The deadline for the switch — affecting those that operate in the 700 megahertz frequency — is June 12, according to Bloomberg.com.
The airwaves currently used by many theatres were won in a 2008 auction by AT&T and Verizon Wireless. The cost to replace microphones with those that utilize different airwaves could reach $100,000, Bloomberg.com reports.
Wireless microphones are used not only by onstage actors but by crew members to aid in the smooth and safe movement of scenery.
In a statement the FCC said, "These unlicensed devices cannot continue to operate in this band because they may cause harmful interference to public safety entities and next generation consumers devices that will be utilizing the 700 megahertz frequency. . .No devices utilizing this frequency may be sold or distributed."
Thomas Ferrugia, director of government relations for the Broadway League, told Bloomberg.com, "We will make ourselves ready . . . As difficult as it will be, we’ll be able to comply."
