FCC Order Finalizes Ban of RF Mics in 700MHz Range
After a wait of roughly 14 months after the FCC's Second Report and Order on White Spaces, the agency has finally issued a firm date for the cessation of wireless microphone systems in the 700MHz band that has been reallocated to new licensees. In essence, the use of any wireless mic, in-ear or communications system in the 698MHz-806MHz range will become illegal as of June 12, 2010, exactly one year after the DTV transition occurred. Users of systems that operate in the 700MHz band are required to retire them by that date. Read entire article on BroadcastEngineering.comSteps to take:
1. Take inventory.
Determine which wireless products you have operating at 700 megahertz. Don't forget to include frequency-specific accessories such as directional antennas and antenna distribution systems.
2. Call Shanahan.
For assistance in determining the appropriate replacement products for obsolete 700 MHz equipment, contact Shanahan by completing the form to the left or calling us at 978-453-1556.
3. Claim your rebate.
Shure is offering rebates of up to $1,000 for each new wireless system purchased when a 700 MHz system is returned. Shanahan will help you claim this rebate and provide you with all necessary information.
Why did the FCC make this rule? (Excerpted from the Shure website)
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").