We're inching ever closer to the July 13th, 2020 deadline when the transition to the new USA spectrum regulations will be complete and production wireless systems will have to stop using most of the 616 - 698 MHz (block 24-26) frequencies. However, changes are already afoot:

• TV station repacking is ongoing, so watch for sudden changes in local frequency use. Here's some guides to what's moving and when:
  • When are Stations Moving Frequencies? (TVanswers)
  • Broadcast Spectrum Repack Timeline (Aram Piligian)
  • FCC Auction TV Repack (Radio Active Designs
• Many of New York's TV stations were moved at the beginning of August. Here's a snapshot courtesy of RFcoordinationNYC of the situation on August 1st.
   
• T-Mobile has been testing and bringing transmitters online in the 616- 698 MHz frequencies, so you are likely to experience increasing interference, especially in major media markets. They may also issue a vacate notice in specific areas, at which point you'll have to discontinue use of those frequencies.  Here's a guide to their deployment plan by country (xlsx file).

Check out our 2017 gude for a more detailed look at alternate frequencies and other steps you can take, including getting a Part 74 license, which we highly encourage and will allow you more frequency options and higher power output.

If you have any questions about your wireless situation, feel free to email us at [email protected] or call us at (212) 629-9430.

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Relevant to the whole wireless kerfuffle, we've just given our RF frequency scan repository a facelift with updated TV channels, new overlays from more manufacturers, and fresh scans for most studios in the NY area with 900 MHz data.

However, a lot of our data is pretty stale and doesn't reflect all the recent changes, so if you've got scans to share, send them our way!

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The dreaded FCC auction looms ever closer, when we'll get to see exactly what parts of our precious wireless spectrum will remain usable by the film, television, and broadcast industries. Lectrosonics Technical Representative Howard Kaufman gives a current view of the situation in the video above and we wrote up a summary when the FCC adopted the relevant reports, but here's some quick tips for making your kit future-resistant:

• Buy wideband wireless systems, such as the Lectrosonics L-Series and SSM Transmitter. You'll need access to as much spectrum as possible, especially if your kit travels widely. It looks likely that the spectrum will remain clearer under 600 mHz, so we recommend sticking to Blocks A1 and B1. B1 might be especially useful, since there's a good possibility of some spectrum being permitted around TV channel 37 (608 to 614 MHz).
   
• Get a part 74 license. I know we say it a lot, but it's still good advice. Many of the protections will be in place only for licensed users and unlicensed users are likely to have to deal with interference in crowded markets, such as New York. Local 695 has a good guide to getting yourself a license here.

Stay tuned for more updates as we have them and feel free to contact us with questions.