FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 
WASHINGTON 
OFFICE OF 
THE CHAIRMAN 
The Honorable Marsha Blackburn 
U.S. House of Representatives 
217 Cannon House Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congresswoman Blackbum: 
August 20, 2015 
Thank you for your letter urging the Commission to allow wireless microphone users in 
the performing arts using fewer than 50 microphones to reserve vacant TV channels by 
registering in the Television White Space (TVWS) Database. Your view is very important, and 
please know that the Commission is trying to strike the right balance to allow both unlicensed 
and licensed users to operate efficiently. 
The action the Commission took in 2014 on redefining the entities that are eligible for a 
Part 74 license and may seek protection in the database to groups that regularly use 50 
microphones or more was a measured approach. It was meant to strike an appropriate balance in 
providing the benefits of a license for entities and events that have a demonstrated need, while 
ensuring that spectrum is shared effectively with existing Part 74 operations and remains 
available for other uses, including TV white space devices 
In the May 2014 JncenNve Auction Report and Order, the Commission adopted rules to 
implement the broadcast television -;pectrum incentive auction, which will involve reorganizing 
the existing television band and repurposing a portion of the UHF television band for new 
wireless broadband services. Until the incentive auction is completed and the Commission 
establishes the final 600 MHz band plan, the impact of repurposing spectrum on wireless 
microphone users will not be known . The Commission has provided for a multi-year period after 
the auction during which wireless microphone operators may continue to access the 600 MHz 
band on a secondary basis. This 39-month period will help smooth the transition as wireless 
microphone operators obtain new equipment and transition out of the repurposed 600 MHz band 
to other spectrum, including vacant channels and guard bands in the post-auction 600 MHz band. 
On August 6, 2015, the Commission adopted an order amending the Pa11 15 rules which 
will allow unlicensed wireless micr0phone users who do not qualify for a Part 74 license to 
operate as unlicensed devices in the TV bands and the new 600 MHz service band after the 
incentive auction. Unlicensed wireless microphones. as well as white space devices, will 
contmue to operate on vacant channels in the TV bands on an equal basis and shall not cause 
interference to adjacent licensees. aithough vacant channels may be fewer in number in certain 
Page 2-The Honorable Marsha Blackburn 
geographic areas. The Part 15 Report and Order eliminates the current rule that permits 
unlicensed microphone users to register with the TVWS Database to reserve vacant TV channels 
for their use, but this will not occur until 18 months after the effective date of the rule change or 
no later than the conclusion of the incentive auction , whichever comes first. However, after the 
incentive auction and subsequent repacking of television broadcasters, unlicensed microphone 
users will be able to operate in the 600 MHz guard bands and duplex gap on a shared basis with 
white space devices, and they may have some exclusive use in the guard bands depending on the 
amount of spectrum recovered in the auction. 
I understand the importance of wireless microphones to the performing arts groups you 
highlight in your letter. The Commission will continue to work with the wireless microphone 
community to examine their long-term spectrum needs. I appreciate your interest in this matter. 
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. 
Tom Wheeler 
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 
WASHINGTON 
OFFICE OF 
THE CHA I RMAN 
The Honorable Steve Cohen 
U.S. House of Representatives 
2404 Rayburn House Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congressman Cohen: 
August 20, 2015 
Thank you for your letter urging the Commission to allow wireless microphone users in 
the performing arts using fewer than 50 microphones to reserve vacant TV channels by 
registering in the Television White Space (TVWS) Database. Your view is very important, and 
please know that the Commission is trying to strike the right balance to allow both unlicensed 
and licensed users to operate efficiently. 
The action the Commission took in 2014 on redefining the entities that are eligible for a 
Part 74 license and may seek protection in the database to groups that regularly use 50 
microphones or more was a measured approach. It was meant to strike an appropriate balance in 
providing the benefits of a license for entities and events that have a demonstrated need, while 
ensuring that spectrum is shared effectively with existing Part 74 operations and remains 
available for other uses, including TV white space devices 
In the May 2014 Incentive Auction Report and Order, the Commission adopted rules to 
implement the broadcast television spectrum incentive auction, which will involve reorganizing 
the existing television band and repurposing a portion of the UHF television band for new 
wireless broadband services. Until the incentive auction is completed and the Commission 
establishes the final 600 MHz band plan, the impact of repurposing spectrum on wireless 
microphone users will not be known. The Commission has provided for a multi-year period after 
the auction during which wireless microphone operators may continue to access the 600 MHz 
band on a secondary basis. This 39-month period will help smooth the transition as wireless 
microphone operators obtain new equipment and transition out of the repurposed 600 MHz band 
to other spectrum, including vacant channels and guard bands in the post-auction 600 MHz band. 
