The FCC has received approval from the Office of Management and Budget to implement its new rules clearing wireless microphones out of TV Channels 52-69 (the 700 MHz band). We reported on the adoption of those rules last month. OMB approval affects some of the deadlines in the clearing-out process. Those deadlines are now as follows:
- At any time on or after February 17, 2010, Public Safety and commercial licensees who are ready to occupy 700 MHz band channels may give notice to wireless microphone users to clear out. (See Section 74.802(e)(2))
- Effective February 28, 2010, anyone who sells or leases wireless microphones (or offers them for sale or lease) must provide a “Consumer Alert” on their websites, in their product catalogs, and on microphone packaging, using FCC-specified wording. (See Sections 15.216 and 74.851(i)).
- Effective June 15, 2010, any wireless microphone that operates above 698 MHz must be for export only and labeled that it may not be operated in the United States. (See Section 74.851(h)).
The June 12, 2010, deadline by which all wireless microphone users must stop operating on Channels 52-69 (698-806 MHz), remains unchanged.
