WMSA Provides Updates on Recent Meetings with FCC, NTIA, Congress, and the White House

The Wireless Microphone Spectrum Alliance (WMSA), formed in 2025 to raise awareness with government entities about the critical aspects of wireless microphones, recently conducted meetings in Washington, DC.

Comprised of a coalition of more than 660 manufacturers, audio engineers, and broadcast professionals, WMSA's mission is to preserve and protect spectrum for professional wireless audio use so event production and broadcast events can proceed with superior and uninterrupted audio quality.

Key meetings included briefings with Congressional Offices, the Federal Communications Commission Commission (FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the White House. Meetings were conducted by members of WMSA, which included Shure, CP Communications, and Freeman.

Highlighted outcomes include:

*Protecting TV-UHF Spectrum: WMSA continues to advocate for reliable, long-term access to the 470-608MHz spectrum that is critical to wireless microphone operations. This includes monitoring proposals affecting the upper TV-UHF band, including the Landover Saturn 5 LLC petition concerning 554-608MHz, while supporting efforts to identify additional spectrum opportunities in the 608-614MHz, 1.2GHz, and 1.4GHz bands.

*Supporting wireless microphone access at 1.4GHz: The wireless microphone industry is investing in equipment and technology capable of operating in the 1435-1525MHz band, where access is coordinated with incumbent users. WMSA continues to engage with policymakers on proposals affecting this band, including potential changes associated with space launch and re-entry operations, and has participated in the FCC process through comments and reply comments.

*Exploring opportunities in the 1.2GHz Band: WMSAS is advocating for expanded wireless microphone access to spectrum in the 1240-1350MHz range, while recognizing the need to protect existing federal operations, including aviation radar systems. Continued engagement among the FCC, NTIA, and other stakeholders will be important in evaluating opportunities for broader access. Near-term access to 1.2GHz may continue to be considered for major events through existing regulatory mechanism, while longer-term studies can help determine opportunities for more predictable wireless microphone access via a rulemaking. Experiences from major sporting and entertainment events can provide useful information for evaluating future spectrum-sharing approaches.

*Educating policymakers: WMSA continues to educate policymakers about the increasingly complex spectrum requirements of professional wireless microphone operations, from major productions and sporting events to everyday uses in schools, houses of worship, theatres, live entertainment, and other community venues.

Now that Congress is out of session, WMSA plans to re-engage early next year once congressional leadership and committee assignments after the upcoming election are finalized to maintain advocacy momentum.

To learn more about WMSA or to join, email contact@wmsa.org.