Are the wireless microphones in your church legal?

 

Recent Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rulings banned the use of wireless microphone systems operating in the 700-megahertz (MHz) band; enforcement of new laws began June 12, when the regulation took effect.

 

The law applies to all wireless equipment users such as schools and churches, and wireless devices, which may include microphones, in-ear devices, intercoms, wireless instrument transmitters and video transmitters.

 

Studies estimate the new law affects 10 percent of wireless microphones.

 

A deeper look at the law

With the expansion of technology and move to HD and 4G networks came the need for the FCC to ensure the protection of certain frequencies; designating their use solely to emergency or public safety operators. 

 

Prior to this regulation wireless devices operated legally in the public safety band.  These new regulations are in place to prevent potentially life-threatening interference from taking place, the FCC says.

 

“The law is adding protection for a certain transmission range for the use of emergency services (police, fire, homeland security, etc.)  An explanation of the law is that the FCC controls the use and licensing of the broadcast airwaves and until now has allowed unlicensed use of the range in question. The new restriction, they contend, is simply restricting the licensing of that range for a specific need,” explained Ken Lasater, SBTC church ministries associate.

 

According to the FCC website, “Interference from wireless microphones can affect the ability of public safety groups to receive information over the air and respond to emergencies. Harmful interference to these communications could put you or public safety personnel in grave danger.”

 

Organizations that continue to operate in the 700 MHz range face potential fines and penalties.

 

“The wise decision is to operate legally, abandoning the use of these frequencies,” Lasater said.

 

Equipment inspection

Churches with concerns about their own wireless equipment can visit the FCC website—fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones/manufacturers.html—which lists most (not all) brands and manufacturers of various wireless equipment as well as lists if the device meets the new regulations.”

 

“Not every unit will need to be replaced. Some units are already in compliance. That is, they already operate outside of the 700 MHz range. Other systems have the ability to be adjusted to work within legal parameters. Check with the manufacturer for details,” Lasater said.

 

Curtis James, SBTC multimedia consultant, urges churches to inspect their equipment.

 

“In most cases the frequency your wireless microphone operates on is printed on your wireless receiver. It is normally on the bottom or sometimes back and oftentimes printed on some sort of tag. Other receivers may actually have it stamped or engraved in some fashion. If you look for a set of numbers followed by MHz, then you’re looking at the frequency. It would read, ‘726.35mhz’ or in the case of an agile frequency mic, ‘726.35mhz-736.25mhz.’ If any of those frequencies are between 698mhz and 806mhz, the mic is illegal to use.”  

 

James invites churches in need of additional assistance to contact him at 469-667-8483.

 

Replacing equipment

Opinions on the new law vary, Lasater said.

 

“Some might see this as being similar to the imminent domain issues related to the seizure of personal property for public good; proponents point out that this was necessary to clear the way for 4G communication devices, for Digital TV and for some emergency services’ access.”

 

James and Lasater remind churches that microphones that are wired do not violate the new laws and will not cause the hazardous interference. Using wired mics is a solution to consider as either a short- or long-term way to comply with the guidelines.

 

Reputable manufacturers were aware of the upcoming changes up to two years ago and discontinued the sale of products in the 700 MHz band. As early as Jan. 15, the FCC banned the sale of products within the 700 MHz range that were intended for use in the United States.

 

“Wireless mics are not very durable and we use them hard. If [a church] has old equipment this may be a good time to upgrade,” James said. 

 

Such was the case for First Baptist Church of Euless. 

 

“We had 5 Sennheiser wireless systems in our worship center that had to be replaced because of the FCC change. All of these systems had been in operation since 1999. We were in a position to update and also expand our wireless mic system last summer and that is what we did,” Will Brown, technical director at the church, said.

 

James recommends that a church consider upgrading to an agile frequency rather than a fixed frequency. Agile frequencies may be changed, adjusted, and the product tends to be built better with durability in mind.  

 

“Should your church determine to purchase new equipment there are frequencies below 700 MHz which are currently usable space, but there is no guarantee that those frequencies will remain usable in the future. Some manufacturers are offering trade-in rebates for new equipment,” Lasater said.

 

James encourages a church to see the changes as an opportunity to glorify God and look for locations where the equipment is not banned.

 

“The instant response from one church was, ‘I bet they can use it in Mexico!’” James said.

 

For more information about the changes visit the FCC website: fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones