It's February 2011 and this was a typical headline that we were writing last year.  For those who don't know or don't recall, the FCC banned the use of wireless microphones in the 700 MHZ range (698-806MHZ) effective June 2010.  I won't rehash the issue, but you can find more information about those changes by clicking here.  In short, if you're still using 700MHZ wireless microphones, you're supposed to stop, by law. 

Last week, I met with a church about some improvements to the existing sound system.  To my surprise, they had several wireless systems, almost all of which were in the 700MHZ band.  I asked the primary sound person how they were working, and he said, "They're not working as well as they used to, but I hadn't thought much about it." 

The reality is that both Verizon and AT&T have turned on their 4G towers in the Columbus area, and both own large chunks of the 700MHZ radio spectrum.  Big wireless broadband transmitters versus little wireless microphone transmitters equals wireless microphones that don't work, or that don't work "...as well as they used to..."  If you're currently experiencing interference on your 700MHZ wireless microphones, there's a chance that you could be interfering with public safety and/or wireless broadband transmission. 

I realize that some of you don't know that you're supposed to stop using the microphone systems.  I also realize that you may not want to make the change since you have a significant amount of money tied up in what you have. 

One of these days, you'll have to stop, simply due to the fact that your systems won't work reliably due to outside interference.  And as a friend of mine says, "Cheer up; it's only going to get worse."  700MHZ wireless services are just beginning their full rollout. 

We have solutions.  If you'd like to discuss next steps for migrating away from 700MHZ to other frequency bands, please give us a call today. 

As we move ahead, the world of wireless communications will continue to become more difficult and dicey.  Take a look at these promising solutions from Line 6 (2.4GHz) and from Audio Technica in the new I-band (470-506MHz).  In most areas of the country, they should remain well away from the action, so to speak.