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Are FM Transmitters Illegal For Churches To Use? – Viral Believer
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Are FM Transmitters Illegal For Churches To Use?

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Are FM Transmitters Illegal?

Are FM transmitters illegal for churches to use? That is the question that many church leaders are asking themselves these days. There are many reasons why they might be wondering this, but the most common reason is being forced to use one due to Covid-19 mandates.

This blog post will go in-depth into whether or not FM transmitters are legal for churches to use.

Before we start, let’s cover some basic misconceptions.

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What Is FM?

FM stands for frequency modulation. It is how most radio stations broadcast their audio, and it’s also how your car stereo works (unless you have a CD player or satellite radio).

It is also used by analog wireless microphones, which was how most churches used them up until recently. TV stations use FM as well. So do many 2-way radio systems (such as the ones used by police officers).

North America has an FM frequency range from 88 MHz to 108 MHz.

In short, yes, FM transmitters are legal for churches to use at their discretion. We must also add the disclaimer “for the most part” because there may be some limitations on when and where you can use them.

If you use an FM transmitter to broadcast over 1/25th of a watt, you are running an unlawful “pirate radio station.” The unauthorized transmission of radio signals is considered a serious offense by the Federal Communications Commission.

You can transmit approximately 200 feet on FM frequencies; these devices are limited to an effective service range of approximately 200 feet (61 meters).

To legally use an FM transmitter with greater range, you must obtain a license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). These licenses are called “blanket licenses.”

Part 15 certified FM transmitters can be legally used by anybody, anywhere in the U.S., without needing a license.

What is a Part 15-certified FM transmitter?

Part 15 is a set of rules established by the FCC in 1977 that govern how electronic devices can be used without interfering with radio stations. FM transmitters are considered “unintentional radiators” because they broadcast very low power levels (25 milliwatts).

As long as their emissions stay below certain threshold limits, Part 15-certified FM transmitters can be used anywhere in the world without any special license or authorization.

What if I buy an overpowered FM Transmitter?

Remember, if you broadcast your church service with an overpowered FM transmitter, you risk $10,000 per violation, one day of operation, and perhaps up to $75,000.

In the end, make sure your church is adhering to the law. If you need to broadcast a church service, a video live stream or radio station air time might be useful options.

Thank you for reading our article on Are FM Transmitters Illegal!

Sources:

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.