On August 6, 2015, the Commission adopted an order amending the Part 15 rules which 
will allow unlicensed wireless microphone users who do not qualify for a Part 74 license to 
operate as unlicensed devices in the TV bands and the new 600 MHz service band after the 
incentive auction. Unlicensed wireless microphones, as well as white space devices, will 
continue to operate on vacant channels in the TV bands on an equal basis and shall not cause 
interference to adjacent licensees, although vacant channels may be fewer in number in certain 
Page 2-The Honorable Steve Cohen 
geographic areas. The Part 15 Report and Order eliminates the current rule that permits 
unlicensed microphone users to register with the TVWS Database to reserve vacant TV channels 
for their use, but this will not occur until 18 months after the effective date of the rule change or 
no later than the conclusion of the incentive auction, whichever comes first. However, after the 
incentive auction and subsequent repacking of television broadcasters, unlicensed microphone 
users will be able to operate in the 600 MHz guard bands and duplex gap on a shared basis with 
white space devices, and they may have some exclusive use in the guard bands depending on the 
amount of spectrum recovered in the auction. 
I understand the importance of wireless microphones to the performing arts groups you 
highlight in your letter. The Commission will continue to work with the wireless microphone 
community to examine their long-term spectrum needs . I appreciate your interest in this matter. 
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. 
Sincerely, 
d!keer 
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 
WASHINGTON 
OFFICE OF 
THE CHA I RMAN 
The Honorable Kevin Cramer 
U.S. House of Representatives 
1032 Longworth House Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congressman Cramer: 
August 20, 2015 
Thank you for your letter urging the Commission to allow wireless microphone users in 
the performing arts using fewer than 50 microphones to reserve vacant TV channels by 
registering in the Television White Space (TVWS) Database. Your view is very important, and 
please know that the Commission is trying to strike the right balance to allow both unlicensed 
and licensed users to operate efficiently. 
The action the Commission took in 2014 on redefining the entities that are eligible for a 
Part 74 license and may seek protection in the database to groups that regularly use 50 
microphones or more was a measured approach. It was meant to strike an appropriate balance in 
providing the benefits of a license for entities and events that have a demonstrated need, while 
ensuring that spectrum is shared effectively with existing Part 74 operations and remains 
available for other uses, including TV white space devices 
In the May 2014 Incentive Auction Report and Order, the Commission adopted rules to 
implement the broadcast television spectrum incentive auction, which will involve reorganizing 
the existing television band and repurposing a portion of the UHF television band for new 
wireless broadband services. Until the incentive auction is completed and the Commission 
establishes the final 600 MHz band plan, the impact of repurposing spectrum on wireless 
microphone users will not be known. The Commission has provided for a multi-year period after 
the auction during which wireless microphone operators may continue to access the 600 MHz 
band on a secondary basis. This 39-month period will help smooth the transition as wireless 
microphone operators obtain new equipment and transition out of the repurposed 600 MHz band 
to other spectrum, including vacant channels and guard bands in the post-auction 600 MHz band. 
On August 6, 2015, the Commission adopted an order amending the Part 15 rules which 
will allow unlicensed wireless microphone users who do not qualify for a Part 74 license to 
operate as unlicensed devices in the TV bands and the new 600 MHz service band after the 
incentive auction. Unlicensed wireless microphones, as well as white space devices, will 
continue to operate on vacant channels in the TV bands on an equal basis and shall not cause 
interference to adjacent licensees, although vacant channels may be fewer in number in certain 
Page 2-The Honorable Kevin Cramer 
geographic areas. The Part 15 Report and Order eliminates the current rule that permits 
unlicensed microphone users to register with the TVWS Database to reserve vacant TV channels 
for their use, but this will not occur until 18 months after the effective date of the rule change or 
no later than the conclusion of the incentive auction, whichever comes first. However. after the 
incentive auction and subsequent repacking of television broadcasters, unlicensed microphone 
users will be able to operate in the 600 MHz guard bands and duplex gap on a shared basis with 
white space devices, and they may have some exclusive use in the guard bands depending on the 
amount of spectrum recovered in the auction. 
