FCC Narrowbanding Overview What is a radio channel? What is narrowbanding? What are the FCC deadlines?
The Radio Spectrum
Center Frequency MHz Channels licensed at 25 kHz bandwidth Land Mobile Radio Channels Center Frequency MHz 25 kHz
Center Frequency MHz Channels licensed at 12.5 kHz bandwidth Land Mobile Radio Channels Center Frequency MHz 12.5 kHz Center Frequency MHz
FCC VHF/UHF Narrowbanding Rules ( , MHz) Equipment Certification/Sales Since 2/14/97: Certifications must include 12.5 kHz equivalent efficiency or better 1/1/2011: Can no longer certify, manufacture or import 25 kHz efficiency mode 1/1/2011: Certifications must include 6.25 kHz equivalent efficiency* (Can be dual mode 12.5/6.25 kHz efficiency) User Licensing/ Operation 1/1/2011: No new/expanded 25 kHz efficiency licenses issued** 1/1/2013: All operations must be 12.5 kHz equivalent efficiency or better** No 6.25 kHz or equivalent efficiency user requirements have been set yet ** Paging-only channels are exempt from narrowbanding rules * Except for hand-held transmitters with output power of 2 watts or less
Radio Performance Factors Potentially cleaner channel Lower (weaker) audio Reduced coverage 25 kHz 12.5 kHz
What should VHF and UHF license holders do? Inventory radios Identify radios that will narrowband Identify radios that need to be replaced Establish a migration schedule Execute a cutover plan
Questions?