QI:ongre£l£l of the lItnitei'l ~fafe£l 4!"-
Diulll)inginn, llIQf 20515 ~ '";)~ ~
May 22, 2015 ~~'
Chairman Tom Wheeler
Commissioner Mignon Clyburn
Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel
Commissioner Ajit Pai
Commissioner Michael O'Rielly
c/o Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20554
Re: ET Docket No. 14-165 and GN Docket Nos. 12-268 and 14-166
Dear Chairman Wheeler, Commissioner Clyburn, Commissioner Rosenworcel,
Commissioner Pai, Commissioner O'Rielly and Ms. Dortch:
As the Commission works to implement spectrum auctions, we write to stress the
importance of wireless microphones to the performing arts which rely on this efficient and
reliable technology. The Commission ruled last year that performing arts entities regularly using
50 or more wireless devices would now be eligible to apply for a Part 74 license and would have
access to a database which protects against interference. This decision was a move in the right
direction and protects some large events and performances against interference from White
Space devices.
The Commission is currently considering making database registration unavailable to
performing arts entities utilizing fewer than 50 devices on a regular basis. Unfortunately, this
would leave major not-for-profit regional theatres, and our nation's symphony orchestras, opera
companies, dance companies, presenting organizations and educational entities without
interference protection against White Space devices. We urge that the Commission's final rules
preserve the quality and integrity of wireless microphones used in the performing arts. As you
develop the spectrum rules, we hope you will keep in mind the following sectors that depend
heavily on wireless microphones:
• Live Performing Arts Events: Performing arts venues rely on wireless microphones to
transmit crystal-clear songs and dialogue to the audience. Because wireless microphones
are small, they can be unobtrusively hidden in performers' costumes. Wireless devices
are also used backstage by stagehands to govern the operations of a production. They
mitigate safety hazards and protect performers, stagehands and audiences from harm.
Also, hearing-impaired patrons may rely on listening devices that operate in White Space.
For these reasons, many large venues have invested in dozens of wireless
microphones. For instance, the Shakespeare Theatre Company uses approximately 30
wireless microphones and instruments for a single performance.
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
• Music industry: From Nashville to Las Vegas, from large arenas to small clubs,
wireless microphones are vital to musical artists in the creation and presentation of music.
Wireless microphones are ubiquitous in the music industry and make both concerts and
studio sessions possible. Any FCC decision that impaired the ability of the music
industry to use wireless microphones would hurt artists, the record companies, venue
operators, and fans.
Further, the Commission already ordered that wireless microphone operations vacate the
700 MHz band of the broadcast spectrum in 2010. To comply, many ofthese not-for-profit
institutions made considerable investments to replace their sound equipment. If the Commission
seeks to move the wireless operations of these entities again, we urge the Commission to offer as
much transition time as possible and seek to minimize the financial impact on not-for-profit
professional and educational entities.
The Commission has already eliminated the two designated channels it had previously set
aside for wireless microphones - an action that will increase the likelihood of interference for
wireless microphone users. Now, the only remaining interference protection mechanism is
registration in the database - denying access to professional not-for-profit and educational
performing arts institutions would leave these entities vulnerable to interference and unable to
properly serve the public. This decision would be harmful both to the performing arts and to new
White Space devices. Interference protection would serve to protect both of these industries.
In light of the overwhelming benefits of wireless microphones, the decreased available
spectrum, and the increased potential of interference, we urge you to retain the ability of wireless
microphones in the performing arts to register in the database.
Thank you for considering this matter, and we look forward to working with you to
promote the development and use of vital communication technologies such as wireless
microphones.
Sincerely,
Leonard Lance
Member of Congress
~L~
Member of Congress
I
Member of Congress
~~ Peter eFazio
Member of Congress
e Cohen
ember of Congress
old Nadler
ember of Congress
Chellie Pingree
Member of Congress
-