Background: Acting on a petition filed by the Public Interest Spectrum Coalition, the FCC today issued an order banning the use of wireless microphones in the 700 MHz band. The order is here.
The following statement is attributed to Harold Feld, legal director of Public Knowledge:
“We thank the Commission for granting our Petition in a way that allows for rapid deployment of new wireless technologies while protecting consumers who bought wireless microphones in good faith. We are particularly pleased that the Commission will implement new signage requirements to curtail the previous deceptive advertising practices by wireless microphone manufacturers. This is a Commission that puts the public first, even investing its own resources in unprecedented consumer outreach.
“We see the wireless microphone and white spaces issues as one part of a broad spectrum policy that will result in more spectrum being made available for new services and applications. As a result of this order, more spectrum will be available as well in the 700 MHz band for new services. As Chairman Genachowski said, this ruling will spur development of advanced wireless networks while helping to prevent interference with first responders.”
Members of the media may contact Communications Director Shiva Stella with inquiries, interview requests, or to join the Public Knowledge press list at shiva@publicknowledge.org or 405-249-9435.