"Is Your Church Legal?"
By Todd A. Boettcher, CPBE

Your first reaction is likely to be “of course we are!” And for virtually all facets of your church’s ministry, organization and operation, you’d be correct.

However, there is one area that your church may, or may not, be legal, and your church may not be aware of the reason. It has to do with modern technology.

These days, most of our churches use wireless microphones in their sound reinforcement systems to allow the pastor to have more mobility in the chancel and throughout the sanctuary. In some cases, there may be more than one wireless microphone in use throughout the church’s facilities for spoken word and for musical presentation. This freedom of increased mobility is seen by most churches as a real advantage in providing effective communication and presentation for the ministry of the congregation.

Think of wireless microphones as miniature radio stations, with a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter could be a “bodypack” unit connected to a lavalier microphone or a headworn microphone. A “handheld” or “standheld” wireless microphone has the transmitter built-in. The receiver receives the transmitted signal through one or two antennas. It is usually located near the audio mixer and control equipment and is wired directly to a mixer input.

Historically (10 years ago or more), most wireless microphone systems operated in the upper VHF spectrum (TV channels 7-13). This spectrum used transmitting frequencies ranging from 174.000 MegaHertz (MHz) to 216.000 MHz. Many of the newer wireless microphones operate in the UHF spectrum (originally TV channels 14-83). The UHF spectrum includes frequencies from 470 MHz to 890 MHz.

Some years ago, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reallocated TV channels 70-83 for other (non-broadcast) uses. This left UHF television channels 14-69. Virtually all UHF wireless microphones operated in this spectrum (470 MHz to 806 MHz). Many of those wireless microphones operated between 698 MHz and 806 MHz. This range is known as “the 700 MHz band.”

With the mandatory implementation of digital over-the-air television in June, 2009, the FCC reorganized all the new digital television channels to operate at Channel 51 or below. The federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS) directed that they would take control of the 700 MHz band (technically 698.000 MHz to 806.000 MHz) for “public safety” use, such as police, fire, and emergency services. A portion of that spectrum would also be reassigned to licensed wireless broadband services.

All churches, schools, sound rental companies, recording companies, and the entertainment industry all use unlicensed wireless microphones. As a result, their use falls under the FCC’s Rules and Regulations, Part 15, which only permits wireless microphone use within existing unused spectrum authorized for over-the-air television transmission.

The FCC has published a directive that prohibits use of wireless microphones (and other similar devices) in the 700 MHz band effective June 12, 2010. No exceptions will be granted.

As a result, if your church or school is in possession of a wireless microphone that operates in the 700 MHz band (698-806 MHz), it must be destroyed, discarded or traded to a dealer for one that operates within legal spectrum. Wireless microphones designed to operate in the 700 MHz spectrum cannot be “adjusted” or changed (even by the manufacturer) to operate in other legal spectrum. It may not be sold, given away, or used following June 12, 2010.

I recommend that you verify the operating frequency of all wireless microphones as soon as possible and take action quickly if necessary. If you desire to contact me, you may do so through the District office, (414) 464-8100.