The Wireless Microphone Spectrum Alliance (WMSA), formed in 2025 to raise awareness with government entities about wireless microphone operations, has held meetings in Washington, D.C. The coalition says it includes more than 660 manufacturers, audio engineers and broadcast professionals, and its mission is to preserve spectrum for professional wireless audio use in event production and broadcast.
The meetings included briefings with Congressional offices, the FCC, the NTIA and the White House. WMSA members taking part included Shure, CP Communications and Freeman.
WMSA reported the following outcomes:
- TV-UHF spectrum: WMSA continues to advocate for long-term access to the 470-608 MHz band. It is monitoring proposals affecting the upper TV-UHF band, including the Landover Saturn 5 LLC petition concerning 554-608 MHz, while supporting efforts to identify additional spectrum in the 608-614 MHz, 1.2 GHz and 1.4 GHz bands.
- 1.4 GHz: The wireless microphone industry is investing in equipment capable of operating in the 1435-1525 MHz band, where access is coordinated with incumbent users. WMSA is engaging with policymakers on proposals affecting the band, including potential changes tied to space launch and re-entry operations, and has filed comments and reply comments in the FCC process.
- 1.2 GHz: WMSA is advocating for expanded wireless microphone access in the 1240-1350 MHz range while recognizing the need to protect existing federal operations, including aviation radar systems. It says near-term access could continue to be considered for major events through existing regulatory mechanisms, while longer-term studies could inform a rulemaking for more predictable access. WMSA says experience from major sporting and entertainment events can inform future spectrum-sharing approaches.
- Policymaker education: WMSA continues to brief policymakers on the spectrum needs of wireless microphone operations, from major productions and sporting events to schools, houses of worship, theaters and other community venues.
