Petition calls for compensation for wireless audio users impacted by bandwith sell-off

The Australian Wireless Audio Group (AWAG) is to have a petition tabled in the Federal Senate calling for the Australian Government to compensate wireless audio users impacted by the sell-off of the 700 MHz radio frequency bandwith.

Featuring 3,000 signatures, the petition is to be tabled on 12th November and AWAG Executive Director Ian Harvey has advised that it is not too late for more people to add their signatures to the list.

Explaining the issue, Harvey explains "at the end of next year around 80% of the wireless audio devices currently being used in Australia will have to be scrapped because the previous government sold the spectrum they operate in to Telstra and Optus (and) no compensation being offered.

"(AWAG) continues to represent this issue to Government and both Malcolm Turnbull, as Minister for Communications, and Bruce Billson, as Minister for Small Business, have indicated they are listening.

"But, as yet, there has been no action and the clock continues to tick ... we are now just 15 months away from the changeover date."

Affecting a number of industry sectors, including: schools, universities and TAFEs; churches; entertainment venues and performing arts groups (professional and amateur); the fitness industry; independent musicians; the conventions/meetings industry; schools, universities and TAFEs; churches; and communitygroups, AWAG is advising "the critical informantion to understand is that spectrum now changes - with one exception - if you move from one place to another, for example from Parramatta to Manly.

"The exception is a new piece of spectrum at 1790MHz to z1800MHz which is available nationally. The limitation is that a small piece of spectrum like this will only allow for the operation of a small number of devices in one location, typically six to 12 devices, depending on how efficient they are."

AWAG also advise that the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has posted a 'wireless mic hub' to their website which offers information sheets for both plug-and-play and pro users.

AWAG also points out that devices that aren't compliant after the switchover and which were imported after 17th September 2013 should have a warning label/statement with them.

However, Harvey states "this is a really clunky option that's very difficult for the consumer to be able to determine, so we are recommending that anyone buying wireless audio devices needs to get a clear statement from the seller that the goods will work in their area after the switchover.

"Having said that we don't believe there is a lot of non compliant stock around as most distributors stopped importing it some time ago (and) if you are offered non compliant product just walk away or ask your supplier to provide you with product that is compliant. It is readily available and there is no reason anyone should be trading in non compliant products."

The Senate Petition can be found by clicking on the link below.

For more information contact Ian Harvey of AWG on 03 9527 8133.

ian.harvey@aceta.org.au

http://www.wirelessaudioaustralia.org