RF Reallocation - What does this mean for wireless microphones in South Africa?

As a primary distributor and integrator of microphone technology in South Africa, we wanted to share this information publicly, as we feel it is our duty to keep all of our clients: past, present and future, informed on matters that might affect their operations due to the changes in regulations.

Owing to the recent spectrum reallocation to provision bandwidth to the telecommunications industry and align South Africa with the European Radio Frequency (RF) allocation, the existing frequency range of 780-822MHz no longer falls into the allotted spectrum for wireless microphone operation. As highlighted in the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) report, all wireless microphones that are 50 milliwatts (mW) and under must now operate within the 470-786Mhz band. This change will affect Sennheiser as well as other brands that function within the same frequency range.

For some models, there will be solutions to realign systems to the updated frequency spectrum, however other older models might suffer from redundancy. For further information, please contact your local Sennheiser representative, who will be happy to provide expert consultation, or assist you in scheduling an assessment of your system, on a case-by-case basis. In the meantime, we would urge you not to make any purchasing decisions without ensuring that the equipment you wish to buy is compliant with the new regulations.

As always, Stage Audio Works wants to assure its loyal customers of a continued premium service delivery and after-sales support to ensure customer satisfaction.