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Narrowbanding

Mandatory Narrowbanding – Are You Ready?

In 2004, the Federal Communications Commission decided that all two way private radio systems operating on VHF and UHF frequencies licensed under Part 90 of the Commission’s Rules must “narrowband,” or use reduced bandwidth, by January 1, 2013. This mandate means that tens of thousands of radio users nationwide, many of which are public safety users, will need to replace their radio systems by that date.

The majority of Part 90 radio systems in the VHF (150-174 MHz) and UHF (420-512 MHz) operate utilizing a 25 kHz bandwidth for each frequency. With a few exceptions, these operations must reduce their occupied bandwidth to 12.5 kHz by the 2013 deadline. For users with radios more than about 10-12 years old, the mandate will require replacement of the radios and infrastructure. For newer systems, modification of equipment may be possible, but even this seemingly minor task is actually a major effort and expense.

The FCC’s mandate impacts every type of two way radio users: police and fire agencies; transit companies; construction companies and utilities. Narrowbanding impacts large users, such as freight railroads, and the smallest users, such as a volunteer fire department.

In summary, the deadlines are as follows:

Last Date For Filing Applications For New 25 kHz Wideband Systems – 1/1/2011
Last Date For Filing Applications For 25 kHz System Modifications – 1/1/2011
Last Date For Manufacturer Building 25 kHz Wideband Equipment – 1/1/2011
All Impacted Radio Systems Must Operate 12.5 kHz Efficiency Or Greater – 1/1/2013

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