Wireless Mics and FCC Regulations

Due to the industry's choice that was made to change over all TV broadcasts into digital, there has been serious distress by those who are dependent on wireless mic technology. All performers who like to be free from the constraints of wires, are reliant on wireless amplification. Recent developments in frequency rules by the FCC have caused some difficulties for these wireless users.

The broadband frequencies were not this packed until only a few years ago. Even since the year 2000, there wasn't the explosion of wireless Internet hook-ups, public hot-spots, and the ever growing boon of the most recent cell phones that there are now. All of these wireless mics use parts of the limited, and very defined, broadcasting frequencies.

At first the problem was quite stunning. No one was certain as to what the inevitable repercussions would be, but those who went wireless understood soon after that there were going to be some problems, especially with some of their older systems. Many UHF frequency mics in use these days are set up to broadcast in a range between seven hundred and forty-six and eight hundred and six Megahertz. With the new frequency restructuring, the FCC wanted to define that part of the band to ES rather than to UHF TVs, blind to the disruptions that such interference might create.

Emergency services are not terribly reliable. With this new frequency sharing, it was entirely likely that someone could rehearse all day on what they thought was a clear channel, only to find that they start broadcasting the local fire or ambulance service in the middle of a live performance. While it is feasible to have the frequency modified on most mics, this will cost a bit as the manufactures won't do it for nothing.

Churches with larger congregations find themselves hardest hit in some ways. Traditionally quite a number of churches have occupied the 700 Megahertz band for their clergy, and they are very unhappy about changing their systems now. Unfortunately, there are significant fines now in effect for those found to be operating illegal seven hundred Megahertz devices and those companies who now command the band are not likely to brook much trespass on their spectrum.

When that part of the broadband spectrum was auctioned off, the major telecommunications companies like AT&T and Verizon were extremely determined to possess it. This claiming of a particular frequency spectrum has a lot to do with the coming developments, but is also pertinent to the continued functioning of systems already in place.

The problem for those who continue to operate unauthorized transmitters in this range is that these companies are far more aggressive about protecting their investments than the FCC is about simply enforcing their regulations. While they may feel confident that there is no way an agent or representative from the Federal Communications Commission would ever stumble across their little church in rural Kentucky during the hour or so a week that an illicit mic is in operation, these people may not feel the same about the telecommunications giants.

On one side there are the major interests of Verizon and AT&T. On the other hand we have the FCC rightly claiming that, with the updated allotment of the band to emergency services, illegal wireless use can be publicly dangerous. At the center is the ill-fated 700 Megahertz user, facing a big fine and very forceful attorneys for the plaintiffs. This definitely isn't what the village minister needed when he decided to form a congregation.

This was proven to be a realistic concern shortly after the white space band was given over to the telecommunication companies. Only ten weeks after the regulations came into force, there had been no action taken by the FCC against wireless users operating in the restricted frequencies. There had, however, been instances of Verizon claiming exclusive license and a right to protection against users who are in violation of the new FCC ruling.

It's not a great situation for many churches and performers. While it is true that the available bandwidth is limited and that there is much to be said for keeping great swaths of it clear for future development, it really does inconvenience those people who have been using wireless microphones quite happily and without incident for years.


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Bruce is a renowned recordist, and producer. If you want to learn more about the FCC ruling, click on the link where you'll find more useful information about the FCC. If you're interested in buying a wireless microphone you can visit his online shop.