FCC Narrowband Update June 24, 2004

Presented by: Chief Paul Maplethorpe Greater Round Lake F.P.D. Co-Chair MABAS Communications Committee 847-546-6001 WCL2600@aol.com

Objectives Basic Radio Wave Technology Discuss “Narrowbanding” & “Refarming” History of FCC’s Rulemaking Current Status of FCC Rulemaking Summarize Impact on the Fire Service Provide Planning Guidance for Future Fire Service Communications

Radio Emissions Radios Transmissions = Electromagnetic Energy Transmitted at a Specific Frequency (Sine Wave) Frequency = Length of Wave Height of Wave = Amplitude = Bandwidth = Deviation

Typical Radio Wave Deviation (kHz) Wavelength (MHz)

Narrowbanding Reduces the Amplitude (Bandwidth) of the Radio Wave (Frequency) Allows Additional Frequencies (Channels) to be inserted between Existing Frequencies Increases the Available Radio Spectrum for Public Safety & Other Radio Users

Bandwidth Applies to Frequencies Below 512 MHz Current “Wideband” Deviation = +25 kHz Current “Narrowband” Dev. = +12.5 kHz Future “Narrowband” Deviation=+6.25 kHz

Bandwidth Comparison

Refarming History Need for Additional Radio Spectrum Technological Advances FCC Issues First Report & Order in 1995 Increase Efficiency Below 512 MHz Created Additional “Interstitial” Frequencies Required Manufacturers to Make Radios Capable of both 25 kHz and 12.5 kHz Emissions

Problems Encountered Wideband Emissions Overlap New Narrowband Frequencies Interference Results Many Narrowband Frequencies are Currently Unusable in Many Areas (Chicago Metro) Users Not Migrating to Narrowband Channels/Emissions Older Radios Won’t Work with Narrowband Frequencies

FCC Takes Action FCC Adopts Second Report & Order February 12, 2003 Published in Federal Register July 2003 New Rules Effective January 13, 2004

Effect of FCC Rulemaking Prohibit Applications for New Wideband Systems after January 13, 2004* Restrict Modifications to Wideband Systems after January 13, 2004* Prohibit Certification of New Radios Capable of Transmitting using Wideband Emissions on January 1, 2005

Effect of FCC Rulemaking Prohibit Manufacture & Importation of Radios Capable of Transmitting Wideband Emissions on January 1, 2008 Require all Non-Public Safety Users to Switch to Narrowband Emissions by January 1, 2013 Require all Public Safety Users to Switch to Narrowband Emissions by January 1, 2018

Problems with the Rulemaking Required all Users to License or Update Wideband Systems Prior to January 13, 2004 Effectively Eliminate the Purchase of New Wideband Capable Radios after January 1, 2008 (Eliminate Backwards Compatibility) Complicate Migration of Statewide/ Interoperability Frequencies to Narrowband Place Extreme Financial Burdens on Many Governmental Users

Public Safety Groups Respond APCO – IMSA – IAFC – IACP – NSA Known as “Public Safety Petitioners” File Request for Reconsideration on August 29, 2003. Raised Numerous Issues FCC ONLY Stayed Licensing Deadline of January 13, 2004 Final Decision Expected Late in 2004

Impact on Fire Service Future FCC License Additions to Wideband Operations May Soon Be Limited New Wideband Equipment Might Not Be Available After January 1, 2008 Fire Departments Must Update Communications Systems for Narrowband Operations

Plan for the Future Develop Local – Regional – Statewide Plans for Migration to Narrowband Operations Add Narrowband Emission Designators to Current FCC Authorized Frequencies Budget for Replacement of Portable, Mobile & Base Station Equipment that is Not Narrowband Capable

Additional Information www.apco911.org www.mabasradio.org http://wireless.fcc.gov

Thank you! Any Questions?