Wireless microphones are an essential tool for many professionals, including musicians, broadcasters, and filmmakers. However, the use of wireless microphones is subject to various regulations to ensure that they do not interfere with other wireless services.
In Canada, there are specific frequencies that are legal for wireless microphones, and it is essential to understand these regulations to avoid any legal issues.
The legal frequencies for wireless microphones in Canada have undergone significant changes in recent years. As a result, both the US and Canada adopted a plan to transition devices like wireless microphones off the 600 MHz band.
Key Takeaways
- Wireless microphones are subject to various regulations to avoid interference with other wireless services.
- In Canada, the legal frequencies for wireless microphones have undergone significant changes in recent years.
- It is essential to understand these regulations to avoid any legal issues when using wireless microphones.
Overview of Wireless Microphone Frequencies in Canada
The frequency bands that are legal to use for wireless microphones in Canada are mainly in the 900 MHz, 1435-1525 MHz, and 6875-7125 MHz bands. These bands are regulated by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED).
It is important to note that the use of wireless microphones in the 600 MHz range is no longer legal in Canada. This is due to the repurposing of this frequency band for wireless services and public safety use.
When purchasing a wireless microphone system, it is important to ensure that it operates within the legal frequency bands. Anyone selling or leasing a wireless microphone system must provide disclosure to consumers about the frequencies that the device operates within.
Legal Frequencies in Canada
In Canada, wireless microphones must operate within certain frequency ranges to be considered legal. These ranges are regulated by the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and are outlined in the Radiocommunication Act and Radiocommunication Regulations.
One important frequency band to note is the 600 MHz band, which is now reserved for wireless services and public safety use. As a result, all wireless microphone systems in the 614-698 MHz range are no longer legal in Canada. This change was implemented to prevent interference with wireless services and ensure efficient use of the spectrum.
However, there are still several frequency bands that are legal for wireless microphones in Canada. These include the 941.5-952 MHz, 953-960 MHz, 6930-6955 MHz, and 7100-7125 MHz frequency bands.
To ensure compliance with ISED regulations, wireless microphone systems must be certified and licensed. The licensing procedure for licensed wireless microphones is outlined in CPC-2-1-11, which includes specific requirements for frequency bands, transmit power, and frequency stability limits.
It’s important to note that these regulations are subject to change, and it’s up to wireless microphone users to stay informed and comply with the latest requirements.
Licensed Vs Unlicensed Frequencies
In Canada, wireless microphones can operate on licensed or unlicensed frequencies. Licensed frequencies require a license from the government, while unlicensed frequencies do not.
Licensed wireless microphones operate on specific frequencies, including the 26.10-26.48 MHz bands, 88-107.5, 150-174, 450-451, and the 455-456 MHz bands. These frequencies are stable and do not cause interference issues, according to the Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) department of the Canadian government.
On the other hand, unlicensed wireless microphones can operate on the bands that fall between 902-928, 2400-2483.5, and 5725-5850 MHz. These bands are license-exempt and can be used without a license from the government.
It is important to note that licensed wireless microphones have priority over unlicensed wireless microphones. If a licensed wireless microphone needs to use a frequency that an unlicensed microphone is currently using, the unlicensed microphone must stop using that frequency.
In addition, unlicensed wireless microphones must not cause harmful interference to licensed wireless microphones or any other radio services. If interference occurs, the user of the unlicensed wireless microphone must immediately stop using the frequency causing the interference.
Interference and Protection
Wireless microphones must operate on frequencies that are not already in use by other devices to avoid harmful interference. The Canadian government has established a licensing procedure for licensed wireless microphones to ensure that they do not interfere with other devices.
In the frequency modulation (FM) broadcast band (88-107.5 MHz), transmitters using carrier frequencies (frequencies spaced 200 kHz apart, i.e. 88.1, 88.3, 88.5 up to 107.5 MHz) may be authorized, under certain conditions, to operate on a no-protection, no-interference basis.
Wireless microphones that use the 600 MHz band interfere with newly-repurposed licenses, so they must cease operation. Production of microphones in the 600 MHz band has reduced as a result. In 2015, the Canadian government and the United States’ FCC issued a joint decision to repurpose the 600 MHz band.
Wireless microphones certified under RSS-210 operate on a secondary (no-interference, no-protection), licence-exempt basis within the TV broadcasting bands and in portions of the 600 MHz band (614-616 and 653-663) across Canada. Wireless microphone users should be aware that the TV broadcasting bands are shared with primary services (e.g. TV broadcasting) and other non-primary systems.
