Commercial sound professional Claiborne Sharp Professional Audio in Shreveport, LA, wants consumers to know about the federal changes in the frequency of wireless microphones. As of 2015, mics cannot operate on the 700 MHz band. Claiborne reports that those who continue to operate their mics after the Fall of 2018 on the 600 MHz band could face fines of $10,000 per mic per occurrence.  It is even reported that T-Mobile will be driving around on Sunday mornings looking for violators.

Wireless microphones and other similar devices operate on frequencies known as spectrum bands. Wireless mics typically operate in the unused portions of broadcast television bands, such as VHF and UHF channels. Qualifying users operate wireless mics on a licensed basis while unlicensed consumers can still use wireless mics as long as they follow the rules for operating on designated spectrum bands.

So What Are the Rules?

The new rules from the FCC affect these spectrum bands. Now in effect, they restrict the use of wireless microphones and other similar devices in certain bands of the television broadcast spectrum. This can have a trickle-down effect and cause changes to be required at sports stadiums, schools, churches, your local theater, conference centers, and more locations that utilize wireless microphones.

Why Did They Make This Change?

The regulations stemmed from a recent auction held by the FCC in April 2017 in which they sold the licensing rights to spectrum on the 600 MHz service band to meet an increasing nationwide demand for wireless broadband services. This spectrum was previously licensed to broadcast television stations that operated on channels 38 to 51 on TV. In the aftermath of the auction, wireless microphones can no longer operate on the 600 MHz frequencies that correspond to these TV channels, more specifically the 614 to 698 MHz frequencies.

When Does This Affect Me?

As a grace period for users to switch over their frequencies, the FCC is allowing wireless microphone operations in the 600 MHz service band until fourth quarter 2018 or sooner, as long as users do not cause any harmful interference during this time.

Users that aren’t sure if this transition will affect their continued use or wireless mics should contact the specialists at Claiborne Sharp Professional Audio. Their team of sound professionals have been trusted in the Shreveport, Louisiana, area since 1989. Visit their website to learn more about their audio and video services or give them a call today at (318) 861-5953 with any questions you may have regarding the new FCC regulations on wireless microphones.