Is it illegal to use 700MHz?

October 4, 2009 8:50 AM

Is it illegal to use 700MHz frequency for microphones now? What is the situation regarding the 700MHz range? Is anyone actually using it, or has it just been auctioned off? Has anyone had any troubles using it?
posted by willcosgrove to technology (6 comments total)

Probably depends on which country you're in.
posted by torquemaniac at 8:51 AM on October 4, 2009

it will also depend on how much power is being transmitted.
posted by Dmenet at 8:54 AM on October 4, 2009

I'm in the US, and transmitting about half a watt. It's just a standard Sennheiser handheld microphone.
posted by willcosgrove at 9:11 AM on October 4, 2009

I'm pretty sure it is illegal in the US without a permit from the FCC.

700Mhz has definitely been auctioned off.
posted by meta_eli at 9:14 AM on October 4, 2009

On the plus side, I seem to remember reading that most mic manufacturers were offering rebates if you trade in the old gear.
posted by meta_eli at 9:17 AM on October 4, 2009

My quick reading of this "NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING AND ORDER"[pdf] says that it is illegal now.

In this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Order (“Notice and Order”),
we consider broadcast low power auxiliary stations, which have been
permitted to operate on TV Channels 52-69 in the 700 MHz Band, as well
as in several other bands, ona secondary non-interference basis.4 In
the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Notice) below, we tentatively
conclude to amend our rules to make clear that the operation of low
power auxiliary stations within the 700 MHz Band will no longer be
permitted after the end of the DTV transition because such operations
could cause harmful interference to new public safety and commercial
wireless services in the band. We also tentatively conclude to
prohibit the manufacture, import, sale, offer for sale, or shipmentof
devices that operate as low power auxiliary stations in the 700 MHz
Band. In addition, for those licensees that have obtained
authorizations to operate low power auxiliary stations in spectrum that
includes the 700 MHz Band beyond the end of the DTV transition, we
tentatively conclude that we will modify these licenses so as not to
permit such operations in the 700 MHz Band after February 17, 2009. We
also seek comment on issues raised by the Public Interest Spectrum
Coalition (PISC) in its informal complaint and petition for rulemaking
(“PISC Petition” or “Petition”).5

posted by bottlebrushtree at 9:43 AM on October 4, 2009