I understand the importance of wireless microphones to the performing arts groups you 
highlight in your letter. The Commission will continue to work with the wireless microphone 
community to examine their long-term spectrum needs. I appreciate )'Our interest in this matter. 
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. 
Tom Wheeler 
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 
WASHINGTON 
OFFICE OF 
THE CHA I RMAN 
The Honorable Peter A. Defazio 
U.S. House of Representatives 
2134 Rayburn House Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congressman Defazio: 
August 20, 2015 
Thank you for your letter urging the Commission to allow wireless microphone users in 
the performing arts using fewer than 50 microphones to reserve vacant TV channels by 
registering in the Television White Space (TVWS) Database. Your view is very important, and 
please know that the Commission is trying to strike the right balance to allow both unlicensed 
and licensed users to operate efficiently. 
The action the Commission took in 2014 on redefining the entities that are eligible for a 
Part 74 license and may seek protection in the database to groups that regularly use 50 
microphones or more was a measured approach. It was meant to strike an appropriate balance in 
providing the benefits of a license for entities and events that have a demonstrated need, while 
ensuring that spectrum is shared effectively with existing Part 74 operations and remains 
available for other uses, including TV white space devices 
In the May 2014 Incentive Auction Report and Order, the Commission adopted rules to 
implement the broadcast television spectrum incentive auction, which will involve reorganizing 
the existing television band and repurposing a portion of the UHF television band for new 
wireless broadband services. Until the incentive auction is completed and the Commission 
establishes the final 600 MHz band plan, the impact of repurposing spectrum on wireless 
microphone users will not be known. The Commission has provided for a multi-year period after 
the auction during which wireless microphone operators may continue to access the 600 MHz 
band on a secondary basis. This 39-month period will help smooth the transition as wireless 
microphone operators obtain new equipment and transition out of the repurposed 600 MHz band 
to other spectrum, including vacant channels and guard bands in the post-auction 600 MHz band. 
On August 6, 2015 , the Commission adopted an order amending the Part 15 rules which 
will allow unlicensed wireless microphone users who do not qualify for a Part 74 license to 
operate as unlicensed devices in the TV bands and the new 600 MHz service band after the 
incentive auction. Unlicensed wireless microphones, as well as white space devices, will 
continue to operate on vacant channels in the TV bands on an equal basis and shall not cause 
interference to adjacent licensees, although vacant channels may be fewer in number in certain 
Page 2-The Honorable Peter A. DeFazio 
geographic areas. The Part 15 Report and Order eliminates the current rule that permits 
unlicensed microphone users to register with the TVWS Database to reserve vacant TV channels 
for their use, but this will not occur until 18 months after the effective date of the rule change or 
no later than the conclusion of the incentive auction, whichever comes first. However, after the 
incentive auction and subsequent repacking of television broadcasters. unlicensed microphone 
users will be able to operate in the 600 MHz guard bands and duplex gap on a shared basis with 
white space devices, and they may have some exclusive use in the guard bands depending on the 
amount of spectrum recovered in the auction. 
I understand the importance of wireless microphones to the performing arts groups you 
highlight in your letter. The Commission will continue to work with the wireless microphone 
community to examine their long-term spectrum needs. I appreciate your interest in this matter. 
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. 
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 
WASHINGTON 
OFFICE OF 
THE CHAIRMAN 
The Honorable Eliot L. Engel 
U.S. House of Representatives 
2161 Rayburn House Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congressman Engel: 
August 20, 2015 
Thank you for your letter urging the Commission to allow wireless microphone users in 
the performing arts using fewer than 50 microphones to reserve vacant TV channels by 
registering in the Television White Space (TVWS) Database. Your view is very important, and 
please know that the Commission is trying to strike the right balance to allow both unlicensed 
and licensed users to operate efficiently. 
