Media Contact: 
Neil Grace, (202) 418-0506
neil.grace@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
FCC REVISES AND CLARIFIES CERTAIN WIRELESS MICROPHONE 
RULES AND PROPOSES LIMITED EXPANSION OF LICENSE 
ELIGIBILITY
WASHINGTON, July 13, 2017 – Today, the Federal Communications Commission took 
action to revise and clarify its rules to promote more effective spectrum access for wireless 
microphone operations in the TV bands, the repurposed 600 MHz band, and other frequency 
bands.  The Commission also proposed to address the wireless microphone needs of certain 
small professional theater, music, performing arts, and similar organizations.
Because less spectrum will be available for wireless microphone operations as a result of the 
incentive auction and repacking of TV band spectrum, the Commission has taken several 
actions in recent years to accommodate wireless microphone users’ needs by providing 
access to spectrum in various frequency bands – both on a licensed and unlicensed basis.  
Wireless microphone operations range from broadcasting and other professional uses with a 
need for high-performance microphones, such as live theater, to individual consumers’ use 
of handheld microphones at a conference or in a karaoke bar.  
In the Order on Reconsideration, the Commission addresses petitions for reconsideration of 
two 2015 Commission orders.  Today’s Order provides revisions and clarifications to certain 
technical and operational rules (e.g., spurious emissions rules, measurement of emission 
limits, coordination rules, access to spectrum in certain bands) that promote spectrum access.  
The Further Notice proposes permitting professional theater, music, performing arts, and 
similar organizations, to obtain licensed access to operate wireless microphones at smaller 
venues, provided certain requirements (e.g., demonstrated need and requisite professional 
abilities) are met.
Action by the Commission July 13, 2017 by Order on Reconsideration and Further Notice of 
Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 17-95). Chairman Pai, Commissioners Clyburn and O’Rielly 
approving and issuing separate statements.  
GN Docket No. 14-166; ET Docket No. 14-165; GN Docket No. 12-268
###
Office of Media Relations: (202) 418-0500
TTY: (888) 835-5322
Twitter: @FCC
www.fcc.gov/office-media-relations
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. Cir. 1974).