Ofcom are making changes to the frequencies that licensed radio microphones can use.

Radio Microphone Changes

Currently the digital switch over (DSO) programme is working its way around the UK, turning off the old analogue television and low power digital television broadcasts and replacing them with high power digital television broadcasts.

The DSO process is due to be completed by the end of 2012, and will free up parts of the RF spectrum. In November 2005 Ofcom announced the beginning of the Digital Dividend Review (DDR) to look at what to do with the freed up RF spectrum. Ofcom has identified various RF spectrum which it is planning to auction off, including some currently used by radio microphones.

De-regulated / license exempt frequencies. 863 - 865 MHz (part of Channel 70)

There are no plans to make any changes to this de-regulated part of the spectrum.

Channel 69. 854 - 862 MHz

Channel 69 was the only nationally licensable band set aside for radio microphones use across the UK. However channel 69 has been included in a larger spectrum band that will be auctioned for new services, most probably mobile broadband. Ofcom has confirmed that channel 38 (606 - 614 MHz) will be made available for radio microphone use.

If you currently operate radio microphones in the 863 - 865 MHz band then you can continue to use them.

If you currently operate radio microphones in the 854 - 862 MHz band then you will need to upgrade your system so that it can operate in the 606 - 614 MHz band.

For more details on radio microphone licenses please see the Joint Frequency Management Group (JFMG) web site.

JFMG