order, we reject the Petitioners' claim that the Commission's action was arbitrary and capricious.
However, the commission added, Although we have concluded that we should not proceed with the proposals in this docket, the Commission is committed to supporting white-space devices and wireless microphones and has pursued, and continues to pursue, avenues to ensure adequate spectrum availability for the important services they provide.
In fact, as part of its statement, the FCC said it has continued to pursue paths to support access to spectrum by wireless-microphone users, citing a 2021 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for the operation of Part 74 low-power auxiliary station (LPAS) devices to permit a recently developed type of wireless-microphone system, referred to as a Wireless Multi-Channel Audio System (WMAS), to operate in the TV bands and other LPAS frequency bands on a licensed basis. The emerging technology, already permitted in Europe under the applicable European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) standards, would enable more wireless microphones to operate in the spectrum available for wireless-microphone operations, and thus advances an important Commission goal of promoting efficient spectrum use.
The technology, which would enable more microphones per megahertz of spectrum, is currently under consideration by the FCC. A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, issued in April 2021, sought public comment on allowing WMAS on a licensed basis in frequency bands where wireless microphones already are authorized, including the TV bands, the 600 MHz duplex gap, and in portions of the 900 MHz, 1.4 GHz, and 7 GHz bands.
By digitally combining multiple signals, WMAS - promoted by Sennheiser, Shure, and other manufacturers - allows microphones to operate using wider-bandwidth channels than currently allowed. It will be a game-changer, says Joe Ciaudelli, director, spectrum and innovation, Sennheiser. [It] offers an easier and more flexible workflow and provides greater protection to other services that share the same frequency band. We applaud that the commission seems to be entertaining our Petition for Rulemaking to authorize WMAS, but it's only part of the equation in addressing the needs of content-creation professionals. [As with] any wireless device, access to suitable spectrum is required. Sennheiser will continue to work with the commission on developing long-term solutions.
Additionally, the commission recently upheld slightly modified requirements intended to protect licensed wireless-microphone users from interference
Most recent headlines
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
07/10/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced the latest Long-Term Supported (LTS) release of Dalet Flex. Build...
06/09/2026
June 9 2026, 23:00 (PDT) Dolby and MagentaTV Bring Fans Closer to the FIFA Worl...
04/08/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...
21/07/2026
New research involving a cross-section of Mongolias independent media landscape finds enthusiasm for AI as a tool to improve efficiency, sustainability and resi...
21/07/2026
With winners Spain having already paraded the World Cup trophy through Madrid in front of millions of fans and the dust now settling on an epic tournament of th...
21/07/2026
In a time of disarray in regional sports broadcasting, the league will provide c...
21/07/2026
When NEP designed one of its largest recurring mobile production unit fleets for PGA TOUR
coverage, the leading media services provider faced a familiar challe...
21/07/2026
High-end analogue channel strip boasts plug-in recall
Originally revealed as a prototype back at NAMM 2024, the Channex Studio channel strip represented a b...
21/07/2026
Relies on same DSP as plug-in range
Musik Hack's line-up has been influenced heavily by founder Stan Greene's work as a mixing engineer, and their M...
21/07/2026
Official collaboration with boutique builder Dirty Boy Pedals
Warm Audio have just announced the launch of a new guitar pedal range created in collaboration...
21/07/2026
SBS scores biggest ever FIFA World Cup Reach as Spain triumph in the final
21 July, 2026
Media releases
Spain v Argentina attracted a Total TV reach of al...
21/07/2026
Rohde & Schwarz showcases broad range of EMC test solutions at EMC SIPI 2026 in ...
21/07/2026
Warner Bros. Discovery's unbroken lead is interrupted as sports and live mus...
21/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
21/07/2026
Across the TV and streaming ecosystem, industry players face mounting pressure to do more with less. They must simplify operations, protect premium content and ...
21/07/2026
Tuxera, a leading prover of quality-assured file systems and networking technologies, is bringing its latest advances in connectivity performance to the media w...
