On November 4, 2008, the FCC approved the use of the "White Spaces" - the TV channels that are not actually occupied by a broadcast station - to deliver wireless broadband internet service to consumer wireless devices.  The introduction of new types of devices in the TV band has operational implications for users of wireless microphones and in-ear monitor systems.  The full document describing all of the technical and regulatory details may not be released for a month or more, but we anticipate some of the major elements of the decision to be as follows:

• Wireless microphones may operate legally on VHF TV channels 7-13 and UHF channels 14-51.  This means that all current Shure wireless products continue to be viable.
• White space devices may operate on VHF TV channels 2-13 and UHF channels 14-51.  No white space device may be offered for sale until it passes FCC certification testing.  Although the ruling takes effect in February 2009, white space devices will enter the market gradually.
• There will be two kinds of white space devices: 'Personal/Portable' and 'Fixed'.  Portable devices will be carried or worn by the user, and will have a maximum power output of 100 milliwatts.  Fixed devices will transmit from an antenna located on a building, tower, or other tall structure to a receiving antenna installed on the roof of a home or office, and will have a maximum power output of 4 watts.
• Fixed devices may operate on VHF TV channels 2-13 and UHF channels 14-51, but not on channels that are adjacent to those occupied by a TV broadcaster.  For example, if channel 32 is occupied by a broadcaster, channels 31 and 33 will not be used by Fixed white space devices.
• Portable devices may operate on channels 2-13 and 21-51, but not on channels 14-20.  This is to prevent potential interference to Public Safety agencies which use these channels in 13 U.S. cities.
• All white space devices must include both geolocation AND spectrum sensing capability.