Media Contact:
Charlie Meisch, (202) 418-2943
charles.meisch@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
FCC ADOPTS RULES TO ENABLE WIRELESS MICROPHONE USE IN NEW
SPECTRUM BANDS, ALLOW FOR SHARING IN TV BANDS
WASHINGTON, August 6, 2015 - The Federal Communications Commission yesterday adopted
new rules to address the long-term needs of wireless microphone users by providing for continued
access to the 600 MHz band and expanding access to other bands.
Wireless microphones play an important role in enabling broadcasters and other video
programming networks to cover breaking news and live sports events. Wireless microphones also
enhance event productions in a variety of settings - including theaters and music venues, film
studios, conventions, corporate events, houses of worship, and Internet webcasts.
Most wireless microphones today operate on unused spectrum in the frequencies currently
allocated for TV broadcasting. Wireless microphones also operate in other bands, both on a
licensed and unlicensed basis, depending on the particular band. Following the incentive auction
- with the repacking of the television band and the repurposing of current television spectrum for
wireless services - there may be fewer frequencies in the television bands available for use by
wireless microphone operations.
Specifically, the new rules:
Provide more opportunities for licensed use in the remaining TV bands by allowing
greater use of the VHF channels and permitting co-channel operations inside DTV
contours without coordination if TV signals fall below specified threshold;
Expand eligibility for licensed use of the 4-megahertz portion of the 600 MHz duplex gap
to include all licensed users in the TV bands (broadcasters, cable programming networks,
movie studios, and operators at major sporting/concerts/theater venues); and
Provide new opportunities for these licensed wireless microphones to operate on a
secondary basis in three additional spectrum bands, consistent with the Commission's
spectrum management goals - (1) access to significantly more spectrum in the 900 MHz
band; (2) access to a portion of the 1435-1525 MHz band at specified times and places,
subject to coordination requirements that protect critical aeronautical mobile telemetry;
and (3) access to portions of the 6875-7125 MHz band.
Together with the rules adopted by the Commission today regarding unlicensed use of the 600
MHz band these new rules provide for efficient sharing of these bands to accommodate various
wireless microphone users, while continuing to protect the licensed users of each of the bands.
Action by the Commission August 5, 2015 by Report & Order (FCC 15-100). Chairman Wheeler,
Commissioners Clyburn, Rosenworcel, and Pai; Commissioner O'Rielly dissenting in part.
###
Office of Media Relations: (202) 418-0500
TTY: (888) 835-5322
Twitter: @FCC
www.fcc.gov/office-media-relations
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order
constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
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