The action the Commission took in 2014 on redefining the entities that are eligible for a 
Part 74 license and may seek protection in the database to groups that regularly use 50 
microphones or more was a measured approach. It was meant to strike an appropriate balance in 
providing the benefits of a license for entities and events that have a demonstrated need, while 
ensuring that spectrum is shared effectively with existing Part 74 operations and remains 
available for other uses, including TV white space devices 
In the May 2014 Incentive Auction Report and Order, the Commission adopted rules to 
implement the broadcast television spectrum incentive auction, which will involve reorganizing 
the existing television band and repurposing a portion of the UHF television band for new 
wireless broadband services. Until the incentive auction is completed and the Commission 
establishes the final 600 MHz band plan. the impact of repurposing spectrum on wireless 
microphone users will not be known. The Commission has provided for a multi-year period after 
the auction during which wireless microphone operators may continue to access the 600 MHz 
band on a secondary basis. This 39-month period will help smooth the transition as wireless 
microphone operators obtain new equipment and transition out of the repurposed 600 MHz band 
to other spectrum, including vacant channels and guard bands in the post-auction 600 MHz band. 
On August 6, 2015, the Commission adopted an order amending the Part 15 rules which 
will allow unlicensed wireless microphone users who do not qualify for a Part 74 license to 
operate as unlicensed devices in the TV bands and the new 600 MHz service band after the 
incentive auction. Unlicensed wireless microphones, as well as white space devices, will 
continue to operate on vacant channels in the TV bands on an equal basis and shall not cause 
interference to adjacent licensees, although vacant channels may be fewer in number in certain 
Page 2-The Honorable Eliot L. Engel 
geographic areas. The Part 15 Report and Order eliminates the current rule that permits 
unlicensed microphone users to register with the TVWS Database to reserve vacant TV channels 
for their use, but this will not occur unti I 18 months after the effective date of the rule change or 
no later than the conclusion of the incentive auction, whichever comes first. However, after the 
incentive auction and subsequent repacking of television broadcasters, unlicensed microphone 
users will be able to operate in the 600 MHz guard bands and duplex gap on a shared basis with 
white space devices, and they may have some exclusive use in the guard bands depending on the 
amount of spectrum recovered in the auction. 
I understand the importance of wireless microphones to the performing arts groups you 
highlight in your letter. The Commission will continue to work with the wireless microphone 
community to examine their long-term spectrum needs. I appreciate your interest in this matter. 
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. 
Sincerely, 
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 
WASHINGTON 
OFFICE OF 
THE CHA I RMAN 
The Honorable Leonard Lance 
U.S. House of Representatives 
133 Cannon House Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congressman Lance: 
August 20, 2015 
Thank you for your letter urging the Commission to allow wireless microphone users in 
the performing arts using fewer than 50 microphones to reserve vacant TV channels by 
registering in the Television White Space (TVWS) Database. Your view is very important, and 
please know that the Commission is trying to strike the right balance to allow both unlicensed 
and licensed users to operate efficiently. 
The action the Commission took in 2014 on redefining the entities that are eligible for a 
Part 74 license and may seek protection in the database to groups that regularly use 50 
microphones or more was a measured approach. It was meant to strike an appropriate balance in 
providing the benefits of a license for entities and events that have a demonstrated need, while 
ensuring that spectrum is shared effectively with existing Part 74 operations and remains 
available for other uses, including TV white space devices 
In the May 2014 Incentive Auction Report and Order, the Commission adopted rules to 
implement the broadcast television spectrum incentive auction, which will involve reorganizing 
the existing television band and repurposing a portion of the UHF television band for new 
wireless broadband services. Until the incentive auction is completed and the Commission 
establishes the final 600 MHz band plan, the impact of repurposing spectrum on wireless 
microphone users will not be known. The Commission has provided for a multi-year period after 
the auction during which wireless microphone operators may continue to access the 600 MHz 
band on a secondary basis. This 39-month period will help smooth the transition as wireless 
microphone operators obtain new equipment and transition out of the repurposed 600 MHz band 
to other spectrum, including vacant channels and guard bands in the post-auction 600 MHz band. 
