USA

Check updated information: https://apwpt.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Handout_Version-2024_1.pdf

For more information, see: https://www.apwpt.org/regional-info-k-u/u/usa/index.php

APWPT microphone frequency information

Licensed and Unlicensed Operation Permitted
It is permissible to operate wireless microphones and in ear monitoring systems on either a licensed or unlicensed basis in several bands. In the television broadcasting bands, a power limit of 50 mW applies for unlicensed operation; licensed microphones and in ear monitor transmitters may operate with up to 250 mW in the UHF television band.

Wireless microphones may operate on locally unused television channels within the VHF and UHF television broadcasting bands between 54-72, 76-88, 174-216, and 470-698 MHz (Note5).

Locally unused television channels may be determined by consulting one of the wireless microphone manufacturers’ online frequency finders, or the web site of one of the FCC approved database operators.

Licensed users may register TV channels they intend to use with one of the FCC approved database operators to receive interference protection from White Space Devices operating in the TV bands. Unlicensed users will no longer be able to register with a database. The FCC made this change when they expanded licensing eligibility.

In addition to the television bands, wireless microphones can also operate in one of the three license-exempt (ISM) bands at 902 - 928 MHz, 2 400 - 2 483.5 MHz or 5 725 - 5 850 MHz as well as the UPCS (DECT) band at 1 920 - 1 930 MHz. Microphones operating in these bands have different technical requirements than those for use in the television bands. They are shared with other devices and may be congested at certain times and places.

The Incentive Auction of UHF (600 MHz) television band frequencies has ended and the transition period has begun, during which some broadcasters will go off the air. Others will be sharing channels or moving to new channels below 608 MHz (including VHF). Wireless carriers may begin testing and operation in locations where their new spectrum becomes available. The transition phase will end on July 13, 2020 at which time wireless microphones and in ear monitors must stop operating in the 600 MHz band except in designated sub bands. The bands that will continue to be available for wireless microphone use include a 2 MHz guard band from 614 - 616 MHz, plus a 10 MHz portion of the duplex gap from 653 - 663 MHz. The lower 4 MHz of the duplex gap will be exclusively for licensed wireless microphones, and the upper 6 MHz will be shared between wireless microphones and White Space Devices on a co-equal basis. Unlicensed operation will be permitted in 614 - 616 MHz and 657 - 663 MHz, and licensed operation will be permitted in 653 - 657 MHz. The spectrum below Channel 37 will continue to be used for television broadcasting. During the transition period, wireless microphone users are advised to check with one of the TV Bands databases to determine the available channels at the location where they plan to operate.

Additional spectrum for licensed users will be available in the 941.5 - 952, 952.85 - 956.25, 956.45 - 959.85, 1 435 - 1 525, 6 875 - 6 900, and 7 100 - 7 125 MHz ranges. Technical standards for these bands have now been finalized. Users must check with a local frequency coordinator before operation begins. There are special conditions for operation in the 1 435 - 1 525 MHz band. Access protocols are currently being worked on with AFTRCC, the coordinator for that band.

TV Query Broadcast Station Search

https://www.fcc.gov/media/television/tv-query