Many persons paying for cable or satellite television might become irritated when interference from an outside source affects their service.

Imagine the level of irritability experienced by a TV or radio network when its college football broadcast is hindered by interference coming from wireless communication between coaches.

Such situations have occurred, but future interruptions can be avoided. A professional broadcasting organization is encouraging NCAA institutions to take the necessary steps to enable all parties to communicate in harmony.

Wireless communication systems are gaining in popularity among both high-school and collegiate coaching staffs. The possibility for interference exists because the frequencies on which such systems broadcast also are being used by digital TV and TV channels 14 through 69. Because of the growth in digital TV and an increase in stations using those channels, space is becoming limited.

That is not to say schools should refrain from using wireless systems. However, they should be aware that such units do need to be licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). In addition, institutions that wish to use their systems at away contests need to secure a Special Temporary Authority (STA) from the FCC.

"The federal government wants to work with schools to get these units licensed," said Rick Edwards, chair of the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) Frequency Coordination Committee. "If you are trying to do the right thing, the FCC will assist you through the process."

How to comply

Edwards, who also recently concluded his term as SBE vice-president, acknowledges that interference is more of a problem in large metropolitan areas, but is not limited to them. "The possibility for interference exists if one of these units is operating on an already assigned frequency within 70 miles of a channel," he said.

The Pacific-10 Conference has taken an active role in urging its members to comply with FCC regulations. "I felt it was the conference's obligation as a service organization to notify our institutions of this matter," said Duane Lindberg, Pac-10 assistant commissioner for electronic communications.

Dennis Poppe, NCAA senior director for football and baseball, first became aware of the licensing requirements in December 2000, after receiving a memo from the FCC's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau. Poppe relayed that information to the institutions that were participating in the 2000-01 bowls.

"Game-site communications procedures are normally handled by the member institutions," Poppe said. "We quickly passed along the Web site addresses and phone numbers to the bowl teams that would assist them in the process."

"The memo brought some things to light that we were not aware of," Lindberg said. He also noted that the Pac-10's partners in its television package alerted him to the potential problems.

Poppe also wants the Division I Football Issues Committee to study the matter. "We want to try to find a solution that is convenient to all parties," Poppe said. "Whether that translates into involvement by the NCAA through any sort of legislation remains to be seen."

Edwards emphasized that institutions need not attempt to handle licensing on their own. "There are several companies whose business it is to direct and work with potential licensees," he said.

In addition, the process of obtaining STAs is not a difficult one. The FCC has an online application form.

Once a school has received its special event STAs, they must contact the local broadcast auxiliary frequency coordinators assigned to the areas to which they are traveling and using the wireless units. Since schedules are made far in advance, Edwards stressed that most of these arrangements can be made before the day-to-day stress of the playing season begins.

Hope for trickle-down

The SBE has worked over the last three years with the National Football League to solve its on-site frequency difficulties. While the group attempts to solve any possible interference problems in the weeks and months leading up to the games through the area frequency coordinators, members of the organization also serve as game-day event coordinators at every NFL contest. This effort has substantially reduced harmful interference that was previously commonplace at NFL games.

These volunteers attend the game and may be reached at a phone number dedicated specifically to them. While Edwards acknowledges that SBE's focus on the collegiate level presently is on getting units properly licensed and frequencies coordinated, he hopes the idea of having game-day coordinators might trickle down from the NFL.

Another possible solution for institutions, according to Edwards, is to obtain licensing for two frequencies at their home site. This would enable both teams' coaching staffs to have a dedicated frequency.

"The home team would not have to provide both systems," Edwards said. "The visiting squad would still bring its equipment, but it would not have to apply for and receive an STA."

Edwards warns that institutions that neglect to obtain licenses may face serious consequences. "It is just a matter of time until the FCC enforces its rules," he said. Fines can range as high as $10,000 for each violation.

"Networks pay significant rights fees to broadcast these games," Edwards said. "So many things need to come together for a quality broadcast. They do not want the problem of having to deal with interference."