700MHz Wireless Microphones Banned

The introduction of Digital Television (DTV) service in the U.S. on February 17, 2009 resulted in more intensive use of all TV spectrum, both VHF and UHF, as new digital signals came on the air.

In addition, the FCC has reallocated four UHF TV channels for use by Public Safety stations, and auctioned off the remainder of the 700 MHz spectrum for other wireless services. Many wireless microphone systems are still in use that use channels 52-69 (698 - 806 MHz), generically referred to as the 700MHz band.

Transition out of the 700 MHz Band

In 2010, the FCC prohibited the operation of wireless microphones and similar devices (e.g., wireless intercoms, wireless in-ear monitors, wireless audio instrument links, and wireless cueing equipment) in the 700 MHz Band (i.e., 698 - 806 MHz).  This 700 MHz band formerly had been allocated for TV broadcast services, and has been repurposed for wireless broadband and public safety services. As a result, the use, manufacture, import, sale, lease, offer for sale or lease, or shipment of wireless microphones that are used in the 700 MHz Band was banned by the FCC.  See FCC 10-16. For more information, call the FCC at 1-888-CALL-FCC (TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC) or visit the FCC's wireless microphone website at https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/broadband-division/wireless-microphones.

See also: 600MHz Wireless Microphones Banned