WASHINGTON, D.C.-On Jan. 15, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted an Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking prohibiting the further operation, distribution and sale of devices that operate in the 700 MHz frequency band. This area of frequencies, previously used by television channels in the "UHF" band of transmission, had been in ad hoc use by wireless microphones and other wireless data transmission devices (DMX, et al).
The FCC order makes it clear that these unlicensed devices cannot continue to operate in this band as they may cause harmful interference to public safety entities and next generation consumers devices that will be utilizing the 700 MHz frequency. Current users of equipment that use the 700 MHz frequency have until June 12, 2010, one year from the DTV transition, to change to complying equipment.
The 700 MHz band will be used for communications services for public safety and the deployment of next generation 4G wireless devices for consumers.
The Commission is supplying a consumer outreach plan in order to assist consumers who have previously purchased wireless microphone systems and other related devices that utilized the 700 MHz band. Through the Commission's website, www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones, techs can learn whether their wireless device is currently operating in the prohibited band and whether their devices may be retuned to operate on another band. You can also call 1-888-CALL-FCC to ask questions regarding this transition.
