ACMA urges community groups and businesses to adapt to changes affecting wireless microphone users

Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is contacting a range of industry stakeholders to ensure that community groups and businesses understand the upcoming changes affecting wireless microphone users.

The changes, part of the Federal Government's move to clear specific radio frequency spectrum to provide 4G mobile broadband services from 1st January 2015 (known as the 'digital dividend'), are set to impact on about 80% of current users of wireless microphones.

From 1st January next year, spectrum located in the 694-820 megahertz (MHz) frequency range (the digital dividend) will be used solely to provide 4G mobile broadband services and, as a result, it will be illegal to operate wireless microphones and other audio devices in that frequency range. Wireless microphones used in that frequency range may cause or receive interference to and from the mobile broadband service.

At the present time, a number of industry sectors, including: entertainment venues and performing arts groups; the fitness industry; independent musicians; the conventions/meetings industry; schools, universities and TAFEs; churches; and community groups, currently use wireless microphones in the in the 694-820 MHz frequency range.

The wireless microphones are used on a day-to-day basis for theatre and live music performances, fitness classes, sporting events, public assemblies and religious services, theatre and live music performances and sporting events.

Mindful of the impact that this will have, ACMA wants to ensure that all community groups and businesses understand the change and know what they should do to prepare. The ACMA is strongly encouraging users to check their equipment and to start planning for the change now so that they know that their equipment will comply with the change as of 1st January 2015.

ACMA is making available a range of resources to make it as easy as possible for businesses, organisations and groups to prepare for the changes.

The resources include:

• A wireless microphone hub - an online one-stop-shop for information on the changes (see below);

• Fact sheets that provide for 'plug and play' users (such as community groups and businesses), professional users and suppliers of wireless microphones

• A free, monthly e-bulletin that provides updates on the ACMA's work on helping users prepare for the changes. 

For more information go to www.acma.gov.au/Industry/wirelessmics

27th August 2013 - INFORMATION RESOURCE ON THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL SPECTRUM CHANGES