On August 6, 2015, the Commission adopted an order amending the Part 15 rules which 
will allow unlicensed wireless microphone users who do not qualify for a Part 74 license to 
operate as unlicensed devices in the TV bands and the new 600 MHz service band after the 
incentive auction. Unlicensed wireless microphones, as well as white space devices, will 
continue to operate on vacant channels in the TV bands on an equal basis and shall not cause 
interference to adjacent licensees, although vacant channels may be fewer in number in certain 
Page 2-The Honorable Leonard Lance 
geographic areas. The Part 15 Report and Order eliminates the current rule that permits 
unlicensed microphone users to register with the TVWS Database to reserve vacant TV channels 
for their use, but this will not occur until 18 months after the effective date of the rule change or 
no later than the conclusion of the incentive auction , whichever comes first. However, after the 
incentive auction and subsequent repacking of television broadcasters, unlicensed microphone 
users will be able to operate in the 600 MHz guard bands and duplex gap on a shared basis with 
white space devices, and they may have some exclusive use in the guard bands depending on the 
amount of spectrum recovered in the auction. 
I understand the importance of wireless microphones to the performing arts groups you 
highlight in your letter. The Commission will continue to work with the wireless microphone 
community to examine their long-term spectrum needs. I appreciate your interest in this matter. 
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. 
Sincerely, 
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 
WASHINGTON 
OFFICE OF 
THE CHAIRMAN 
The Honorable John Lewis 
U.S. House of Representatives 
343 Cannon House Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congressman Lewis: 
August 20, 2015 
Thank you for your letter urging the Commission to allow wireless microphone users in 
the performing arts using fewer than 50 microphones to reserve vacant TV channels by 
registering in the Television White Space (TVWS) Database. Your view is very important, and 
please know that the Commission is trying to strike the right balance to allow both unlicensed 
and licensed users to operate efficiently. 
The action the Commission took in 2014 on redefining the entities that are eligible for a 
Part 74 license and may seek protection in the database to groups that regularly use 50 
microphones or more was a measured approach. It was meant to strike an appropriate balance in 
providing the benefits of a license for entities and events that have a demonstrated need, while 
ensuring that spectrum is shared effectively with existing Part 74 operations and remains 
available for other uses, including TV white space devices 
In the May 2014 Incentive Auction Report and Order, the Commission adopted rules to 
implement the broadcast television spectrum incentive auction, which will involve reorganizing 
the existing television band and repurposing a portion of the UHF television band for new 
wireless broadband services. Until the incentive auction is completed and the Commission 
establishes the final 600 MHz band plan, the impact of repurposing spectrum on wireless 
microphone users will not be known. The Commission has provided for a multi-year period after 
the auction during which wireless microphone operators may continue to access the 600 MHz 
band on a secondary basis. This 39-month period will help smooth the transition as wireless 
microphone operators obtain new equipment and transition out of the repurposed 600 MHz band 
to other spectrum, including vacant channels and guard bands in the post-auction 600 MHz band. 
On August 6, 2015, the Commission adopted an order amending the Part 15 rules which 
will allow unlicensed wireless microphone users who do not qualify for a Part 74 license to 
operate as unlicensed devices in the TV bands and the new 600 MHz service band after the 
incentive auction. Unlicensed wireless microphones. as well as white space devices, will 
continue to operate on vacant channels in the TV bands on an equal basis and shall not cause 
interference to adjacent licensees, although vacant channels may be fewer in number in certain 
Page 2-The Honorable John Lewis 
geographic areas. The Part 15 Report and Order eliminates the current rule that permits 
unlicensed microphone users to register with the TVWS Database to reserve vacant TV channels 
for their use, but this will not occur until 18 months after the effective date of the rule change or 
no later than the conclusion of the incentive auction , whichever comes first. However, after the 
incentive auction and subsequent repacking of television broadcasters, unlicensed microphone 
users will be able to operate in the 600 MHz guard bands and duplex gap on a shared basis with 
white space devices, and they may have some exclusive use in the guard bands depending on the 
amount of spectrum recovered in the auction. 
