Narrowbanding is Coming 2013.
Are You Ready?
Are You Ready?
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Understanding FCC Narrowbanding Requirements
In December 2004, the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) mandated that all private LMR users
operating below 512 MHz move to 12.5 kHz narrowband
voice channels and highly efficient data channel
operations by January 1, 2013. Using narrowband
channels will ensure that organizations 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 the graphic to
the right.
In December 2004, the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) mandated that all private LMR users
operating below 512 MHz move to 12.5 kHz narrowband
voice channels and highly efficient data channel
operations by January 1, 2013. Using narrowband
channels will ensure that organizations 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 the graphic to
the right.
Related Documents:
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-04-292A1.pdf (2004 3rd R&O)
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-271692A1.pdf (2007 6.25 KHz Notice)
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-08-127A1.pdf (2008 6.25 KHz Digital Clarification)
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-04-292A1.pdf (2004 3rd R&O)
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-271692A1.pdf (2007 6.25 KHz Notice)
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-08-127A1.pdf (2008 6.25 KHz Digital Clarification)
Deadlines
To phase in the migration deadline of January 1, 2013, the FCC has established interim deadlines. The first important deadline is January 1,
2011, after 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 narrowband authorizations will be granted.
Summary
In a nutshell, this mandate requires that all currently deployed 25 KHz "wide-band" only conventional and trunked VHF and UHF two-way hand-
held portables, vehicle-mounted mobiles, dispatcher stations, wireless data, telemetry, or SCADA links, (called subscriber radios), and any
associated 25 KHz conventional base or trunked repeaters or relay stations (called infrastructure radios ) be replaced with 12.5 KHz "narrow-
band" (or equivalent) equipment prior to the 2013 date in order to continue legal use of your licensed radio frequencies beyond that date. In
addition, your FCC license(s) must be modified to certify that changes in the emissions of your system have been made. Non-compliance may
result in the cancellation of your license(s) by the FCC.
Planning for the Move to Narrowband (start now, the FCC deadline is not far away)
To phase in the migration deadline of January 1, 2013, the FCC has established interim deadlines. The first important deadline is January 1,
2011, after 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 narrowband authorizations will be granted.
Summary
In a nutshell, this mandate requires that all currently deployed 25 KHz "wide-band" only conventional and trunked VHF and UHF two-way hand-
held portables, vehicle-mounted mobiles, dispatcher stations, wireless data, telemetry, or SCADA links, (called subscriber radios), and any
associated 25 KHz conventional base or trunked repeaters or relay stations (called infrastructure radios ) be replaced with 12.5 KHz "narrow-
band" (or equivalent) equipment prior to the 2013 date in order to continue legal use of your licensed radio frequencies beyond that date. In
addition, your FCC license(s) must be modified to certify that changes in the emissions of your system have been made. Non-compliance may
result in the cancellation of your license(s) by the FCC.
Planning for the Move to Narrowband (start now, the FCC deadline is not far away)
- Verify you company has a current FCC license. If you're not sure or don't have a paper copy, you can use the FCC Advanced License
Search. FCC Advanced License Search allows you to search by company name or address. - Conduct a full inventory of all radios in your system, including all portable (hand-carried) radios, all mobile (in-vehicle) radios, all
dispatcher-used radios, all wireless data or SCADA radios, and all on or off-site base or repeater radios. It is very important to list the
specific makes and model numbers of all radios inventoried. - Contact a local professional two way radio service vendor for assistance such as EAGLE COMMUNICATIONS in determining which
models are capable of simply being re-programmed for narrowband operation and which models are not. Any radio that cannot be re-
programmed to narrowband operation be will need to be replaced. - Initiate the internal business process of budgeting for and procuring any new narrowband capable replacement radios as may be
necessary. Any new radios procured should not be programmed for narrowband operation at this time. Operating in "mixed mode" - i.e.
using both "wideband" and "narrowband" radios on the same system frequency - is not recommended, particularly in data or SCADA
systems. If at all possible, any new narrowband radios procured should continue to operate in the "wideband" mode until the actual switch
from "wideband" to "narrowband" operation is made. - Develop a "wideband"-to-"narrowband" system conversion plan that reflects well-coordinated logistical and implementation strategies
needed to accommodate a) the replacement and installation of any new narrowband capable off-site base or repeater station radio(s)
needed in advance and b), the actual reprogramming of all radios in a system as close to simultaneously as possible to assure minimal
disruption to normal radio communication operations. - Schedule and coordinate with EAGLE COMMUNICATIONS as soon as possible dates and times for the actual system conversion (or cut
over), making certain that all radio users have been advised in advance and are aware of the process. Also make sure that all hand-held
and mobile radios are readily available for reprogramming at pre-scheduled times. - Finally, modify your FCC radio station license to remove any "wideband" emission designators, replacing them with the correct
"narrowband" emission designators. This would also be an opportunity to make any other changes or updates to a license that may be
required. It is strongly recommended that you employ the services of a reputable and qualified FCC licensing assistance firm, FCC
certified frequency coordinator, or professional two way radio communications service company such as EAGLE COMMUNICATIONS to
help you with this process.
Credits:
Portions Courtesy of Nick Ruark, wirelessradio.net and www.qualitymobile.com
Portions Courtesy of Nick Ruark, wirelessradio.net and www.qualitymobile.com