Dear all:<br><br>As those in the US may know, the FCC has scheduled a vote on the long awaited broadcast "white spaces" proceeding, which will open unused television channels in the broadcast bands for unlicensed use. As always, we have last minute fights with incumbents who don't want to share "their" spectrum. The first challenge is from users of wireless microphones. The FCC is taking Channels 14-20 to give to wireless microphones for their use. In addition, the FCC is also proposing to allow some wireless microphone users (those that use 30 microphones or more) to apply for entry in the database of protected users.<br>
<br>From licensed operators, the proposal is to take 6 channels in "rural areas" for licensed backhaul. In addition to taking the channels, these services would wipe out usefulness of white spaces devices in neighboring bands.<br>
<br>Please contact the FCC and tell them that the white spaces rules must provide enough space for real unlicensed, and that these proposals threaten the ability of both urban and rural CWNs to provide broadband through this spectrum. Here is a link to a letter WISPA has been filing, which does not mention wireless microphones but provides good language on Fibertower proposal.<br>
<a href="http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/view?id=7020912118">http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/view?id=7020912118</a><br><br>To file comments at the FCC, click on this link: <a href="http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/upload/display?z=t7ikq">http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/upload/display?z=t7ikq</a><br>
<br>The proceeding number is 04-186.<br><br>The deadline to file is <b><i>Thursday, September 14, 5 p.m., EST.</i></b><br><br>Thank you. Please forward this wherever you think it will help.<br>