FCC Narrowband Mandate

2013 FCC Narrowbanding Mandate:
What Does it Mean to Your Agency?

THIRD MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER, THIRD FURTHER NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE MAKING AND ORDER FCC 04-292 Released December 23, 2004
Implementation of Sections 309(j) and 337 of the Communications Act of 1934 as Amended Promotion of Spectrum Efficient Technologies on Certain Part 90 Frequencies

History

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has put together a plan to achieve greater spectrum efficiency in the private land mobile radio bands. This is known as refarming or rebanding, and was made necessary by the ever-increasing demands on available radio spectrum.

The FCC’s answer was to effectively double the number of frequencies by cutting them in half, so to speak, by reducing the bandwidth from 25 kHz to 12.5 kHz, or from wide band to narrow band.

Using narrow band channels will ensure that agencies take advantage of more efficient technology and, by reducing channel width, will allow additional channels to exist within the same spectrum space, as illustrated in figure 1.

Important Dates

To phase in the migration deadline of January 1, 2013, the FCC has established interim deadlines.

The first important deadline is January 1, 2011after which:

The FCC will not grant applications for new voice operations or applications to expand the authorized contour of existing stations that use 25 kHz channels. Only narrow band authorizations will be granted.

New system applications must be 12.5 kHz or less

No 25 kHz system expansion permitted

MOTOTRBO™ meets this requirement

January 1, 2013

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

I/B and PS 150-512 MHz incumbents must migrate to 12.5/12.5 kHz (e) or less

The FCC will prohibit manufacture or importation of new equipment that operates on 25 kHz channels.

New equipment submitted for FCC type-acceptance must be capable of operating in 6.25 kHz mode.

It is unclear what happens to licensed 25 kHz systems after this date certain

Land Mobile Radio Systems still using wideband channels as of January 1, 2013, risk the following:

Loss of Radio Communications

Substantial FCC Fines

Revocation of FCC Licenses

What to do?

Check your current license for wide or narrow band status

If license is wide band, re-license to narrow band

If your equipment is narrow band capable, reprogram equipment to narrow band operation

If equipment is wide band only capable, you must purchase new equipment

Portables	Mobile	Bases & Repeaters
CP100	GM300	Flexar
GP300	M100	Micor
GP350	M120	Mocom 70
HT50	M206	Motrac
HT600	M214	MSF5000
HT90	M216
MT1000	Maratrac
P100	Maxtrac
P110	Mostar
P200	SM120
P50	SM50
P50+	Spectra Conventional
SP50
Saber

Will my coverage change by going to narrow band?

Going to narrow band can have a small performance change and reduce your coverage slightly. However, any system change can reduce coverage. Any license change where location, power, or height is increased, the FCC will probably lower your Effective Radiated Power (ERP) to reduce congestion. If that is the case, be prepared to plan for an overall system update.

Why do I need to start now?

Starting the process now gives you more control of your destiny:

Less likely to deal with interference issues

More desirable frequencies

Time to determine a plan of action for dealing with coverage change

A comfortable time line to handle filings and make system adjustments

How much will this cost me?

You have a narrow band license - your equipment is programmed to wideband. Budget approximately $30 per radio for re-programming, budget to reprogram repeaters or system equipment.

You have a wide band license – your equipment is narrowband capable. Budget approximately $300 for a license change fee per narrowband call sign. Budget approximately $25 per radio for re-programming, budget to reprogram repeaters or system equipment.

You have a wide band license – your equipment is wide band capable only. Budget approximately $300 for a license change fee per narrowband call sign. Budget for new radios and possible system changes.

How long does this process take?

As a rule of thumb, make December 2011 your deadline. Last minute applications are like doing taxes on April 13, there just aren’t enough FCC license specialists out there to guarantee completion in time.

Re-programming: days to weeks

FCC license changes: 1 to 6 months

Canadian border license users: 6 to 12 months

Budgeting/implementing new equipment: 6 to 24 months

Long Term Planning Suggestions

To meet future mandates planned by the FCC to reach spectrum efficiency of 6.25 kHz efficiency, consider moving directly to digital technology such as MOTOTRBO.

*The FCC has declined to offer a firm date for a 6.25 kHz efficiency mandate; however the topic has been discussed on several occasions.

MOTOTRBO provides 2 For 1 Channel Capacity for a 12.5kHz channel, which is 6.25kHz efficiency equivalent

Move directly to 6.25kHz technology rather than re-licensing and re-purchasing equipment when the mandate is announced

Enjoy the “better basics” and “advanced features” that digital radio can provide

Learn more about MOTOTRBO

Get Started Now

Is your Private Radio System “Narrow band” compliant?
If you are unsure please contact us to complete an assessment of your existing licenses. We will simplify the process for you and help you secure results.

You need to start planning now to migrate to narrow band systems by assessing your current radio equipment and applying for new or modified licenses – the FCC deadline of January 1, 2013 is not very far away.