Wireless microphone frequencies UK
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
