Under a new FCC rule, anyone who uses a wireless microphone (or similar
device) that operates in the 700 MHz Band will have to stop operating
their wireless microphone (or similar device) no later than June 12,
2010. To see if this law affects your wireless microphone, check the
FCC's Manufacturers
Equipment list.
Why did the FCC make this rule?
Certain wireless microphones have operated in frequencies that are
needed for public safety. When these microphones were first designed,
the frequencies they used were in between the frequencies that
television stations used to broadcast television programs. With the
completion of the digital television (DTV) transition on June 12, 2009,
television stations no longer use the frequencies between 698 and 806
MHz (the 700 MHz Band) for broadcast. These frequencies are now being
used by public safety entities (such as police, fire and emergency
services) and by commercial providers of wireless services (such as
wireless broadband services).
The wireless microphones that had been operating in the old TV broadcast
channels can cause harmful interference to these public safety and
wireless consumer services. Therefore, all users of wireless microphones
(or certain low power auxiliary stations) that operate on any of the
frequencies in the 700 MHz band – including both licensed users (under
Part 74) and unlicensed users – now have to stop operating in this band.
The FCC is only prohibiting the use of wireless microphones (and similar
devices) that operate in the 700 MHz Band. You may continue to use
wireless microphones (and similar devices) that operate on other
broadcast frequencies. Microphones and other similar devices with cords
are not affected by the FCC’s decision.
Similar devices to wireless microphones are also known as equipment for
“low power auxiliary stations”. Typically these devices can transmit
over distances of 100 meters. Examples of similar devices include
wireless intercoms, wireless in-ear monitors (IEM”), wireless audio
instrument links, and wireless cueing equipment. (aka “IFB”).
Please call TC Furlong Professional Audio for a no-cost
consultation about the best way to transition wireless equipment to
approved frequency bands. Our well informed and helpful staff will
gladly provide accurate information to help guide your decisions.
