We have had many customers asking about the ongoing changes in radio microphone frequencies, their use and more importantly whether their existing systems can be used in the future, here are some basic bits of information to help explain the current situation.

Channel 70 (863 to 865MHz)

In the UK there is a small section of spectrum within TV band channel 70 which can be used licence free for radio microphones. These are the frequencies of 863 to 865MHz. These frequencies will not be affected by the current changes to radio microphone use.

Depending on the manufacturer of radio microphone system that you are using, you will normally be able to use three to four radio microphones within this deregulated band.

Channel 69 (854 to 862MHz) and Channel 38 (606 to 614MHz)

TV band channel 69 is being cleared of all radio microphone use by the end of 2011 and replaced with channel 38.

If you have been using radio microphones within this band you should have also purchased a licence for these frequencies as it has always been illegal to use radio microphones within this band without a licence. If you were a licence holder between the dates of 2nd February 2008 and 2nd February 2009 then you may be eligible for compensation for your existing equipment. You may also need proof of purchase of the existing equipment

The compensation scheme has been introduced to primarily help existing licensed users migrate to the new band of channel 38 (606 – 614MHz). The majority of equipment currently in use cannot be easily retuned to this band so the compensation scheme will offer monitory support to enable the purchase of new compatible equipment.

Channel 69 Licence holders should have been notified about the changes and also informed about the compensation scheme by JFMG. For further details please go to www.pmsefunding.co.uk

What about other frequencies?

There will remain, after 2012, spaces within the frequency spectrum called interleaved spectrum where radio microphones can be used with the correct licence. These are spaces where mobile internet, digital TV and other transmission equipment are not currently being used and could be used by radio microphones.

If you require perhaps only one or two frequencies outside the deregulated band of channel 70 then this can be a lower cost option than having to purchase a full channel 38 licence as you can purchase licenses for single frequency use.

For further information about the use of these frequencies please see http://www.jfmg.co.uk

And finally VHF ?

The VHF band of 173.8 to 175.0 MHz will also still be available for use after the proposed changes. These frequencies have sometimes been forgotten about since the introduction of UHF frequencies some years ago, but they offer additional licence free use of radio microphones if required.

R W Salt can offer further advice about which brands can be used on these frequencies.