June 12th is fast approaching, and that means that changes are coming to those who use wireless microphones and other wireless devices (like IEM's and wireless comm) for a living. Here is a short summary of what's changed and what you need to do to stay legal in the United States:
- After June 12, 2010, ALL 700 MHz gear must cease operation. It doesn't matter who you are, you have to stop using them, period. After this date, the FCC is much more likely to levy a fine if a licensed user complains about interference. Fines can be as high as $11,000 per day per transmitter in use, plus confiscation of equipment. This has been coming for a long time, and is way past due.
- Wireless Mics that operate between 174 MHz and 216 MHz, and between 470 MHz and 698 MHz (less channel 37) are now *legal* if they run at or below 50 mW transmit power. This is effective as of earlier this year, and is a major change from how things used to be. You'll no longer have to worry about someone knocking on your door if you have wireless mics. It is not yet clear whether In-Ear Monitors and other wireless systems are covered under this rule, but it is unlikely that someone's going to come after you for using an IEM system (as long as you don't have a 1W amplifier on it!)
- Look for some activity from the FCC soon on where wireless mics and other devices will be going from this point on. The FCC is considering how to best license wireless devices to protect them from White Space Devices, and this ruling should come out in the next few months. This will greatly clarify who will be allowed protection via the database, and by other means, from consumer devices.
- After June 12, 2010, ALL 700 MHz gear must cease operation. It doesn't matter who you are, you have to stop using them, period. After this date, the FCC is much more likely to levy a fine if a licensed user complains about interference. Fines can be as high as $11,000 per day per transmitter in use, plus confiscation of equipment. This has been coming for a long time, and is way past due.
- Wireless Mics that operate between 174 MHz and 216 MHz, and between 470 MHz and 698 MHz (less channel 37) are now *legal* if they run at or below 50 mW transmit power. This is effective as of earlier this year, and is a major change from how things used to be. You'll no longer have to worry about someone knocking on your door if you have wireless mics. It is not yet clear whether In-Ear Monitors and other wireless systems are covered under this rule, but it is unlikely that someone's going to come after you for using an IEM system (as long as you don't have a 1W amplifier on it!)
- Look for some activity from the FCC soon on where wireless mics and other devices will be going from this point on. The FCC is considering how to best license wireless devices to protect them from White Space Devices, and this ruling should come out in the next few months. This will greatly clarify who will be allowed protection via the database, and by other means, from consumer devices.
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