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OPERATION OF WIRELESS MICROPHONES IN THE 700 MHZ BAND
IS PROHIBITED AFTER JUNE 12, 2010
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 our
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”).
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