Rs1 million fine for wrong frequency use of karaoke, conference mics

The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (ICTA) has issued a public notice which prohibits the operation of Wireless Microphone Systems in certain frequency bands without a valid Low Power Radio Device (RA27) license issued by the ICTA.

The Wireless Microphone Systems encompass various equipment such as standalone wireless microphones, karaoke microphones, wireless headset and lavalier microphone systems, bodypack microphone systems, music instrument wireless microphones, conference microphone systems, and sound transmitter/receiver systems.

Operating any wireless microphone system within the frequency bands 174 – 214 MHz, 470 – 694 MHz, or 823 – 832 MHz without the necessary licence is considered an offense, ICTA warned.

Convicted individuals can face a fine of up to Rs 1,000,000 and imprisonment for a maximum of 10 years.

The ICT Authority has urged any person currently using such equipment without a licence to promptly apply for a Low Power Radio Device (RA27) licence from the ICT Authority.

The announcement has reportedly sparked concerns amid event management companies.

Source: ICTA/Defi Media