FEDERAL MP Warren Entsch is urging wireless microphone users in communities around Leichhardt to prepare for changes that will affect how they can use the devices.
The changes are part of the Federal Government’s work to clear specific radiofrequency spectrum (known as the ‘digital dividend’) so that it can be used to provide 4G mobile broadband services from 1 January 2015.
What is changing?
From 1 January 2015, spectrum located in the 694-820 megahertz (MHz) frequency range (the digital dividend) will be used solely to provide 4G mobile broadband services.
It will be illegal to operate wireless microphones and other audio devices in that frequency range because they may cause or receive interference to and from the mobile broadband service.
“Community groups and small businesses use wireless microphones for a whole range of purposes, from school assemblies to religious services, theatre and live music performances and sporting events,” Mr Entsch said.
“It’s very likely that there are many individuals and organisations that live and work in our community and use wireless microphones and other audio devices on a day-to-day basis.
“The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) wants to ensure that all community groups and businesses understand the change and know what they should do to prepare.”
Mr Entsch said ACMA is strongly encouraging users to check their equipment and to start planning for the change now, so that they know that their equipment will comply with the change by 1 January 2015.
“A range of resources are available to make it as easy as possible for people to prepare for the changes,” he explained.
These resources include:
· A wireless microphone hub-an online one-stop-shop for information on the changes www.acma.gov.au/Industry/wirelessmics
· Fact sheets that provides for ‘plug and play’ users (such as community groups and small businesses), professional users and suppliers of wireless microphones
· Free, monthly e-bulletin that provides updates on the ACMA’s work on helping users prepare for the changes. People can subscribe to the e-bulletin via the wireless microphone hub.
“I’d encourage anyone who thinks they may be affected to visit the ACMA website, download a fact sheet from my website or pick one up from my office at 102 Grafton St, Cairns,” ended Mr Entsch.