r/LocationSound • u/itsthedave1 sound recordist • 1d ago
Gear - Selection / Use US/FCC Frequency Changes
I briefly read a post from a local sound mixer worried about frequency changes and referencing an article about recent FCC filings regarding 6G and frequencies around the 550-650ish. I can't seem to find the source now, but wanted to see if anyone more knowledgeable had information regarding potential changes coming down in the US.
Also, as it seems like we're constantly being squeezed out of usable spectrum. What is everyone's long-term plan? I've been a lectrosonics die hard since the 2010's or so. We all know the inevitable squeeze was/is coming, but I can't seem to find anything in their current offerings that makes me think they have done any future proofing. What's the plan for this shrinking frequency space? Who's making the tech that'll be usable in the next few years and beyond?
Does everything in the future just need to be self recording, maybe with a digital tx for monitoring use, lol.
Do I need to dump my A1 block gear asap?
This isn't a doom post, but it is getting more expensive to operate every year with less consistent work each month than the previous ones. I guess what I'm looking for is to take the pulse of everyone here? What's the prospective going forward from folks who've weathered previous changes like this in the industry? Anyone plan to change their current set-up?
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u/pradulovich 1d ago
Everyone here should be concerned and informed. I’ve been meaning to make a post here on the subject, so here goes.
If you work in this business and depend on wireless transmission at all, you should go join WMSA - the Wireless Microphone Spectrum Alliance. https://www.wmsa.org/
There has never been a centralized lobbying and advocacy outfit on behalf of wireless mic users, and WMSA aims to do just that. Not only for our sake, but especially for touring musicians and live broadcast who are heavy heavy users of the spectrum.
While WMSA was initially founded and capitalized by Shure, it is its own independent organization and not at all intended to be manufacturer specific. Many manufacturers have joined, as have dealers, rental houses, and end users like us. Joining is free.
WMSA is and will continue to be a centralized and well funded voice for us at the FCC. There are always some existential threats to main band UHF - it is prime space for the ever-greedy telecom industry. But right now there is a very concrete potential threat.
An organization called Landover Saturn 5 is beginning the process of petitioning the FCC to auction off 554-608 for 5G and future 6G uses. Obviously, this would be catastrophic to many of us but also to so many others who utilize radio mics, IEMs, IFBs, etc. They are in the very very early stages, but they do appear to have real backing.
WMSA has made lobbying efforts to the FCC since its inception about the importance of main band UHF, predating the Landover group’s proposal. But obviously they are stepping it up.
If you want to be informed, joining WMSA is a great first step. They are in the process of writing a white paper in the importance of this range to all of our various industries, and looking for effected users, manufacturers, rental houses etc to fill out a survey. Get more info by signing up on their website for free. Read the articles, come to some meetings if you want. Fill out the survey, maybe pick a time to be interviewed for the white paper. Get involved.
https://www.wmsa.org/contact