UHF Repack
Friday, October 18 marks the end of Phase 6 of the FCC repack for the Chicago area when fourteen UHF Television stations in the region will make the change to new operating channels overnight. This transition will be abrupt and will have an immediate effect on the available UHF spectrum. All UHF wireless systems will be affected by this change.
Wireless system users will need to be on the lookout for new interference and be prepared to coordinate new frequencies for existing systems. Below is a graphic of the post-transition Chicagoland spectrum.
T-Mobile Deployment
Shortly following the transition, T-Mobile will deploy mobile broadband service in the 600MHz “Band 71”, specifically operating in 622-637 MHz and 668-683 MHz for the Chicago market. Eventually, all wireless system operation in 617-652 MHz and 663-698 MHz will need to cease by July 2020.
What you need to know
All UHF wireless systems will be affected by this change. It is recommended that you re-coordinate frequencies for all wireless microphone, in-ear monitoring, and intercom/IFB systems in preparation for the October 18 transition to account for these changes. Due to the denser packing of TV stations and the restricted use of the 600 MHz band, some wireless systems will not be usable post-transition.
Our tech support team is available to answer any questions at 847-367-9588 or call our 24/7 Emergency Audio Support service at 800-866-3875.
Special Rebate Information
For a limited time, TC Furlong Inc. is extending a special trade-in offer towards the purchase of new Shure wireless systems, including up to $250 per channel for approved wireless systems.
Additionally, Sennheiser and Audio-Technica continue to offer trade-in rebates for qualifying 600 MHz systems with the purchase of new systems through 2020.
Contact our sales team at sales@tcfurlong.com for more details about the available offers.