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Operation of Wireless Microphones in the 700 MHZ Band |
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Operation of Wireless Microphones in the 700 MHZ Band Prohibited after June 12, 2010
Under a new FCC rule, anyone who uses a wireless microphone that operates in the 700 MHz Band must stop operating their wireless microphone by June 12, 2010. Is your wireless microphone affected? Check the FCC Manufacturers Equipment List (http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones/manufacturers.html).
Why did the FCC make this rule? 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 that operate on any of the frequencies in the 700 MHz Band have to stop operating in this band. (or presumably face fines for interference).
The FCC is only prohibiting the use of wireless microphones that operate in the 700 MHz 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. (Provided by the FCC)Possible solutions:1. Only use wired microphones.2. Call the manufacturer or take your wireless microphone to a store that sells your brand and ask if the frequency can be changed. Some microphones have replaceable frequency modules so that you can run multiple wireless microphones without interference with each other. 3. Purchase new (or used) wireless microphones that do not use the 700mhz band.4. Sing and talk really, really loud (sorry…only hoping the humor might help deal with this change).
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