WASHINGTON (RNS) — The Federal Communications Commis-sion has decided to grant Google, Motorola, Dell and Microsoft permission to develop “white space” devices that some pastors worry will interfere with wireless microphones.
The “white space” devices would use the same radio frequency wireless microphones use, which means pastors who use wireless microphones could have their sermons interrupted. Companies like Google and Microsoft want to use the frequencies to send broadband Internet to remote areas of the country.
The FCC promised to “act promptly to remove from the market any equipment found to be causing harmful interference and will require the responsible parties to take appropriate actions to remedy any interference that may occur.”
More than 50 members of Congress, pastors and musicians have expressed concern, asking the FCC to protect their ability to communicate with their audiences. Shure Inc., an audio-visual company working with megachurches and other users, is backing its customers.
“In anticipation of this ruling, Shure has been working diligently on technologies and technical support programs that will enable wireless microphone operators to be successful in more complicated interference environments,” said Shure President Sandy LaMantia.
The FCC must test and certify all of the new devices to ensure they meet certain requirements, but Shure still is concerned the safeguards that will help protect wireless microphones use “un-proven technology.”
“I want to emphasize we are cautious. … A lot of broadcasters were let down and disappointed because there are so many unknown variables in this,” said Bob Powers of National Religious Broadcasters.