I understand the importance of wireless microphones to the performing ai1s groups you 
highlight in your letter. The Commission will continue to work with the wireless microphone 
community to examine their long-term spectrum needs. I appreciate your interest in this matter. 
Please let me know if I can be of any fu11her assistance. 
Sincerely, 
Tom Wheeler 
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 
WASHINGTON 
OFFICE OF 
THE CHA I RMAN 
The Honorable Jerrold Nadler 
U.S. House of Representatives 
2110 Rayburn House Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congressman Nadler: 
August 20, 2015 
Thank you for your letter urging the Commission to allow wireless microphone users in 
the performing arts using fewer than 50 microphones to reserve vacant TV channels by 
registering in the Television White Space (TVWS) Database. Your view is very important, and 
please know that the Commission is trying to strike the right balance to allow both unlicensed 
and licensed users to operate efficiently. 
The action the Commission took in 2014 on redefining the entities that are eligible for a 
Part 74 license and may seek protection in the database to groups that regularly use 50 
microphones or more was a measured approach. It was meant to strike an appropriate balance in 
providing the benefits of a license for entities and events that have a demonstrated need, while 
ensuring that spectrum is shared effectively with existing Part 74 operations and remains 
available for other uses, including TV white space devices 
In the May 2014 Incentive Auction Report and Order, the Commission adopted rules to 
implement the broadcast television spectrum incentive auction, which will involve reorganizing 
the existing television band and repurposing a portion of the UHF television band for new 
wireless broadband services. Until the incentive auction is completed and the Commission 
establishes the final 600 MHz band plan, the impact of repurposing spectrum on wireless 
microphone users will not be known. The Commission has provided for a multi-year period after 
the auction during which wireless microphone operators may continue to access the 600 MHz 
band on a secondary basis. This 39-month period will help smooth the transition as wireless 
microphone operators obtain new equipment and transition out of the repurposed 600 MHz band 
to other spectrum, including vacant channels and guard bands in the post-auction 600 MHz band. 
On August 6, 2015, the Commission adopted an order amending the Part 15 rules which 
will allow unlicensed wireless microphone users who do not qualify for a Part 74 license to 
operate as unlicensed devices in the TV bands and the new 600 MHz service band after the 
incentive auction. Unlicensed wireless microphones, as well as white space devices, will 
continue to operate on vacant channels in the TV bands on an equal basis and shall not cause 
interference to adjacent licensees, although vacant channels may be fewer in number in certain 
Page 2-The Honorable Jerrold Nadler 
geographic areas. The Part 15 Report and Order eliminates the current rule that permits 
unlicensed microphone users to register with the TVWS Database to reserve vacant TV channels 
for their use, but this will not occur until 18 months after the effective date of the rule change or 
no later than the conclusion of the incentive auction, whichever comes first. However, after the 
incentive auction and subsequent repacking of television broadcasters. unlicensed microphone 
users will be able to operate in the 600 MHz guard bands and duplex gap on a shared basis with 
white space devices, and they may have some exclusive use in the guard bands depending on the 
amount of spectrum recovered in the auction. 
I understand the importance of wireless microphones to the performing arts groups you 
highlight in your letter. The Commission will continue to work with the wireless microphone 
community to examine their long-term spectrum needs. I appreciate your interest in this matter. 
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance . 
Tom Wheeler 
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 
WASHINGTON 
OFFICE OF 
THE CHAIRMAN 
The Honorable Chellie Pingree 
U.S. House of Representatives 
1318 Longworth House Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congresswoman Pingree: 
August 20, 2015 
Thank you for your letter urging the Commission to allow wireless microphone users in 
the performing arts using fewer than 50 microphones to reserve vacant TV channels by 
registering in the Television White Space (TVWS) Database. Your view is very important, and 
please know that the Commission is trying to strike the right balance to allow both unlicensed 
and licensed users to operate efficiently. 
