Airwaves Auction Could Cost Wireless Users Dearly

A recent order from the Federal Communications Commission has mandated that artists, venues, theme parks and sports franchises will need to retune or phase out wireless components that operate in the 700 MHz band before June 12.

The FCC implies the changeover is largely a simple wireless microphone issue, but wireless microphones, wireless ear monitors and walkie-talkies, and a variety of remote-control devices could also be affected, costing the concert industry, among others, big money in retooling and headache relief.

David Skaff, a monitor engineer on U2’s 360 tour, said those costs probably won’t compare with the money the government will make selling off the 700 MHz airwaves.

The FCC has already set aside much of the band for public safety and wireless consumer services after a massive auction last year reportedly raised almost $20 billion for the use of those airwaves.

Dana Parker-McClain of Pollstar has the story