21/07/2026
COW Jobs: Apple Motion Expert for Custom FCP Rigged Graphics Package
Brie Clayton July 21, 2026
0 Comments
HIRING: Apple Motion Expert for Custom FCP ...
21/07/2026
Cinegy GmbH, the premier provider of software-defined television technology, will use its presence at IBC2026 (stand 7.A01, Amsterdam RAI, 11 14 September) to...
21/07/2026
Calrec will be located in Hall 8, on Stand C47
Beyond bigger
For years, broadcast facilities were built around one assumption: provision for the biggest pro...
21/07/2026
Pebble, the leading automation, content management and integrated channel specialist, will discuss its future-facing developments for the new generation of medi...
21/07/2026
nxtedition returns to IBC2026 with its consolidated production platform, showing how scripting, editing, graphics, AI-assisted tools and automation can work wit...
21/07/2026
C2PA content signing helps broadcasters, public institutions, and publishers give audiences a verifiable record of where their video content came from and how i...
21/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
21/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
21/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
21/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
21/07/2026
New capability centralizes collaboration, feedback, security and status tracking within VIDA, providing a structured, auditable approach to master quality contr...
21/07/2026
Lightcraft Launches Exclusive Spark Story Beta for Filmmakers and Creators at SI...
21/07/2026
Indie Road Movie Where in the Hell Shot with Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
Brie Clayton July 20, 2026
0 Comments
Colorist blends vintage film looks to shape...
21/07/2026
Which USS Defiant Pulse Phaser effect is better?
Graham Quince July 20, 2026
0 Comments
Aargh, ever since @DarkRavenProductions posted a comment ask...
21/07/2026
X-Rite Pantone and NIFT Partner to Build Color Management Skills for India's...
21/07/2026
Harmonics cOS Virtualized Broadband Platform and Pearl Remote OLTs Enable Flexible PON Migration, While SeaStar Optical Node Powers Cost-Effective Multi-Gigabit...
21/07/2026
Every live event starts with a defining moment. A camera captures the game-winni...
21/07/2026
AI has entered the gigascale era.
The world's most advanced AI factories are bringing together hundreds of thousands of GPUs and CPUs to train frontier mod...
21/07/2026
NVIDIA Vera Rubin is here, and it's going gigascale.
Vera Rubin NVL72 produ...
21/07/2026
160 hours of Irish storytelling for 2026
KIN and The Walsh Sisters return
RT has today unveiled its most ambitious drama slate ever, with a record-breakin...
20/07/2026
The former Northwestern broadcast-operations leader is helping train the next generation of live-sports-production talent across the Big Ten
The sports-product...
20/07/2026
By Lucy Spicer
One of the most exciting things about the Sundance Film Festival is having a front-row seat for the bright future of independent filmmaking. Whi...
20/07/2026
Product range now readily available in the UK
Graph Tech Guitar Labs have just announced the launch of a new UK Online Store that makes it quicker and easie...
20/07/2026
Popular headset gains active noise cancellation
The Maxwell headet was Audeze's first foray into the gaming world, and thanks to its Dolby Atmos compati...
20/07/2026
The NFVF, an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, has released t...
20/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
20/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
20/07/2026
Starfish Technologies will use IBC2026 to showcase the flexibility of its transport stream processing software, including the latest versions of TS Splicer (Win...
20/07/2026
Bitfocus, the specialist in media control and monitoring, will show at IBC2026 (Elgato stand 8.D31, Amsterdam RAI, 11 14 September) how its Buttons control la...
20/07/2026
Mediagenix, a global leader in smart content solutions to profitably connect the right content to the right audience, today announced new AI capabilities that e...
20/07/2026
Big Blue Marble's Cloud DRM has been nominated in the DRM/Content Protection category of the 2026 Streaming Media Readers' Choice Awards.
Only four pro...
20/07/2026
Monday 20 July 2026
Sky brings free global roaming to millions of loyal custome...
20/07/2026
Red Seat Ventures Announces Introduction of Premium Creator and Podcast Communit...