Shure Incorporated President and CEO Sandy LaMantia today lauded the efforts of Representative Shelley Berkley (D-Nev.) to help protect several classes of wireless microphone users from possible harmful interference resulting from the use of new devices in radio frequencies used by wireless microphone systems and known as the “white spaces.”
In a letter dated December 18, 2009, Berkley outlined her concerns about the White Spaces issue to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Julius Genachowski. Berkley applauded the FCC’s plan for a database intended to protect wireless mic users against interference from unlicensed broadband devices in the “white spaces.”
However, Berkley also noted that database eligibility needs to be carefully examined, because limiting eligibility to existing licensed operations in the “white spaces” could jeopardize the professional audio quality at sites across the country. Berkley went on to say that “white spaces” interference “could cause irreparable harm to regional economies, like Las Vegas, that are largely dependent on live entertainment for jobs and economic activity.”
Berkley strongly recommended that the FCC allow database eligibility to wireless mic operations at arenas, convention centers, education facilities, government facilities, Houses of Worship, lodging facilities, stadiums and theaters, so that audio quality can be ensured.
LaMantia praised Berkley’s efforts to protect wireless microphone users, saying, “Representative Berkley’s efforts regarding this complex issue have been invaluable. We’re so pleased by her commitment to preserving quality live entertainment, sporting and religious events for all Americans.”
Mark Brunner, Shure’s senior director of Global Brand Management, echoed LaMantia’s sentiments, adding “Without the proper protections in place, interference in the ‘white spaces’ will greatly complicate the lives of wireless microphone users across the United States and negatively affect tens of millions of Americans listening to live and broadcast events. We’re grateful for the continuing assistance offered by Representative Berkley in this effort.”
Berkley has long been a supporter of wireless microphone users and has been one of the leading voices on Capitol Hill in the push for safeguards against “white spaces” interference. She was a co-sponsor of H.R. 1320, the “Interference Protection for Existing Television Band Devices Act of 2007.”
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