What 700 MHz Wireless Means to You

Numerous news outlets are reporting that 700 MHz wireless microphones can no longer be sold in the U.S. per order of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). An FCC ban on use of these microphones starts in June. These changes will keep the 700 MHz portion of wireless airspace open for mobile broadband and other communication services from providers like Verizon and AT&T (who own rights to much of it).

Television watchers in the U.S. previously enjoyed 700 MHz communications in the form of standard broadcast (UHF) channels 52 through 69. With the switch to digital television last year, the space is free except for wireless microphones. Typical owners of 700 MHz microphones are establishments that run wireless intercoms and public address systems, like churches. They may not actually be prosecuted or fined for continuing to use those microphones but, sooner or later, interference from the new national wireless services will take over their airwaves.

→ See also - FCC Tells Wireless Mics to Get off 700MHz Spectrum Band (pcworld.com)