FCC Narrowbanding Mandate Affects Many VHF & UHF Radio Users
In an effort to promote greater spectrum efficiency, the FCC issued a Public Notice on December 11, 2009 requiring all Public Safety and Business licensees using 25 kHz VHF and UHF radio communications systems to migrate to a minimum of 12.5 kHz by January 1, 2013. This is called "Narrowbanding" and should not be confused with "Rebanding" affecting the 800 MHz Public Safety Band.
Unlike "Rebanding", the FCC has made it clear there will be no waivers or extension of the deadline. After 1/1/13 the FCC will consider any 25 kHz radio to be operating in violation of FCC rules and subject to a monetary fine. Motorola radios purchased after 1997 are probably capable of of the FCC rule but will need to be reprogrammed. A modification of your FCC license is also required.
It is impossible to determine if your radios are using wide or narrow bandwidth without sophisticated test equipment or using proprietary programming software. MOTOTRBO digital radios are already FCC compliant but you should check your license if you are using them in analog mode. If you are unsure of your radios feel free to contact us and we can determine your bandwidth.
You may hear about the FCC's proposed second phase to 6.25 kHz efficiency. There have been no deadlines announced for Phase II.
Although a good idea, there is no FCC rule to migrate to digital radios. For those who want to voluntarily meet the Phase II requirements, Motorola's MOTOTRBO and ASTRO 25 product lines achieve the 6.25 kHz efficiency.
You should also review your system coverage requirements because changing your radio's bandwidth may affect your existing radio range. You will also want to reprogram your fleet as fast as possible because mixing bandwidths will cause audio problems.
The first step to meet the FCC deadline is to inventory all of your radio equipment which includes all portables, pagers, mobiles, and base radios. Once you determine if the model radios you have in service are 12.5 kHz compliant, you will need to determine the funding needed to make the change. Radios purchased before 1997 will need to be replaced. Check the links below to help determine if your radios are capable of narrowbanding.
The next step is to develop an implementation schedule and coordinate with others where you have interoperability agreements. Don't forget to do some testing if possible to determine if going narrowband will affect your radio coverage. Once you are ready it is time to apply for your FCC license modification. Or... contact us and we will be happy to review your system, recommendation a plan of action, and submit your FCC application.
List of Motorola Radios Capable of Narrowbanding Discontinued Motorola Radios
Magnum Electronics, Inc. is an Authorized Motorola Sales and Service Partner, Manufacturer’s Rep, and Federal Sales Specialist headquartered in Dover, Delaware. The company focuses on mission-critical communications systems for commercial, government, and industrial applications. Magnum Electronics earned Motorola’s 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009 MOTOSTAR Excellence Award for their business results, customer focus, and employee training. The Company is also a Motorola Pinnacle Award Winner numerous times.
