Media Contact: 
Will Wiquist
will.wiquist@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

FCC EXPANDS OPPORTUNITIES FOR WIRELESS MICROPHONE USERS
New Rules Allow WMAS Technology That Enables More Wireless Microphones to Operate with Greater Efficiency 
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WASHINGTON, February 15, 2024—The Federal Communications Commission today adopted new rules to allow a new, more spectrally efficient wireless microphone technology to operate.  Wireless Multi-Channel Audio Systems (WMAS) use spectrum more efficiently than currently available narrowband microphones, meaning more microphones can be used without allocating more airwaves.  The rules will permit WMAS to operate on a licensed or unlicensed basis, while preserving the existing spectrum rights of others that share those frequencies.  

Wireless microphones, which operate under the FCC’s technical rules for Part 74 low-power auxiliary station devices and Part 15 unlicensed devices, can be found in a variety of settings, including theaters and music venues, TV and film studios, educational institutions, conventions, corporate events, houses of worship, and internet webcasts.  The new rules will allow WMAS to operate in the broadcast TV bands and 600 MHz duplex gap on both a licensed and unlicensed basis, and in other Part 74 LPAS frequency bands on a licensed basis.

WMAS will enable more wireless microphones to operate in the spectrum available (i.e., more microphones per megahertz of spectrum), which provides additional options when more microphones are needed.  The rules do not alter the existing spectrum rights or expectations regarding spectrum access and availability as it relates to other authorized users that share the frequency bands with wireless microphone operations (including, for example, broadcast licensees, Wi-Fi, and white space device users).  

Action by the Commission February 15, 2024 by Report and Order (FCC 24-22).  Chairwoman Rosenworcel, Commissioners Carr, Starks, Simington, and Gomez approving.  Chairwoman Rosenworcel issuing a separate statement.

ET Docket No. 21-115

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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. Cir. 1974).