Radio Standards Specification RSS-123, issue 4, Licensed Wireless Microphones replaces RSS-123, issue 3, Licensed Low-Power Radio Apparatus dated February 2015. It added frequency bands 941.5-952 MHz, 953-959.85 MHz, 6930-6955 MHz, and 7100-7125 MHz and their requirements for wireless microphones. The emission mask for devices operating in the frequency has also been modified.
Microphone Transmission and Reception
Wireless microphones operate by transmitting audio signals from a microphone to a receiver using radio frequency (RF) waves. The microphone converts sound waves into electrical signals, which are then transmitted to the receiver via a transmitter. The receiver converts the electrical signals back into audio signals, which are then amplified and played through a speaker.
The frequency range used by wireless microphones in Canada is regulated by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). The use of wireless microphones in the 600 MHz frequency range (614-698 MHz) has been prohibited since 2020 due to the reallocation of this frequency range for mobile broadband services.
Wireless microphones can still be used in other frequency ranges, provided they comply with ISED regulations. The following table summarizes the frequency ranges available for wireless microphones in Canada:
| Frequency Range | Allowed Transmit Power | Maximum Effective Radiated Power |
|---|---|---|
| 54-72 MHz | 50 mW | 50 mW |
| 76-88 MHz | 50 mW | 50 mW |
| 174-216 MHz | 50 mW | 50 mW |
| 470-608 MHz | 50 mW | 50 mW |
| 941.5-952 MHz | 50 mW | 50 mW |
| 953-960 MHz | 50 mW | 50 mW |
| 6930-6955 MHz | 250 mW | 250 mW |
| 7100-7125 MHz | 250 mW | 250 mW |
It is important to note that the allowed transmit power and maximum effective radiated power vary depending on the frequency range. It is the responsibility of the user to ensure that their wireless microphone system complies with these regulations.
In addition to complying with frequency and power regulations, wireless microphone users must also ensure that their equipment operates within the approved emission masks. The emission mask specifies the maximum power that can be transmitted outside of the frequency range being used, in order to prevent interference with other radio services.
TV Bands and Wireless Microphones
Wireless microphones operate on radio frequencies, and it is important to be aware of the frequency bands that are legal to use in Canada. One consideration is the TV bands, which are frequencies used by television stations for broadcasting.
In Canada, TV stations operate on channels 2 to 36, with channels 14 to 20 being reserved for educational and community use. Channels 38 to 51 are also used for broadcasting, but these are being repurposed for other uses, such as mobile broadband services. As a result, wireless microphones are not permitted to operate on these TV channels.
However, there are certain frequencies within the TV bands that are available for wireless microphone use. These include frequencies below 608 MHz, as well as the 614-616 MHz frequencies in the 600 MHz guard band and the 653-663 MHz frequencies in the 600 MHz duplex gap. It is important to note that the availability of these frequencies may vary by location, so it is recommended to check with local authorities before using wireless microphones.
It is also worth noting that some wireless microphone systems may operate on frequencies outside of the TV bands. These frequencies may include the VHF (very high frequency) and UHF (ultra-high frequency) bands, which are commonly used for wireless microphones. However, it is important to ensure that any wireless microphone system being used is compliant with Canadian regulations and is not causing interference with other devices.
Specific Frequency Bands
In Canada, there are several frequency bands that are legal for wireless microphone use. These include the 26.10-26.48 MHz, 88-107.5 MHz, 150-174 MHz, 450-451 MHz, and 455-456 MHz bands. These bands are considered stable and do not cause interference issues.
It is important to note that different types of wireless microphones operate on different frequency bands. For example, AM and FM radio microphones operate on the VHF and UHF bands, respectively. Meanwhile, digital wireless microphones can operate on the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
It is also important to be aware of the recent changes to the frequency bands available for wireless microphone use. In 2019, the Canadian government auctioned off the 600 MHz band for use by mobile service providers. As a result, wireless microphones operating on the 617-652 MHz and 663-698 MHz bands are no longer legal for use in Canada.
To ensure that your wireless microphone use is legal and interference-free, it is recommended to consult with the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) website for up-to-date information on frequency bands and regulations.
Regulations and Changes in Spectrum
Wireless microphone frequencies in Canada are governed by the Radio Standards Specification (RSS)-123, which outlines the technical and licensing requirements for licensed wireless microphones. The Canadian government has made changes to the spectrum in recent years, which have affected the use of wireless microphones.
In 2014, the Canadian government announced plans to repurpose the 600 MHz spectrum for mobile broadband services, which would affect the use of wireless microphones that operate in that frequency range. The transition period for these changes began in 2019, and the spectrum was auctioned off to mobile network operators in 2020.
