NEWS
Federal Communications Commission
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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.
See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
News Media Information 202 / 418-0500
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
May 15, 2014 Cecilia Sulhoff (202) 418-0587
Email: cecilia.sulhoff@fcc.gov
FCC EXPANDS LICENSE ELIGIBILITY FOR CERTAIN WIRELESS MICROPHONE USERS
TO ENSURE INTERFERENCE PROTECTION, HIGH QUALITY SOUND FOR LARGE 
EVENTS 
Washington, D.C. – The Federal Communications Commission today took steps to recognize the 
important social, cultural, and economic benefits of low power auxiliary station operations, including 
wireless microphones, by expanding license eligibility for qualifying users.  
In new rules adopted today, the Commission expands Part 74 license eligibility to include professional 
sound companies and venues that routinely use 50 or more wireless microphones, where the use of 
wireless microphones is an integral part of the major productions or events they host. The Commission 
concluded that these users generally have the same need for interference protection as existing Part 74 
licensees and the sophisticated knowledge and capability to manage use and coordination of a large 
number of wireless microphones.     
Wireless microphone users that do not routinely use 50 or more devices may continue to operate as they 
do today, on an unlicensed basis.  The measured approach taken today strikes an appropriate balance in 
providing the benefits of a license for entities and events that have a demonstrated need, while ensuring 
that spectrum is shared effectively with existing Part 74 operations and remains available for other uses, 
including TV white space devices.  
The actions the Commission takes today are part of the broader efforts to address the needs of wireless 
microphone users in connection with the Incentive Auction Report and Order adopted today. The 
Commission will continue to examine these important issues in related proceedings this summer.  
Action by the Commission May 15, 2014, by Report and Order (FCC 14-62).  Chairman Wheeler, 
Commissioners Clyburn, Rosenworcel, Pai and O’Rielly.  
WT Docket No. 08-166, WT Docket No. 08-167, and ET Docket No. 10-24
– FCC –
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