The action the Commission took in 2014 on redefining the entities that are eligible for a 
Part 74 license and may seek protection in the database to groups that regularly use 50 
microphones or more was a measured approach. It was meant to strike an appropriate balance in 
providing the benefits of a license for entities and events that have a demonstrated need, while 
ensuring that spectrum is shared effectively with existing Part 74 operations and remains 
available for other uses, including TV white space devices 
In the May 2014 Incentive Auction Report and Order, the Commission adopted rules to 
implement the broadcast television spectrum incentive auction, which will involve reorganizing 
the existing television band and repurposing a portion of the UHF television band for new 
wireless broadband services. Until the incentive auction is completed and the Commission 
establishes the final 600 MHz band plan, the impact of repurposing spectrum on wireless 
microphone users will not be known. The Commission has provided for a multi-year period after 
the auction during which wireless microphone operators may continue to access the 600 MHz 
band on a secondary basis. This 39-month period will help smooth the transition as wireless 
microphone operators obtain new equipment and transition out of the repurposed 600 MHz band 
to other spectrum, including vacant channels and guard bands in the post-auction 600 MHz band. 
On August 6, 2015, the Commission adopted an order amending the Part 15 rules which 
will allow unlicensed wireless microphone users who do not qualify for a Part 74 license to 
operate as unlicensed devices in the TV bands and the new 600 MHz service band after the 
incentive auction. Unlicensed wireless microphones, as well as white space devices, will 
continue to operate on vacant channels in the TV bands on an equal basis and shall not cause 
interference to adjacent licensees, although vacant channels may be fewer in number in certain 
Page 2-The Honorable Chellie Pingree 
geographic areas. The Part 15 Report and Order eliminates the current rule that permits 
unlicensed microphone users to register with the TVWS Database to reserve vacant TV channels 
for their use, but this will not occur until 18 months after the effective date of the rule change or 
no later than the conclusion of the incentive auction, whichever comes first. However, after the 
incentive auction and subsequent repacking of television broadcasters. unlicensed microphone 
users will be able to operate in the 600 MHz guard bands and duplex gap on a shared basis with 
white space devices, and they may have some exclusive use in the guard bands depending on the 
amount of spectrum recovered in the auction. 
I understand the importance of wireless microphones to the performing arts groups you 
highlight in your letter. The Commission will continue to work with the wireless microphone 
community to examine their long-term spectrum needs. I appreciate your interest in this matter. 
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. 
SincerelyU(t 
~eel er 
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 
WASHINGTON 
OFFICE OF 
THE CHAIRMAN 
The Honorable Louise M. Slaughter 
U.S. House of Representatives 
2469 Rayburn House Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congresswoman Slaughter: 
August 20, 2015 
Thank you for your letter urging the Commission to allow wireless microphone users in 
the performing arts using fewer than 50 microphones to reserve vacant TV channels by 
registering in the Television White Space (TVWS) Database. Your view is very important, and 
please know that the Commission is trying to strike the right balance to allow both unlicensed 
and licensed users to operate efficiently. 
The action the Commission took in 2014 on redefining the entities that are eligible for a 
Part 74 license and may seek protection in the database to groups that regularly use 50 
microphones or more was a measured approach. It was meant to strike an appropriate balance in 
providing the benefits of a license for entities and events that have a demonstrated need, while 
ensuring that spectrum is shared effectively with existing Part 74 operations and remains 
available for other uses, including TV white space devices 
In the May 2014 Incentive Auction Report and Order, the Commission adopted rules to 
implement the broadcast television spectrum incentive auction, which will involve reorganizing 
the existing television band and repurposing a portion of the UHF television band for new 
wireless broadband services. Until the incentive auction is completed and the Commission 
establishes the final 600 MHz band plan, the impact of repurposing spectrum on wireless 
microphone users will not be known. The Commission has provided for a multi-year period after 
the auction during which wireless microphone operators may continue to access the 600 MHz 
band on a secondary basis. This 39-month period will help smooth the transition as wireless 
microphone operators obtain new equipment and transition out of the repurposed 600 MHz band 
to other spectrum, including vacant channels and guard bands in the post-auction 600 MHz band. 
