SpectrumTalk

DTV Transition is Almost Upon Us:

But 700 MHz Wireless Mic Issue Unresolved

As we count the time to the shutoff of full power analog TV station in hours now and the cellular establishment is about to get full access to the 700 MHz spectrum they paid billions for, FCC still hasn't resolved the issue in Docket 08-167 of what to do with the wireless mics in the 700 MHz band.

Now the pros in the wireless mic business, e.g. Broadway shows and the legal broadcast users have probably already moved out of the 700 MHz band to a large degree, but who knows about the "unwashed" illegal users who certainly outnumber the others by a significant number.

Note also that the public safety community represented by APCO also is entitled to use of parts of the 700 MHz band but faces reliability questions due to the 700 MHz squatters.

I know the DTV transition is important, but isn't resolving this issue vital also?