Vhf Radio Microphone

[denis567]

My local church has a sound system that uses a free standing microphone, also a small clip on radio microphone, which is useful when the preacher moves away from the main microphone.
We have been informed that as the radio mike works off VHF we are going to have to invest in a UHF one, as the VHF system is to be switched off.
This is all new to me, if it is true.
Does anyone have any information on this please?

[Buenchico]

Radio frequencies can't be 'switched off'. They can only be made legal or illegal. (i.e. your church's microphones will continue to work, irrespective of any decisions by Ofcom, but you need to ensure that the relevant radio frequencies can still be used legally).

I've searched Ofcom's website (& elsewhere) and I can find absolutely nothing to suggest that the current 'license free' VHF frequencies allocated to wireless microphones are due to change. However there are moves to change the frequency allocations of licensed UHF wireless microphones (to which many theatre professionals, including Andrew Lloyd Webber, have strongly objected). I suspect that's where the confusion has arisen.

So I'm confident that your church can continue to (legally) use its existing VHF microphones. That view is supported by the Anglican church authorities in Newcastle, who have added this info sheet to their website:
http://www.newcastle.anglican.org/userfiles/file/e-Bulletin%20downloads/Radio%20Mic%20Changes%202012.pdf

If you're still worried, ask Ofcom:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/contact-us/

[denis567]

Thank you Chris for your very informative reply, especially the Church of England link. I have passed on all the information to the person who deals with this
Thank you