WASHINGTON, D.C. — For many U.S. and Canadian broadcast media companies, the need for spectrum to operate wireless microphones is more important than ever. This explains why the Wireless Microphone Spectrum Alliance (WMSA) was formed in 2025 to raise awareness with the FCC, Congress, the White House, and NTIA about how critical wireless microphones are to live performance, broadcast, and cultural events.
Comprised of a coalition of manufacturers, audio engineers and broadcast professionals, WMSA’s mission is to preserve and protect spectrum for professional wireless use. For example, the events surrounding Super Bowl 2026 create a tremendous demand on radio
frequency (RF) spectrum for wireless microphones.
As WMSA points out, the Super Bowl requires the most amount of wireless deployed for a single sporting event; these requirements continue to increase.
With hundreds of wireless channels are needed for talent, crew, referees, and sideline personnel; Game Day Coordinators (GDCs) needed to allocate spectrum and prioritize operations; intefernence mitigation; and equipment including high-end wireless systems, specialized software, and robust distribution gear.
For the WMSA, protecting dedicated spectrum for wireless
microphones to operate during broadcasts is a key mission. “Whether on a global stage or a community platform, the importance of preserving access to spectrum is vital for many reasons,” WMSA says.
WMSA believes that spectrum is under threat as the remaining spectrum accessible to wireless microphones in the 470–608 MHz band. which is shared with broadcasters, white space
devices, and public safety operations, is insufficient.
For example, spectrum scans taken in various U.S. cities after 2017, following the incentive auction and loss of access to the 600 MHz band, show limited or no available TV channels for wireless microphones. This has necessitated an increasing reliance on Special Temporary Authority (STA) grants by the FCC to access spectrum typically not allowed for wireless mics in order to support medium and large-sized events. However, STAs are ad hoc, unpredictable, burdensome on staff and
simply not a viable long-term solution to this continuing and growing need, the WMSA says.
“Without sufficient availability of suitable spectrum for wireless microphones, medium- to large-scale events which utilize all available spectrum in the TV-UHF band, plus spectrum authorized via STAs, will simply become unviable in many cities,” WMSA adds.
Data from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games reveal that 89% of all audio links used were within the 470–694 MHz range.
The WMSA recently met with the FCC and other organizations in Washington, D.C., to work on solutions for this to help preserve existing spectrum and get access to new spectrum for
wireless microphones.
And, the WMSA is encouraged by the progress of those meetings.
“The current focus on spectrum for commercial 6G use is on bands above 2.5 GHz and not on the TV-UHF band used by wireless mics. However, WMSA continues to remain vigilant that the
focus does not shift to the TV-UHF frequency range,” WMSA notes.
With the current TV-UHF band being insufficient for major events including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic games at many locations, WMSA says it has successfully engaged with relevant U.S. Federal agencies to secure access to additional spectrum.
“This collaboration is important for the future of live events,” WMSA says.
— With reporting by Adam R Jacobson, in Gainesville, Va.
