The purpose of this information is to provide you with details of the FCC’s narrowbanding requirements and how it affects your communications system.

Narrowbanding will allow the spectrum a better use of the frequencies already in place by reducing the existing 25 KHz channels to 12.5 KHz splits. That process is just around the corner and the following information will outline the upcoming process and hopefully allow you to make the necessary plans for the future in terms of licensing and timing of new product purchases.

What is Narrowbanding?

Currently most radio systems operate on wideband channels of 25 KHz. Licensees in the private land mobile VHF and UHF bands must modify their FCC licenses and convert their radio equipment to operate on channel bandwidths of 12.5 KHz or less. Any equipment that is not capable of operating on channels of 12.5 KHz or less will need to be replaced.

Key Dates:

• January 1, 2011: Applications for new systems or modification applications that expand the authorized contour of an existing system operating at greater than 12.5 kHz equivalent spectrum efficiency will not be accepted

• January 1, 2013: All existing licenses must operate on channels with a bandwidth of 12.5 KHz or less (narrowband). Failure to comply with the January 1, 2013 deadline results in cancellation of license.

Motorola Radios that are Not Narrowband Capable

Radio equipment manufacturers have been aware of the pending narrowband mandate since 1997 and most of the equipment purchased in the last five years will be capabile of changing to narrowband operation simly by reprogramming. The following are a few models of Motorola radios that may still be in service and are NOT narrowband capable:

Implementing the migration to narrowband requires re-licensing all existing radio channels to modify the technical parameters of the license to narrowband emission designators. The existing radio frequencies licensed will remain the same.

The actual migration process requires reprogramming all pieces of equipment or, purchase and installation of a new communications system that meets narrowbanding requirements.

Now is the time to start initial planning for the implemention of the narrowband mandate. Some initial steps to take are:

1. Inventory the radio equipment in use to determine what will need replacement

2. Discuss optional systems

3. Discuss a timetable for implementation

Plan for the long term with MOTOTRBO - To meet later mandates planned by the FCC, consider new equipment that is capable of 6.25 kHz channels. These very narrowband systems are digital. For more information on MOTOTRBO, see our pages on portables, mobiles and repeaters.

Let us complete an assessment of your existing licenses. We will simplify the process for you and help you secure results. Call us today - the FCC deadline of January 1, 2013 is not very far away!

For More Information:

Federal Communications Commission

National Institute of Justice