Wireless Microphone Licencing | What you need to know

Radio licences are issued all over the world so that frequencies can be coordinated in a bid to minimise potential interference. Your first step is to decide whether or not you want to pay to use a licenced frequency band or what is essentially a free-for-all licence-exempt band. Now, your audio equipment will most likely tap into licenced frequency bands, even if you haven’t paid for them. But, if you’re found to be using a licenced band without the appropriate licence, you could face a fine of up to £5,000 or (worse yet) a prison sentence.

Hopefully, that’s got your attention, so let’s talk about the different licences and what they mean. Please note, this page has been updated to reflect the state of play in 2024. 

Types of wireless microphone licencing

There are two types of wireless microphone licencing, Ultra High Frequency (UHF) and Very High Frequency (VHF). Both are licenced on a non-protected basis, meaning you could technically operate on these frequencies illegally without a licence (but if caught, you could face a penalty). These licences are communally shared within the UK.

UHF or VHF?

First things first, check the operating frequency band of your wireless microphone system(s). This will determine which licence will be most applicable. For example, some older systems can only operate under VHF. You can easily check this by looking at the labels on both your microphone and receiver.

UHF: The more popular of the two licences is often referred to as Channel 38. It falls between the frequencies of 606.500-613.500MHz, and will typically allow you to use up to 10 radio microphones at the same location and time without issue. As there are many variables we can’t account for, interference is always possible when using a licenced frequency. However, because you can use any frequency that falls within the band, you can simply re-tune within that range until you find a clean, usable frequency (should you encounter any interference).

VHF: VHF has a range of 175.250-209.800MHz, but unlike UHF, is restricted to 15 usable spot frequencies within that band.

Both of these licences are straightforward to acquire and use, it’s simply a one-off payment for a set duration of time. You don’t even need to inform the regulator as to which frequencies you’ll be using within each of those bands. Touch wood, you shouldn’t have to deal with anything regarding frequency licencing or the regulator once you’re all set with your licence.

The standard licence

Now, should you have a big, high-key event coming up and no longer feel comfortable using the shared licenced spectrums of UHF and VHF, you can minimise the risk of interference by applying for a Standard Licence. This licence not only applies to radio microphones but also to in-ear monitors and wireless cameras. With it, you can reserve specific frequencies you wish to operate on for a set period within a specific location. This can be as little as 15 minutes or as long as one year.

This spectrum operates between 470-790MHz and is what we call the interleave spectrum. It literally makes use of the frequency gaps between TV channels, often referred to as white space. To purchase a Standard Licence you need to apply for every individual shoot/event that takes place, with the frequencies that you wish to operate on at that specific location. Because of this, the risk of interference is minimal.

What can I do without a licence?

If you do not wish to buy a licence and are using equipment that is capable of tuning into 863.100-864.900MHz, then you can operate within the UHF licence-exempt range, called Channel 70. It’s worth noting that this is adjacent to what mobile phones use (800MHz). Although this is slightly outside of the licence-exempt range, there is still a heightened risk of interference. Another drawback when using Channel 70 is that it has a limited power of just 10mW for handheld and 50mW for body-worn transmitters. There is also an equivalent VHF licence-exempt range that runs from 173.700-175.10MHz.

Finally, there’s the generic Wi-Fi band that runs from 2.400-2.4835GHz. This is free to use for all audio equipment below 10mW but is the most congested of all frequency bands due to most consumer devices operating on it. Also, given that it’s a much higher frequency, the operating distance is going to be much less when compared to UHF and VHF. For example, if you queue outside of a nightclub or gig venue, you’ll likely hear thumping low-frequency sounds, while the higher-frequency sounds from the rest of the ensemble are hard to make out. This is because lower frequencies can easily diffract around objects.

What if my audio equipment exceeds 10mW?

If your audio equipment exceeds 10mW of power (or 50mW if body-worn) but doesn't exceed 1W, then you will need to have a licence that permits the use of high-powered links that sit within Channel 38. There are two specific channels, which can be used, 606.700MHz and 607.000MHz. It’s worth noting that you’re not covered to access these high-powered links with a UK Wireless Microphone Licence for Channel 38. For the most part, if you’re just using standard wireless radio microphone systems for video, such as Sennheiser’s AVX systems, you’ll be completely fine.

How do I buy a licence?

You’ve come this far and now understand why you may need or indeed want a licence, but how do you go about obtaining one? Thankfully, it’s super straightforward. Simply head over to the Ofcom website where you can apply and pay online for any of the licences. For access to UHF/Channel 38, the cost is £85 per year (there is a slight discount if you opt for a two-year licence at £155). VHF is the same price as UHF’s standard yearly cost (there is no additional discount).

What happens after I get a licence?

Well, that’s it – you’re all good to go. Of course, interference-free transmission can never be 100% guaranteed as there are many variables at play (literally anything that emits a wireless signal or anything that’s going to get in the way of one). licencing is all about trying to minimise that risk, which is especially important for us professionals. If you’re licenced and you do encounter interference then Ofcom can provide you with technical support and advice on how to quickly resolve the situation.