26 May Bad News About Your Wireless Mics

You may need to replace your wireless microphone, if it operates in the 700 MHz band. Here’s why.

On June 12, TV transitions from analog to digital. This move freed up space in the 700 MHz band, which the government auctioned off. Verizon, AT&T, and other companies spent billions of dollars buying the rights to this spectrum. And they’re going to use it for new services–cell phones, data services, emergency services, and more.

As a result, your 700 MHz mic system will encounter interference. The Federal Communications Commission didn’t set a date for when churches (and others) must stop using their 700 MHz systems, but you can bet that churches will be forced out at some point. Verizon and the others spent too much money to allow encroachers.

Christianity Today published an excellent article called “Understanding New Wireless Microphone Restrictions.” (Thanks to Tom Datema for notifying us about it.) Some points made in the article:

• Your 700 MHz mics won’t suddenly stop working. However, you’ll be at risk of interference from other services.
• Churches in cities will probably notice interference before churches in small towns and rural areas.
• The most efficient and cost-effective option is to replace the 700 MHz mics with mics in the 500 MHz band.
• Churches can donate their 700 MHz  equipment to churches in countries not affected by the US changes.