2012 Radio Frequency - Spectrum Changes

2012 Change to UK Radio Frequencies - How does it affect you?

You may have heard about the Government / OFCOM plan to change the allocation and use of radio frequencies in the UK, planned for 1st January 2012.
This re-shuffling of radio frequencies will mean that the current REGULATED radio frequency space is moving from 'channel 69' to 'channel 38'. This is to allow for the expansion of mobile broadband transmissions etc. in the UK.

Radio Mic systems that have been purchased from DM Music for use in Church will normally be used in the DEREGULATED frequency band 'channel 70' (863 - 865 Mhz) this will remain unchanged in 2012, meaning the majority of our customers will be unaffected by the changes.

If you do currently use radio systems requiring licences or are using 5 or more radio systems at your church please see our brief guide to the 2012 changeover below or call us for further advice on any of the above.


DEREGULATED Bands (free to use on Channel 70: UHF 863 - 865 MHz)

· Current radio microphone systems on the DEREGULATED (free to use) bands (on channel 70: 863 -865MHz) will remain unchanged. This will be the vast majority of our current and past customers who do not currently require a licence to operate their radio systems. You do not need to change your equipment.

· You may run up to 4 radio systems simultaneously on the deregulated bands (863-865MHz).

· The new Sennheiser G3 radio systems may run up to 6 radio systems simultaneously on specific frequencies – details on request.

· All radio mics supplied in the past or currently sold by DM Music will be able to run on the deregulated bands.


REGULATED Bands (requiring a licence Cn channel 69: 854 - 862 MHz)

· Current radio microphone systems on the REGULATED bands (requiring a licence on channel 69) will be currently paying for a licence per system. From 1st Jan 2012 your equipment will not be able to tune to channel 38 (606-614 MHz) and therefore you will be required to upgrade to new radio systems compatible with channel 38.

· Some radio mic manufacturers are offering technical and financial assistance with radio equipment upgrades – details on request.

· JFMG is the UK radio licencing body who allocate radio licences – see www.jfmg.co.uk for details.



Do these changes affect me? – Quick Guide

Do you operate no more than 4 systems on UHF channel 70 (863-865 MHz)?

YES: you do not need to change anything for 2012

NO: If you have more than 4 systems or operate on Channel 69 you need to look at new / upgrade equipment for 2012.


Do you currently have a radio licence from JFMG?

NO: Check you are running no more than 4 radio systems on the deregulated bands 863-865 MHz – you do not require to change anything

YES: Your current equipment will not tune to the new Channel 38 so you do require to look at new equipment for 2012.


Should I wait until 2012 before I buy radio microphones?

NO: Deregulated bands 863-865 MHz will not change so current gear will be unaffected. For Channel 69 operation some manufacturers are offering help come 2012 with upgrades and cash back schemes.



Useful Links:

Audio Technica
http://eu.audio-technica.com/en/news

http://eu.audio-technica.com/en/support/FAQ.pdf

Sennheiser
http://www.sennheiser.com/sennheiser/globals.nsf/resources/WirelessSystemsFAQ.pdf

OFCOM
www.ofcom.org.uk