"Obsolete," but not yet "illegal" -- that's the kicker. Since we're only in barely a year since the spectrum auctions were announced, and then completed successfully, with the FCC making their timeline(s) known-- and the rebates have only been rolling for a few months now-- I ASSUme that the larger users are spreading their purchases out over a bit (unless someone like T-Mobile is pressuring them sooner!) or they already made movement to sell & replace their 600MHz gear over the past couple of years, as the rumors started.
On the other end of the spectrum (pun intended) the smaller users who *would* take advantage of the rebates are probably either waiting as long as possible to change out, or (and unfortunately, this was common with the 700MHz upgrade of 2010) are just ignoring it. Just a couple of months ago, I encountered another production company with Shure UHF series that was in 700MHz.......
Where you note the "selling for full price new," is a direct result of the manufacturers not ending MAP restrictions on product. For example, my email from Shure announcing that the UHF-R was discontinued? "Available to order while supplies last, and MAP pricing will remain." So a big retailer (think FC, Sweetwater, etc) might have a bunch of systems in affected frequency ranges still in stock, but since it's brand new product (not an open box return, demo unit, B-stock, etc) they are still limited by that MAP. That being said, MAP policies limit only the DISPLAYED price. You are not restricted from SELLING for less- you just cannot ADVERTISE it. So, if you see something you want, call them up, "Hey, leaving the country soon, these freqs are soon to be illegal, can you check with the boss and see if you can cut me a deal? Cash in hand." Who know what might happen!
-Ray
-Ray
