Sunday Feb. 28 is the date set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for sellers of wireless mics to notify buyers that a new rule is taking effect banning their use in the 700Mhz spectrum.
The FCC in January passed a new rule prohibiting use of “low power auxiliary stations,” its term for wireless mics, in the 700Mhz range because those frequencies are being set aside for providers of public safety communications and for other commercial purposes, such as wireless broadband Internet access. Existing mics can be adjusted to operate at another frequency.
A new labeling requirement on the mics takes effect April 15. If a mic set to operate at 700Mhz is sold outside the United States, the label needs to say that the product cannot be used in the U.S.
The ban on use of 700Mhz wireless mics takes effect June 12.
The changes stem from the switchover to digital television broadcasting in the U.S. in which broadcasters relinquished their analog signals to broadcast a digital signal. Readers may view more information at the Commission’s website.
