NFL Backs Bill to Protect Wireless Mics From Interference

Legislation is solution to potential risk of intrusion during games, league says

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 1/25/2010 3:21:01 PM

The NFL has added its voice to those strongly backing a bill to protect wireless microphones from interference.

The microphones share bandwidth with TV stations and, since the FCC approved their use in the so-called white spaces between channels, with unlicensed wireless devices including laptops and so-called smart radios.

The bill (HR 4353) would allow various venues that use wireless mics to register as part of a geo-location database of places those new unlicensed devices must steer clear of as they seek out spectrum to use.

"The legislation represents a common sense resolution to the significant potential risk of interference to the dozens of wireless microphones deployed by the NFL and our broadcasting partners during all pre, regular, and postseason football games," NFL VP of Media Operations Glen Adamo wrote in a letter to the bill's author, Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.)

The venues include stadiums as well as arenas, amusement parks, convention centers, houses of worship, museum, restaurants, recording studios, and theaters.