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What is the 700 MHz Change?

There is a lot of talk these days about a thing called the “700 MHz” spectrum – you may have heard bits and pieces of this issue in the news in recent months. So what is all this talk, and what does it mean to you?

Essentially, the 700MHz wireless change is a change in the way that the airwaves of the United States are allocated. In the past, the 700 MHz (698-806 MHz) range of wireless frequencies were dedicated to analog TV channels – the kind that you could pick up with a good set of rabbit ears. However, thanks to the proliferation of new HDTV sets and digital technology, the FCC has decided to eliminate analog TV broadcasts, switching exclusively to newer and clearer digital technology. Because these new digital channels consume less space in the air than analog channels, the 700 MHz block of airspace – formerly used for analog TV
channels 52-69 – has become unnecessary for television stations. Because these open airwaves are a valuable resource, the FCC auctioned some of them off to companies such as Google, Verizon, and AT&T, as well as allotting some frequencies to public safety services. While this may be a winning situation for television and telecom, the transition and auction of these frequencies affects wireless audio in an unfortunate way.

As you may know, wireless microphones often broadcast in the space between TV channels, and sometimes use frequencies in the 700 MHz (698-806 MHz) range to do so. However, TV stations will soon vacate these frequencies, allowing new services to take their place. This so-called “digital transition” will take place on February 17, 2009. Thanks to the nature of the new uses for the 700 MHz block – wireless audio equipment can no longer operate in this frequency range. If it does, the signals could overlap important public safety beacons, or interfere with cell phone services. In fact, due to the possibility of interference, the FCC has ruled that all wireless audio systems operating in this range will be illegal following the
February transition.

What does it mean for me?

After February 17, 2009, the wireless equipment you own that operates in the 700 MHz spectrum will be illegal to use. However, a few manufacturers are offering rebates on 700 MHz wireless gear when new updated gear is purchased. Leading the charge is Shure with an impressive Trade-In & Trade-Up Program. You could qualify to receive up to $1000 when you purchase new Shure wireless gear from RoadDogOnline and send in your old gear – even if it no longer works! And the best part – the size of your rebate depends upon the new system you purchase, not on the old system you are sending in. This means that now is the perfect time to upgrade to a higher-end wireless system – even if you currently own lower-quality wireless gear. To see a chart detailing what discounts you can expect, click here.

What can I do about it?

That’s the easy part. Purchase a new wireless system from RoadDogOnline, and we’ll take care of the paperwork and rebates for you. Here’s how the process works:

Step 1: Call Forrest or Jason at 866.377.8808 to discuss what new, non-700 MHz wireless systems will work best for your application. When you are ordering, mention that you have old 700 MHz gear to trade in and we’ll help determine the best rebates available for you.  

Step 2: When your new wireless systems arrives, you’ll find a prepaid UPS Shipping label as well as a 700 MHz Wireless Rebate Form. Simply fill out the rebate form, place your old wireless in the box, and ship it to Road Dog Online.

Step 3: We’ll handle the rebate details and you’ll receive your rebate check in the mail!
It’s really that simple.