FCC says 700 Mhz now OFF limits.

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 their 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”).

How do I know what frequency I have?
On the transmitter (mic) or the receiver there will be a frequency printed on a label, usually in the battery compartment. It will be a range formatted as ### – ###. If either of the numbers fall within the range between 698 to 806, then you should consult this list at the FCC website to confirm by manufacturer. Some manufacturers use a letter code such as “Channel Group A.” If this is the case, then follow this link to look up your specific model.

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Manufacturers / Equipment List
Wireless Microphones

To see if your wireless microphone operates on the 700 MHz band, simply click on the name of the manufacturer and see if your model is listed.

• If your model is listed on the table, it is a 700 MHz wireless microphone and can not be used after June 12, 2010.

• If you can find your manufacturer’s name and your equipment is not listed, then you may continue using your wireless microphone because it does not operate in the 700 MHz Band.

If your manufacturer is not listed, please contact the FCC for additional assistance to determine if your wireless microphone operates on the 700 MHz Band.

 

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Manufacturer	Phone Number	Company Web site
AKG	866-406-2349 opt. 2 for AKG Wireless Help Desk	AKG Web Site
Audio Technica	330-686-2600 x5000	Audio Technica Web Site
Audix	800-966-8261 503-682-6933	Audix Web Site
Azden Corporation	800-247-4501	Azden Corporation Web Site
ElectroVoice	800-392-3497	ElectroVoice Web Site
HME	800-462-4357	HME Web Site
Lectrosonics	505-892-4501 800-821-1121	Lectrosonics Web Site
Nady Systems	510-652-2411	Nady Systems Web Site
Samson Wireless	631-784-2200	Samson Wireless Web Site
Sennheiser	860-434-9190	Sennheiser Web Site
Shure	800-516-2525	Shure Web Site
Sony	800-883-6817	Sony Web Site
Telex	800-392-3497	Telex Web Site
Voco Pro	800-678-5348	Voco Pro Web Site

 Here is the FULL MODEL LIST.

You can also contact the FCC’s Consumer Center for more information about wireless microphones or other communications issues by calling 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) voice 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) TTY 1-866-418-0232 fax; or writing to:

Federal Communications Commission Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division 445 12th Street, SW Washington, D.C. 20554.

 

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