Wireless microphones reminder from ACMA

Following extensive consultation with suppliers and users, ACMA has revised regulations covering the purchase of wireless microphones or audio devices operating in the 694-820 MHz frequency range.

Suppliers must inform customers that the equipment they sell will be suitable for use from 1 January 2015.

From 17 September 2013, the sale of any wireless microphone using that frequency band must be accompanied by a written statement warning the buyer that it will be illegal to use it after 31 December 2014 (although this does not apply to compliant wireless microphones and audio devices already in the market).

ACMA has published a series of fact sheets to help users understand the changes.

From 1 January 2015, the 694-820 MHz range will be used by telcos to provide 4G mobile broadband services. From that date, wireless microphones and audio devices need to be retuned or replaced, so they use the 520-694 MHz or 1790-1800 MHz frequency ranges.

In the next few weeks, ACMA will finalise a proposal to limit the supply of non-compliant wireless microphones. The change will be announced through ACMA’s wireless microphones e-bulletin.