Question: How long does the Audio-Technica 600 MHz rebate program last?
Answer: As most of you are painfully aware, the FCC auctioned off most of the 600 MHz spectrum between 614 and 698 MHz (with exceptions that we will talk about in a minute), making that spectrum illegal for wireless microphone use after July 13, 2020. (See FCC auction of the 600 MHz spectrum.) This has forced many wireless microphone users to replace (at great expense) their current wireless systems with new systems that operate in frequencies outside of that spectrum. A rebate program was put in place on August 15, 2017, to help Audio-Technica customers offset the cost of replacing their systems. Please visit the 600 MHz Wireless FAQs page on our website for complete information about this program. This program was originally set to expire on March 31, 2020. But to allow customers more time to replace their systems, the 600 MHz Trade-In Rebate Program has been extended to July 13, 2020.
As mentioned above, there are exceptions within the 600 MHz spectrum where wireless microphones may still be used, and these exceptions have caused a great deal of confusion. Spectrum ranges are still open for licensed (653 – 657 MHz) and non-licensed (657 – 663 MHz) wireless microphone transmissions. This is what is referred to as the 600 MHz duplex gap. Many of our wireless systems will operate within the duplex gap, so customers assume these are still OK to use as long as they stay within those legal frequencies. That is not the case. If a wireless system has the ability to operate (transmit) within the illegal frequencies it may not be used. The Audio-Technica 5000 Series 3rd Generation wireless system can utilize the unlicensed 600 MHz duplex gap, but it does not have the ability to operate in the illegal spectrum.
If you have additional questions or would like a recommendation for an Audio-Technica product, feel free to contact the Audio-Technica Audio Solutions Department. We are always happy to help.
