Use this to send to your church leaders if they don’t know about the new FCC ban on wireless microphone usage in the 600MHz range.
Dear (Pastor/Elders),
Due to a recent Federal ruling, our church is in immediate danger of breaking the law or losing the ability to use vital audio equipment necessary in the production of the regular church service. The ruling regards the reallocation of a section of airwaves previously available for wireless equipment, like microphones, to usage by licensed cellular phone systems for wireless internet service. The aggressive timeline of cellular provider T-Mobile’s expansion into this spectrum means we could have problems as soon as tomorrow.
Unless corrected, the church will be in violation of United States Federal law and equipment can simply stop working. Violations are being enforced and financial penalties in the thousands of dollars are being imposed along with criminal sanctions. We have wireless microphones and/or transmitters which are soon to be in violation and can stop working.
Background
The increased use of cellular devices like iPhones and Androids has meant millions of people are now jamming the airwaves as they attempt to access the internet. The result has been the U.S. Federal Communications Commission has re-claimed a band of airwave frequencies (614mHz-698mHz) and auctioned them off to cellular providers like T-Mobile. This means we can no longer use wireless production devices like wireless microphones that occupy this space.
The FCC stated we could still use this space until 2020, UNLESS the auction owner decides to start using this space. T-Mobile has already begun using this space and there are places within the United States where churches’ wireless microphones only get static because that space is in use. 90% of the US will be affected by the end of 2018.
Warning
It’s easy to think that because we’re “just a church that uses this equipment on occasion” that we could ignore the new FCC wireless frequency ban. However, in doing so, please note the following:
- We’d be violating U.S. Federal law and being a non-profit organization does not exempt us from these Federal rules.
- We’d be interfering with wireless frequency use of devices that are now allowed to use that space.
- Our equipment will stop working as soon as T-Mobile turns on their transmitters because of the interference. 90% of the US will be affected by the end of 2018.
- We are called as Christians to be beyond reproach. We cannot use any excuse to keep using the equipment in this range.
What to do next
Our wireless audio production inventory has been cataloged regarding wireless usage. We’ve noted that which needs to be replaced and have identified replacement equipment that works in a frequency space designated for legal wireless microphone usage.
At this point, the audio production team only needs your purchase approval. Unfortunately, the new auction winners are actively rolling out their new systems so our equipment could be good for two more days, three weeks, or several months. Because of this unknown factor, I request this be approved as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your time in reviewing this material and if you have any questions, please contact me as soon as possible.
[Name]
[Contact info]