[SML] Educational Theatre Assoc./FCC freq. repacking statement

[Jon Ares]

Howdy folks... as there are many educators here, I thought I'd pass on
this 'call for action' from the Educational Theatre Association - to
get info to the FCC about how you/we use wireless mics, and how the
latest plan to repack/resell frequencies will affect us.... let your
voice be heard....

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To see the web version of this message click here:
http://www.magnetmail.net/actions/email_web_version.cfm?recipient_id=152964790&message_id=8388094&user_id=ETA_&jobid=24825402
Educational Theatre Association
Advocacy Alert


Dear EdTA member,

In 2007, educational theatre programs, professional theatres, and all
other users of wireless microphones were required to upgrade or buy
new wireless microphone equipment in order to be compliance with the
Federal Communication Commission's White Space ruling. The ruling was
the result of the sale of radio band spectrum to public companies
seeking to expand the use of wireless mobile devices.  This demanded
that wireless microphone's be moved out the 700 MHz band where they
had operated for many years, into the so-called TV band of the
spectrum. This move cost money that most of our programs could
ill-afford. Further, the ruling called for the creation of a
geo-database that users were expected to access to ensure that they
would not incur any interference from others user operating at the
same frequency.

Now the FCC has proposed another change, which is why we're contacting
you: The Commission has ruled that only performing arts entities that
regularly use 50 or more wireless devices will be eligible to apply
for a Part 74 license--the registration that allows wireless
microphone users to access the geo-database. That ruling would
effectively eliminate all schools, along with most professional
theatres, from using the database, thus leaving theatre productions no
protection interference mechanism. Further, the new ruling may demand
yet another spectrum move for wireless microphones and a new round of
equipment upgrades and/or purchases.

The Commission is seeking public comment, but the window of time is
short; the Educational Theatre Association, along with many other
organizations (the Broadway League, Theatre Communications Group,
SAG-AFTRA, among others), are gathering letters to express our
concerns to the FCC. The FCC has also requested information about how
organizations use wireless microphones, with what frequency, and other
pertinent technical data (including how each organization dealt with
the 2007 spectrum move).

EdTA has created an adaptable Dear FCC Template Letter located at
http://bit.ly/edtafcc for you to use (the editable elements are in
red). We need you to return these letters, on your school letterhead,
to jpalmarini at schooltheatre.org by January 15, in a PDF or Word
format.

The letter also includes a series of technical questions about your
school's usage of wireless microphones; just answer as many of them as
possible as accurately as you can. The important thing here is that
members of EdTA respond and let the FCC know that we're a concerned
body of wireless microphone users and that this ruling will impact how
we serve our students.

Thanks for your support,

James Palmarini
Director of Educational Policy
Educational Theatre Association
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2343 Auburn Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45219
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-- 
Jon Ares
www.arescreative.com
Follow my twits @jon_ares