FCC Narrowbanding Compliance
What You Need To Know
Are your radio system and subscribers ready for narrowbanding? The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is mandating all public safety and industrial/business licensees convert existing 25 kHz radio systems to minimum narrowband 12.5 kHz efficiency technology by January 1, 2013. The purpose of the narrowband mandate is to promote more efficient use of the VHF and UHF land mobile frequency bands. RADIO USERS (LICENSEES)
January 1, 2011
Applications for new licenses or for license modifications to expand existing service areas must specify at least 12.5 kHz efficiency. The FCC will no longer accept applications for systems operating at 25 kHz efficiency.
January 1, 2013
All licensees must convert to and operate in at least 12.5 kHz efficiency. Existing dual mode (25/12.5 kHz) equipment must have the 25 kHz efficiency mode disabled via software. Equipment capable of operating only at 25 kHz efficiency must be replaced.
Note: The FCC has NOT set any date by which licensees must operate in 6.25 kHz efficiency in these bands.
Who is affected?
All land mobile Part 90, 25 kHz efficiency systems operating on VHF (150-174 MHz) and UHF (421-512 MHz) frequency bands.
Key dates
The FCC has set the following deadlines for licensees and manufacturers, requiring migration to minimum 12.5 kHz efficiency systems.
Radio Users (Licensees)
January 1, 2011
Applications for new licenses or for license modifications to expand existing service areas must specify at least 12.5 kHz efficiency. The FCC will no longer accept applications for systems operating at 25 kHz efficiency.
January 1, 2013
All licensees must convert to and operate in at least 12.5 kHz efficiency. Existing dual mode (25/12.5 kHz) equipment must have the 25 kHz efficiency mode disabled via software. Equipment capable of operating only at 25 kHz efficiency must be replaced.
Note: The FCC has NOT set any date by which licensees must operate in 6.25 kHz efficiency in these bands.
Equiptment Providers/Manufactures
January 1, 2011
Can no longer certify, manufacture or import equipment that is capable of operating at 25 kHz efficiency.
January 1, 2011
Radio equipment submitted for certification must include a 6.25 kHz efficiency mode. Radios can be dual mode 12.5/6.25 kHz efficiency.
What is Spectrum Efficiency?
Today, VHF and UHF frequency bands are extremely congested making it difficult for licensees to expand their existing systems or implement new systems. Requiring licensees to convert their existing radio systems to operate more efficiently, either on narrower channel bandwidths or increased voice paths on existing channels, will allow creation of additional channels within the same spectrum.
What does Equivalent Efficiency mean?
The FCC rule requires 12.5 kHz or equivalent efficiency. Any of the following meet the 12.5 kHz equivalent efficiency requirement:
- One voice path in a 12.5 kHz channel
- Two voice paths in a 25 kHz channel
- Data rates of 4.8 kbps per 6.25 kHz channel, such as 9.6 kbps per 12.5 kHz and 19.2 kbps per 25 kHz channel
Preparing to meet the mandate
With deadlines approaching rapidly, licensees who have not started their narrowband migration should considering the following steps today:
- Take an inventory of your radios to assess what equipment is capable of operating in 12.5 kHz and what will need to be replaced. The FCC has required all radios certified since 1997 to include a 12.5 kHz efficiency mode, most new equipment likely is dual mode 25/12.5 kHz that can be simple converted via software.
- Develop budget requirements and explore funding options.
- Establish a conversion and implementation schedule.
- Coordinate your conversion with neighboring agencies to facilitate continued interoperability among your agencies.
- Conduct tests during conversion to ensure your system continues to provide similar coverage.
- Contact your preferred frequency coordinator for any needed license modifications
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Narrowbanding require me to implement digital equipment?
No. Licensees can operate in either analog or digital formats as long as you operate at 12.5 kHz efficiency.
Does Narrowbanding require me to change frequencies or obtain new channels?
No. Licensees migrating from 25 kHz channels to 12.5 kHz channels stay on the same channel centers. You only reduce the bandwidth of your current channel and change the emission designator on your license.
Will I receive two 12.5 kHz channels when I change from my currently licensed 25 kHz channel?
No. As noted above, you remain on the same 25 kHz channel center, not splitting the channel into two 12.5 kHz channels. If you need additional capacity, you will need to apply for additional 12.5 kHz channels to the FCC through your frequency coordinator.
Can I operate on a secondary basis if I don't narrowband my equipment by January 1, 2013?
No. The FCC will consider any radio equipment that does not meet the 12.5 kHz efficiency requirement by January 1, 2013 to be operating in violation of the FCC rules. All violations are subject to FCC enforcement action, which may include FCC admonishment, monetary fines, and loss of license.