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Alliance Advocates for Federal Communications Commission to Safeguard Spectrum for Manufacturing and Broadcasting Operations

Upper C-band spectrum, wireless microphone usage, and critical matters associated with media production and broadcasting are targeted in the two recent filings, signifying potential significant impacts.

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Upper Filings Target C-Band Frequency, Wireless Microphones, and Matters Significant for Media...
Upper Filings Target C-Band Frequency, Wireless Microphones, and Matters Significant for Media Production and Transmission

Alliance Advocates for Federal Communications Commission to Safeguard Spectrum for Manufacturing and Broadcasting Operations

Toronto's North American Spectrum Alliance Speaks Up Against Spectrum Reallocation

Down in the 6: The North American Spectrum Alliance (NASA, not to be confused with the space agency) has stepped up and lobbed a couple of missives to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding the Upper C-band and "Delete, Delete, Delete" proceedings. These filings were cleverly penned to preserve valuable spectrum essential for media production and distribution in the land of the free.

This powerhouse group saw the light of day in January 2025, boasting big-league backers such as Sennheiser, FOX Sports, the NFL, MLB, CP Communications, Wisycom, PSSI, ATSC, and more. Their mission: to serve as a united front that champion protects spectrum vital for content creation and dissemination.

The stalwart team ain't down with any more broadcast-related spectrum dents in the United States. Over the years, the tooth fairy has taken quite a chunk of it.

In their "Upper C-band filing" (GN Docket No. 25-59), NASA jogged the FCC's memory that the 3.98-4.2 GHz of C-band spectrum still standing is invaluable for providing high-quality, smooth media distribution that North Americans have grown accustomed to, especially during live sports events, news, and entertainment programming. NASA passionately argued that this spectrum needs to stay put for incumbent users, as it's pretty much irreplaceable.

They gently reminded the FCC that broadcasters and related parties have already lost a whopping 60% of the C-band during the 2021 auction. NASA claimed that any further reallocation would create annoying interference, degrade service, and leave large networks and small businesses in a real pickle. So, if the FCC pushes ahead with aUpper C-band reallocation, NASA requests that incumbents receive compensation for replacement services and related costs.

NASA's second filing, submitted in response to the "Delete, Delete, Delete" public notice, encouraged the FCC to take a more modernized approach to wireless microphone usage, including temporary authorities. NASA framed the current Special Temporary Authorization (STA) system as "outdated, unnecessarily burdensome, and unpredictable," especially as live productions increasingly rely on spectrum that is being nibbled away and aurora'd.

NASA recommended designating specific low-power guard bands, such as 616-617 MHz and 805-806 MHz, as permanent real estate for licensed wireless microphone usage, unaffected by STA requirements. They also advocated for easing up on the 50-device minimum for Part 74 licenses because TV White Space devices are dwindling, and the dynamic needs of event producers change as frequently as the winds.

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More deets about the North American Spectrum Alliance can be found on their website.

Sources:1. C-Band Alliance2. North American Spectrum Alliance

  1. The North American Spectrum Alliance (NASA) has expressed concerns about spectrum reallocation, particularly the Upper C-band, in light of the FCC's "Delete, Delete, Delete" proceedings.
  2. NASA was formed in January 2025 with backing from major players like Sennheiser, FOX Sports, and the NFL, with a mission to protect spectrum crucial for content creation and dissemination.
  3. In their Upper C-band filing (GN Docket No. 25-59), NASA appealed to the FCC to preserve the remaining C-band spectrum for live video production, news, and entertainment programming.
  4. NASA warned that further spectrum reallocation could lead to interference, degraded service, and financial impact on broadcasters and small businesses.
  5. The FCC was urged by NASA to adopt a more modern approach to wireless microphone usage, relaxing the Special Temporary Authorization (STA) system and establishing permanent guard bands for licensed wireless microphone usage.
  6. To minimize the burden on event producers, NASA proposed easing the 50-device minimum for Part 74 licenses due to the decrease in TV White Space devices and dynamic event needs.
  7. For more information about the North American Spectrum Alliance, visit their website for updates on their mission, advocacy, and progress in the data-and-cloud-computing technology and media industry.

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