Radio microphone changes

20/01/2011

Key points

• New legislation about Radio Microphone Frequencies will come into force between January 2011- September 2012.
• Radio microphones will use a different part of the frequency spectrum and this will require a licence.
• All existing systems will require either modification or replacement to access the new frequencies.
• There is a limit to the number of radio microphones we can use due to cost, bandwidth restrictions on the new frequencies and the proximity of teaching spaces.
• AV team in IT services are preparing detailed guidelines and are preparing an inventory of current centrally held equipment which owners of systems should add themselves to by emailing Steven.Lawrence@glasgow.ac.uk.

About the changes

Legislation

New legislation concerning radio microphone frequencies will come into force over the period January 2011- September 2012. This will impact on all in the University who have wireless microphones.

Discussions are continuing between various technical and regulatory bodies over the final implementation details of this legislation. It appears that we, as a University, will need to purchase a site-licence(s) for all radio microphones used on campus. 

The new legislation will require radio microphones to use a different part of the frequency spectrum from that used currently and will require users to hold appropriate licenses for the new frequencies. In addition all existing systems will require either modification or replacement to access the new frequencies. Withdrawal of the existing frequencies will be rigorously enforced by OFCOM as they are being reallocated to mobile broadband services.

Costs

Unfortunately, this will be very expensive for us as an institution, both centrally and in Schools/Colleges, and will require us to re-evaluate the number of radio microphones available in central teaching spaces, and venues such as Bute Hall, Hunter Halls and Chapel.

The AV team in IT Services are in discussion with suppliers and installers looking for the best way forward in terms of minimum disruption and cost.  Detailed guidance for Schools/Colleges and for centrally managed spaces is also being prepared.

Information currently available suggests that, for example, if the University had a licence for a maximum of 50 radio microphones the cost would be approximately £1500 per annum.

Inventory

As a first step the AV team will be making an inventory of the radio microphones (and models) that are in use on campus at present and try and estimate the budget required to modify or replace existing systems. The help and cooperation of all owners of radio microphones systems would be greatly appreciated.

To include your radio microphone in the inventory or if you have any immediate queries please contact: Steven Lawrence Steven.Lawrence@glasgow.ac.uk  tel: ext:2790