During the transition period, wireless microphones operating in the 600 MHz service band were required to vacate the spectrum. However, wireless microphones operating in the 600 MHz guard band (614-617 MHz) and duplex gap (652-663 MHz) were allowed to continue operating until at least 2021.
The Canadian government has also introduced new regulations for wireless microphones operating in the repurposed 600 MHz spectrum. As of July 2021, wireless microphones operating in the 600 MHz service band are no longer permitted in Canada. Wireless microphones operating in the 600 MHz guard band and duplex gap are still allowed, but users are required to have a license and comply with certain technical requirements.
It is important for users of wireless microphones to be aware of these changes and ensure that their equipment is compliant with the current regulations. Failure to comply with the regulations can result in interference with other wireless services and may lead to penalties or fines.
Wireless Microphones in Different Fields
Wireless microphones are used in various fields such as recording, film, professional sound companies, and emergency services. In each of these fields, wireless microphones are used for different purposes and require different frequency bands.
Recording
In the recording industry, wireless microphones are used to capture vocals, instruments, and ambient sounds. The frequency bands used in recording depend on the type of recording being done. For example, if the recording is being done in a studio, then a UHF frequency band would be used. However, if the recording is being done on location, then a VHF frequency band would be used.
Film
In the film industry, wireless microphones are used to capture dialogue and ambient sounds. The frequency bands used in film depend on the type of film being made. For example, if the film is being shot on location, then a UHF frequency band would be used. However, if the film is being shot in a studio, then a VHF frequency band would be used.
Professional Sound Companies
Professional sound companies use wireless microphones to provide sound reinforcement for live events such as concerts, conferences, and speeches. The frequency bands used in professional sound companies depend on the type of event being held. For example, if the event is being held in a large arena, then a UHF frequency band would be used. However, if the event is being held in a small venue, then a VHF frequency band would be used.
Emergency Services
Emergency services such as police, fire, and ambulance use wireless microphones to communicate with each other during emergencies. The frequency bands used in emergency services depend on the type of emergency being responded to. For example, if the emergency is being responded to in a densely populated area, then a UHF frequency band would be used. However, if the emergency is being responded to in a rural area, then a VHF frequency band would be used.
Wireless Broadband Services and RLAN
In Canada, wireless microphones operate in the VHF and UHF frequency bands, which are license-exempt. However, these frequency bands are also used by other wireless devices, including RLAN and Bluetooth devices.
Wireless broadband services, which include mobile and fixed wireless broadband, use the 2.3 GHz, 2.5 GHz, and 3.5 GHz frequency bands. These frequency bands are licensed by the Canadian government, and interference with wireless microphones is generally avoided by ensuring that wireless broadband services do not operate in the same geographic area as wireless microphones.
RLAN devices, such as Wi-Fi routers and access points, operate in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. These frequency bands are also used by some wireless microphones, which can lead to interference issues. To avoid interference, it is recommended that wireless microphones operate on frequencies that are not used by RLAN devices.
Bluetooth devices, which operate in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, can also cause interference with wireless microphones. However, Bluetooth devices are generally low-power and have a short range, which reduces the likelihood of interference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What frequency is illegal for wireless microphones?
In Canada, the frequency range between 698 and 806 MHz is illegal for wireless microphones. This range is reserved for public safety services such as police, fire, and ambulance services.
Are 700 MHz wireless mics illegal?
Yes, wireless microphones operating in the 700 MHz band are illegal in Canada. This frequency range is also reserved for public safety services.
What MHz frequency is legal?
Wireless microphones are legal in Canada in the frequency range between 174 and 608 MHz, and between 614 and 698 MHz. However, it is important to check with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) to ensure that the frequency you plan to use is available in your area.
Is 600 MHz band illegal?
No, the 600 MHz band is not illegal in Canada. However, it is important to note that wireless microphones operating in this frequency range may experience interference from television broadcasts. As of 2020, the 600 MHz band is being repurposed for mobile broadband services, so it is recommended to avoid this frequency range when purchasing new wireless microphones.
What is the best frequency range for wireless microphones?
The best frequency range for wireless microphones in Canada is between 174 and 608 MHz. This range is less likely to experience interference from other sources and is more widely available.
Canadian radio frequency database
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) maintains a database of registered radio frequencies in Canada. This database can be used to determine which frequencies are available in your area for wireless microphone use. It is important to check this database before purchasing new wireless microphones to ensure that the frequency you plan to use is available and legal in your area.