Shure has announced that it supports a recently released United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) order that expands opportunities for wireless microphone system users.
The company states that it asked for unlicensed Wireless Multi-Channel Audio Systems (WMAS) with higher power, and the FCC agreed. Shure adds that the number of unlicensed wireless microphone users far exceeds the number of licensed users in the U.S., so the full benefit of WMAS technology can only be realized if WMAS is available to unlicensed as well as licensed users.
Shure believes the need for 100 mW unlicensed power is important because it:
— Allows providers to minimize occupied spectrum while remaining equivalent in link performance to narrowband.
— Decreases total Power Spectral Density (PSD) when the audio channel efficiency is met.
— Aligns with recent WMAS updates within European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI).
“This is a great decision by the FCC to provide many microphone users across America with added flexibility,” says Prakash Moorut, global head of spectrum and regulatory affairs at Shure. “Allowing unlicensed WMAS with power up to 100 mW – twice the power allowed for narrowband wireless microphones – is a big benefit for many individuals, organizations, and small businesses.”
Tom Kundmann, vice president of professional wireless at Shure, says of the potential of wideband wireless in the UHF and other bands: “This technology will provide our customers with innovative product solutions. Our team is actively working on improving spectral efficiency, scalability of audio services, and simplifying deployment.”
