Almost anything from common household toasters to large commercial audio systems can be wireless these days. And while this may simplify some things in terms of setup, and it does offer a certain level of convenience, it also creates a problem with signal congestion across the wireless spectrum. And when wireless frequencies begin to interfere with each other, this can cause the products that depend on those frequencies to malfunction. In an attempt to stem the tide of frequency encroachment, microphone manufacturer Shure is pushing the UK government to devote a portion of the wireless spectrum specifically to audio gear.
Shure believes that the best spot on the wireless spectrum for this type of gear is UHF bands IV and V or 470 – 854MHz. In recent years, much of this spectrum became available as UK television broadcasters switched from analog to digital. The UK government has already given the 700 MHz and 800 MHz bands over to mobile phone companies for use in their 4G networks. A spokesperson from Shure was quoted as saying that this wireless spectrum should be treated like any other kind of natural resource, and that it’s necessary for the government to put some kind of controls in place so all of the spectrum doesn’t get completely used up for things like cell phones. Preserving this part of the spectrum for wireless microphones and related devices would ensure that future live events can happen without any worry of electromagnetic interference ending the show.