Wireless microphone frequencies UK

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Update to Changes (Posted 26th October 2010)

What is the 2012 Digital Switchover (DSO)?

The analogue to digital TV switchover is UK Government policy.

It will mean that almost everyone will be able to receive digital TV through an aerial. Digital TV uses less broadcast space which means that after switchover, there will be more room for new services such as wireless broadband, local TV and High Definition Television (HDTV).

Why does it affect wireless microphone & IEM users?

After the DSO the 800MHz band will no longer be used for TV broadcast. Ofcom is clearing the 800MHz band TV channels 61-69 to match spectrum being released in other European countries (European Harmonisation). This will benefit people across the UK because the spectrum will be able to be used for next-generation mobile broadband services.

What frequencies are affected? 550-606MHz (TV channels 31-37) and 790-862MHz (TV channels 61-69).

What happens to the European harmonised de-regulated licence-free spectrum between 863–865MHz? The de-regulated licence-free spectrum 863-865MHz remains untouched by DSO. If you are currently operating in this area of spectrum, you are free to carry on using it now and beyond the 2012 DSO.


UK frequency information

A summary of the main choices and limitations of wireless microphones used in the UK

VHF Allocations

VHF deregulated frequencies. (MHz) VHF regulated frequencies.(MHz) VHF regulated frequencies.(MHz)
Anyone can use these frequencies for MPT1345/1311 type approved equipment. MPT1350 type approved equipment may only be used at the licensed site. MPT1350 type approved equipment may be used anywhere in the UK.
Free of charge  ₤5 GBP per year or ₤35 GBP for two years for up to fifteen frequencies  ₤5 GBP per year or ₤35 GBP for two years for a block of fifteen frequencies
173.800 176.400 175.250
174.100 177.000 175.525
174.500 192.300 176.600
175.000 200.100 191.900
207.700 192.800
208.100 193.000
199.700
200.300
200.600
208.300
208.600
209.000
216.100
216.600
216.800


UHF Allocations

UHF deregulated frequencies. (MHz) UHF regulated frequencies.(MHz)
Anyone can use these frequencies for EN300 220 type approved equipment. MPT1350 type approved equipment may only be anywhere in the UK.
Free of charge  ₤75 GBP per year or ₤135 GBP for two years for up to fifteen frequencies
863.100 854.900
to  855.275
864.900 855.900
  856.175
857.625
857.950
858.200
858.650
860.400
860.900
861.200
861.550
861.750

Summary of Changes resulting from DSO

UKMicFreqs.jpg