ACMA proposes more affordable licences for wireless microphones

Major event and venue operators could soon access spectrum for wireless audio devices for a cheaper fee under an Australian Communications and Media Authority proposal released today.

The majority of wireless audio users operate their devices under the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence 2000 (the Class Licence), which attracts no licence fee. Users, however, also have the option of accessing spectrum for a fee using apparatus licences.

“The new apparatus licence arrangement is an additional option for wireless microphone users who require certainty and flexibility of spectrum arrangements in the 520-694 MHz band,” said ACMA Chairman Chris Chapman. “We’re anticipating that it will typically be best suited to professional users of wireless microphones at major events and venues.

“Apparatus licence fees for wireless audio devices under existing arrangements are expensive. The proposed reduction in fees seeks to address that.

“Lowering the fee is yet another step towards recognising that wireless microphones users make a significant contribution to the Australian economy and community,” Chapman added. “It is one of a number of ACMA initiatives designed to help wireless microphone users access spectrum and transition to radio frequency 520-694 MHz from 1 January 2015.”

Other projects include: a dedicated ‘one-stop shop’ wireless microphones hub that provides information on the 1 January 2015 transition, including a short video (featuring popular television presenter Shelley Craft) that explains how users can prepare for the transition; and fact sheets detailing frequencies available for wireless microphone users on an area-by-area basis after 1 January 2015.

ACMA is aiming to make the new fee available for licence applications before 1 January 2015. Interested parties have until 20 August 2014 to submit their response to the proposed fee change. The discussion paper outlining the changes can be found here.

This proposed fee arrangement will not affect existing wireless microphone users who operate under the Class Licence.