Do not use the wrong frequency
If your wireless microphone is able to operate in the 520 to 694 MHz frequency band, you need to check for an available channel in your area by using the Channel Finder.
This frequency band is used for TV broadcasting services across Australia and if you don't use the right frequency for your area you may interfere with TV reception.
Use the right frequency
You should use your wireless microphone only at the right frequency for your area if operating in the frequency ranges of 520 to 694 MHz.
You can no longer use wireless microphones in the frequency range of 694 to 820 MHz.
There is a group of frequency ranges for wireless audio applications such as wireless intercoms, headsets in fast food outlets, hearing aids and toy microphones. Details can be found in items 24-31 in Schedule 1 of the Low Interference Potential Devices (LIPD) class licence.
Wireless microphones can also operate in the frequency ranges listed in the items 1 to 23A of the Schedule 1 of the Low Interference Potential Devices (LIPD) class licence.
The LIPD class licence authorises the use of wireless microphones within certain frequency bands but the lower limit is always excluded. You can operate wireless microphones from 915 to 928 MHz band, but not at 915 MHz.
|
Frequency range (MHz) |
Devices and services |
|---|---|
|
520 to 694 |
Television broadcasting services are the main users of this range. Wireless audio transmitters should only use the unused frequencies in this range. Use our Channel Finder to find available frequencies in your area. Wireless microphones can use frequencies 520 to 526 MHz in all areas. |
|
1785 to 1800 |
This frequency range is only for wireless microphone and other audio transmitter use. This frequency range is available in all areas. |
|
174 to 230 |
This frequency range is available in many regional and remote areas. Use our Channel Finder to see if these frequencies are available in your area. |
|
Any transmitter: |
A wide variety of devices including wi-fi use these frequency ranges. Wireless microphones and audio transmitters can also use these frequencies.
The 88 to 108 MHz frequency range is only for wireless audio transmitters and auditory assistance transmitters. |
There is also a group of frequency ranges from 10 to 400 MHz that wireless audio applications have used. This includes:
- wireless intercoms
- headsets in fast food outlets
- hearing aids
- toy microphones
Limited equipment is available on the market that could be suitable for such niche applications. You can find details of these ranges in items 1–21 in Schedule 1 of the LIPD class licence.
Your responsibilities
You should use your wireless microphone on the right frequency for your location. If your device is using an unauthorised frequency, you should try to retune it or get help to fix the problem.
Be careful when you buy wireless microphones from overseas sellers as other countries use different frequency ranges for these devices.
You can download our infographic about how to spot a dodgy device.
Use our Channel Finder to find which frequency you should be using in your area.
The rules for using wireless microphones
You don’t need to pay or apply for a licence as your wireless microphone is authorised to operate under the LIPD class licence. You must comply with the conditions of the LIPD class licence.
We don’t manage the use of each device so it’s up to you to set your wireless microphone to the correct frequency and deal with any interference problems.
We may investigate cases of ongoing interference or serious misuse of wireless microphones. There are penalties if you deliberately break the rules or behave in a way that puts others at risk.
There is more information on the rules for using wireless microphones in the LIPD class licence.