FCC Frequently Asked Questions
Feb 3, 2010 4:37 PM,
Provided by the FCC
Wireless microphones prohibited from operating in the 700MHz band
Under a new FCC rule, anyone who uses a wireless microphone that operates in the 700MHz band must stop operating their wireless microphone by June 12, 2010.
All users of 700MHz band wireless microphones (and similar devices)—including theaters, churches, schools, conference centers, theme parks, and musicians—will need to retune (where possible) or replace their wireless microphone equipment with other microphone devices no later than June 12, 2010.
The following are the most commonly asked questions about the prohibition of using wireless microphones that operate in the 700MHz band after June 12, 2010.
Is the FCC prohibiting the use of all wireless microphones?
No. The FCC is only prohibiting the use after June 12, 2010 of wireless microphones that operate on frequencies between 698MHz and 806MHz, which is also known as the 700MHz band. You may continue to use wireless microphones that operate on other frequencies. Microphones with cords are not affected by the FCC’s decision.
Why is the FCC prohibiting the use of wireless microphones in the 700MHz band beginning June 12, 2010?
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 698MHz and 806MHz (the 700MHz 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 700MHz 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 that operate in the 700MHz band. You may continue to use wireless microphones that operate on other broadcast frequencies. Microphones with cords are not affected by the FCC’s decision.
How can I find out if my wireless microphone uses frequencies in the 700MHz band?
Some wireless microphones are marked with the frequency the device uses. If information on the device indicates that it operates on frequencies between 698MHz and 806MHz, then the device uses 700MHz spectrum and may not be used after June 12, 2010.
In addition, the FCC’s website provides information about which wireless microphones currently operate in the 700MHz band at www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones. Consumers may use this site to look up their equipment by manufacturer and determine if their particular equipment operates in the 700MHz band. The website also includes information about how to contact manufacturers about wireless microphone equipment at www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones/manufacturers.html. In addition, you may call the FCC at 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) where staff will be able to help you determine if your equipment is affected.
When do I need to stop using my 700MHz band wireless microphone?
If your wireless microphone operates in frequencies between 698MHz and 806MHz (the 700MHz Band), you must stop using it no later than June 12, 2010. Furthermore, if your wireless microphone currently causes interference or will cause interference with a public safety or commercial wireless licensee, you may be required to stop using your wireless microphone earlier than June 12, 2010.
How will I know if I need to stop using my wireless microphone before June 12, 2010?
The FCC’s website has a list of markets where people must stop using their wireless microphones before June 12, 2010. The list includes information about whether you must stop using your wireless microphone immediately or if there is a specific date by which you must stop using your wireless microphone.
In addition, you may receive notice directly from a public safety organization or commercial wireless provider that it is going to begin using the 700MHz band frequencies in your area. If you receive this notice, you will need to stop using your wireless microphone. You will have 60 days from that notification to stop using your 700 MHz band wireless microphone.
If you are notified that your wireless microphone is currently causing interference with a public safety or commercial wireless licensee, you must stop using your wireless microphone immediately.
If my wireless microphone is licensed under Part 74 rules, can I continue using my 700MHz band wireless microphone after June 12, 2010?
No. Wireless microphones —licensed or unlicensed—may NOT operate in the 700MHz band after June 12, 2010.
What happens if I don’t stop using my 700MHz band wireless microphone?
Using the 700MHz band for a wireless microphone after June 12, 2010 could be extremely dangerous and could even be life threatening. Police and fire departments, and other public safety groups, use frequencies in the 700MHz band. Interference from wireless microphones can affect the ability of public safety groups to receive information over the air and respond to emergencies. Harmful interference to these communications could put you or public safety personnel in grave danger. In addition, use of your microphone can cause unlawful interference to consumer services provided using the 700MHz band. Failure to comply with this FCC requirement may lead to penalties.
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FCC Frequently Asked Questions
Feb 3, 2010 4:37 PM,
Provided by the FCC
Wireless microphones prohibited from operating in the 700MHz band
How do I make sure I buy the right kind of wireless microphone?
Starting Jan. 15, 2010, the FCC banned the sale, manufacture, or import of any wireless microphones that are intended for use in the United States in the 700MHz band. Therefore, the wireless microphones that are available for sale after this date should be devices that legally operate in other frequency bands (such as TV channels 2-51) where wireless microphone use is permitted.
All users of wireless microphones may operate the equipment on an unlicensed basis, subject to certain restrictions: the device (1) must not be operated at a power level in excess of 50 milliwatts, (2) may not cause harmful interference, and (3) must be operated in a way that accepts any interference that may be received. For most users— such as theaters, churches, schools, conference centers, theme parks, and musicians—the use of this device is unlicensed.
Most wireless microphones are designed to operate with 50 milliwatts or less. Users are advised to consult their owner’s manual, or other materials provided by the manufacturer or distributor, to determine the output power of their wireless microphone.
Some users are eligible to obtain a license to operate these devices. These include specified entities—such as licensees of AM, FM, or TV stations, broadcast networks, and cable television system operators—set forth in the FCC’s rules (pursuant to Part 74). These entities must first obtain a license before operating under the rules permitted for licensed use.
Can I become a FCC Part 74 licensee and get a more powerful wireless microphone?
Part 74 licenses are limited to AM, FM, TV stations, broadcast networks, and cable television systems operators. (See 47 CFR § 74.832.) To obtain a license, you must be qualified under these limitations, file an application with the FCC, and pay the necessary fees.
My wireless microphone used to work fine. Now I am getting static or interference. What happened?
If you have recently started to receive large amounts of interference, you are most likely causing interference to a public safety entity or wireless broadband provider. Any wireless microphone causing interference in the 700MHz band must cease operations immediately. Additional information about stopping the use of your wireless microphone prior to June 12, 2010 can be found at www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones.
What do I do with my old equipment?
Remember to recycle any electronic equipment you are discarding. Recycling electronic equipment recovers valuable materials from the circuit boards, metal wiring, leaded glass, and plastics. Call your local household hazardous waste collection and recycling program to find out whether they will be sponsoring an upcoming event to recycle electronics.
You can also check out the following websites to find a recycling program near you:
(Identifying resources and locations for electronics recycling does not constitute the FCC’s endorsement of the services.)
Earth 911
www.earth911.com/electronics
Earth 911’s zip-code based search engine enables you to find recycling and reuse options in your community for a variety of products.
National Recycling Coalition
www.nrc-recycle.org/localresources.aspx
This page provides links to state recycling resources. Many communities have special collection and recycling days that are highlighted on their websites.
My Green Electronics
www.mygreenelectronics.org
On this Consumer Electronics Association site, you can learn you can learn more about purchasing “green” electronic products and search for recycling opportunities.
For more information about the use of wireless microphones you may contact the FCC at:
Federal Communications Commission Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20554
Phone: 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322)
Fax: (202) 418-0232
E-mail: [email protected]
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