Oct 28

Written by: host
28/10/2008 3:08 PM

In 2009 the industry has a fight on its collective hands.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is the regulatory body responsible for allocating radio spectrum for use in Australia. The use of all wireless microphones, in-ear monitors and wireless guitar and keyboard transmitters is regulated by the ACMA in Australia. The ACMA are currently assessing all future radio spectrum requirements in Australia.

Like it or not, Australia will have no choice but the follow the USA lead and grant 'special interest' groups access to frequencies currently used by TV and broadcast, sporting events, convention and meetings industry, fitness industry, touring and music performance, musical theatre, the fast food industry and many more.

"The United States is in the midst of a transition from traditional analogue television broadcast to digital TV (DTV). Currently, networks are broadcasting both analogue and digital signals on separate channels simultaneously. It is planned that by February 17, 2009 the analogue channels will be turned off freeing up the channels they are currently occupying. At that time, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will reallocate channels 52-69 (698 – 806 MHz) for new services such as public safety communications and auction to the private sector. This is termed the "digital dividend". " Sennheiser website. 2008

Sennheiser had advised customers back in early 2007 that the FCC was likely to impose restrictions on operating wireless microphones between 698 MHz and 806 MHz and eliminated systems operating in this range from their regular assortment and made them available only based on a special order.
Sennheiser submitted a detailed response to this proposal on Oct 3rd and again on Monday, Oct. 20th - lobbying hard for a measured migration out of the 700 MHz band that includes a grace period that would allow existing users to continue operating in this band on a non-interference basis.

"The wireless audio distributors in Australia have recently come together under the banner of the Australian Wireless Audio Group (AWAG) which is being co-ordinated the Australian Music Association (AMA). The primary function of AWAG is to work with the ACMA and the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts (DCITA) on developing appropriate long term solutions to this issue on behalf of both the industry and the key wireless audio users groups."

We plan on keeping you up-to-date with the outcome of the current “white spaces” proposal for future spectrum allocation in Australia, to protect the interests of wireless users and provide a balanced view of the issues.

For more information go to http://www.audioengineer.com.au/CurrentIssues/tabid/82/language/en-AU/Default.aspx - or click on Current Issue at www.audioengineer.com.au

Thanks.


www.audioengineer.com.au
support@audioengineer.com.au

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