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DA 10-1053
June 9, 2010
Enforcement Advisory No. 2010-04
WIRELESS MICROPHONES
Wireless Microphones Are Not Permitted to Operate on Certain Frequencies
after June 12, 2010;
Users are Urged to Check Their Equipment and Take Necessary Steps to
Ensure Compliance
To avoid interference to critical public safety-related communications and
wireless consumer services, the FCC's rules now prohibit the operation of
wireless microphones and similar devices ("wireless microphones") in the
700 MHz Band, i.e., the frequencies between 698 MHz and 806 MHz.
What Should You Know? When wireless microphones were designed originally,
the frequencies they used were located between the frequencies utilized by
television stations to broadcast programs. With the completion of the DTV
transition on June 12, 2009, television stations no longer use the
frequencies in the 700 MHz Band for broadcasts. These frequencies are now
being used by commercial providers of wireless services (such as wireless
broadband services) and by public safety entities (such as police, fire,
and emergency services). Due in large part to the public safety
operations in the band, and as of June 12, 2010, wireless microphone users
must cease operating in the 700 MHz Band to ensure clear transmission of
critical communications.
Additionally, beginning June 12, 2010, FCC rules permit users to operate
wireless microphones without a license on TV channels 2-51, excluding
channel 37, but only at specified power levels (i.e., up to 50
milliwatts). If they do so, however, these unlicensed wireless microphone
users: (1) are prohibited from causing harmful interference, and (2) must
accept any interference received from licensed operators. Finally, if a
wireless microphone user causes harmful interference, the user may be
required to cease operating the device and may not resume operation until
the interference has been corrected.
What Should You Do? There are two initial steps you should take:
* First, you should check to see if your wireless microphone operates in
the 700 MHz Band and is affected by the new rule. Some wireless
microphones are marked with the frequency on which they operate. In
addition, you can visit the FCC website at
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones/manufacturers.html where
you will find a list of manufacturers of wireless microphones and
associated model numbers. The list also includes product descriptions,
and whether or not your device can be modified to comply with the
rule. If your model is included on the list, it is a 700 MHz wireless
microphone and cannot be used after June 12, 2010. If your
manufacturer is not listed, please contact the FCC for assistance with
determining whether your wireless microphone operates in the 700 MHz
Band.
* Second, if you determine that your wireless microphone is operating in
the 700 MHz Band, and therefore in violation of FCC rules, you should
take any actions necessary to come into compliance. Additional
information is available at
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones/.
What Happens if Users Do Not Comply with the New Rules? This advisory
emphasizes the importance of strict compliance with the rules and legal
requirements described above and set forth in 47 C.F.R. S: 15.5. Among
other things, violation of these rules and associated Commission orders
may result in failed communications by fire and police departments and
other entities whose communications are vital to public safety efforts.
Also, failure to comply with these new rules may, depending on the
circumstances, subject the user to civil and criminal penalties, including
but not limited to, substantial monetary forfeitures and seizure of
equipment.
Need more information? For additional information regarding compliance
and enforcement of the wireless microphone rules, you can contact Kathy
Berthot of the Enforcement Bureau at (202) 418-7454, or Neal McNeil of the
Enforcement Bureau at (202) 418-2408. For general information on the
wireless microphone rules, you can contact the FCC at 1-888-CALL-FCC
(1-888-225-5322) or visit: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones/.
Media inquiries should be directed to Matthew Nodine,
matthew.nodine@fcc.gov, (202) 418-1646.
To request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities
(Braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), send an e-mail to
fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at
202-418-0530 (voice), (202) 418-0432 (TTY). You may also contact the
Enforcement Bureau on its TTY line at (202) 418-1148 for further
information about this Enforcement Advisory, or the FCC on its TTY line at
1-888-Tell-FCC (1-888-835-5322) for further information about the wireless
microphone rules.
Issued by: Chief, Enforcement Bureau
-FCC-
Similar devices to wireless microphones include wireless intercoms,
wireless in-ear monitors ("IEM"), wireless audio instrument links, and
wireless cueing equipment (aka "IFB"). See FCC Consumer Advisory,
Operation of Wireless Microphones (and Similar Devices) in 700 MHz Band
Prohibited After June 12, 2010,
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/wirelessmic_advisory.html.
Page 2 of 2
PUBLIC NOTICE
Page 1 of 2
FCC ENFORCEMENT ADVISORY
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th St., S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20554
News Media Information 202 / 418-0500
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
TTY: 1-888-835-5322