On August 6, 2015 , the Commission adopted an order amending the Part 15 rules which 
will allow unlicensed wireless microphone users who do not qualify for a Part 74 license to 
operate as unlicensed devices in the TV bands and the new 600 MHz service band after the 
incentive auction. Unlicensed wireless microphones, as well as white space devices, will 
continue to operate on vacant channels in the TV bands on an equal basis and shall not cause 
interference to adjacent licensees, although vacant channels may be fewer in number in certain 
Page 2-The Honorable Louise M. Slaughter 
geographic areas . The Part 15 Reporl and Order eliminates the current rule that permits 
unlicensed microphone users to register with the TVWS Database to reserve vacant TV channels 
for their use, but this will not occur until 18 months after the effective date of the rule change or 
no later than the conclusion of the incentive auction, whichever comes first. However, after the 
incentive auction and subsequent repacking of television broadcasters, unlicensed microphone 
users will be able to operate in the 600 MHz guard bands and duplex gap on a shared basis with 
white space devices, and they may have some exclusive use in the guard bands depending on the 
amount of spectrum recovered in the auction. 
I understand the importance of wireless microphones to the performing arts groups yo u 
highlight in your letter. The Commission will continue to work with the wireless microphone 
community to examine their long-term spectrum needs. I appreciate your interest in this matter. 
Please let me know if I can be of any fmiher assistance. 
sincerelyu l 
~eel er 
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 
WASHINGTON 
OFFICE OF 
THE CHAIRMAN 
The Honorable Don Young 
U.S. House of Representatives 
2314 Rayburn House Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congressman Young: 
August 20, 2015 
Thank you for your letter urging the Commission to allow wireless microphone users in 
the performing arts using fewer than 50 microphones to reserve vacant TV channels by 
registering in the Television White Space (TVWS) Database. Your view is very important, and 
please know that the Commission is trying to strike the right balance to allow both unlicensed 
and licensed users to operate efficiently. 
The action the Commission took in 2014 on redefining the entities that are eligible for a 
Part 74 license and may seek protection in the database to groups that regularly use 50 
microphones or more was a measured approach. It was meant to strike an appropriate balance in 
providing the benefits of a license for entities and events that have a demonstrated need, while 
ensuring that spectrum is shared effectively with existing Part 74 operations and remains 
available for other uses. including TV white space devices 
In the May 2014 Incentive Auction Report and Order, the Commission adopted rules to 
implement the broadcast television spectrum incentive auction, which will involve reorganizing 
the existing television band and repurposing a portion of the UHF television band for new 
wireless broadband services. Until the incentive auction is completed and the Commission 
establishes the final 600 MHz band plan, the impact of repurposing spectrum on wireless 
microphone users will not be known. The Commission has provided for a multi-year period after 
the auction during which wireless microphone operators may continue to access the 600 MHz 
band on a secondary basis. This 39-month period will help smooth the transition as wireless 
microphone operators obtain new equipment and transition out of the repurposed 600 MHz band 
to other spectrum, including vacant channels and guard bands in the post-auction 600 MHz band. 
On August 6, 2015, the Commission adopted an order amending the Part 15 rules which 
will allow unlicensed wireless microphone users who do not qualify for a Part 74 license to 
operate as unlicensed devices in the TV bands and the new 600 MHz service band after the 
incentive auction. Unlicensed wireless microphones, as well as white space devices, will 
continue to operate on vacant channels in the TV bands on an equal basis and shall not cause 
interference to adjacent licensees, although vacant channels may be fewer in number in certain 
Page 2-The Honorable Don Young 
geographic areas. The Part 15 Report and Order eliminates the current rule that permits 
unlicensed microphone users to register with the TVWS Database to reserve vacant TV channels 
for their use, but this will not occur until 18 months after the effective date of the rule change or 
no later than the conclusion of the incentive auction, whichever comes first. However, after the 
incentive auction and subsequent repacking of television broadcasters, unlicensed microphone 
users will be able to operate in the 600 MHz guard bands and duplex gap on a shared basis with 
white space devices, and they may have some exclusive use in the guard bands depending on the 
amount of spectrum recovered in the auction. 
I understand the importance of wireless microphones to the performing arts groups you 
highlight in your letter. The Commission will continue to work with the wireless microphone 
community to examine their long-term spectrum needs . I appreciate your interest in this matter. 
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. 
Sincerely. 
J;z-
Tom Wheeler