FCC Mandated NarrowbandingThe FCC Has Mandated That By 2013 All Radios Use 12.5 kHzOverviewThe Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is mandating all public safety and business radio users 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.
Who Does This Affect?This affects all radio users with equipment using 25 kHz channels. If you do not know if your radios use 25 kHz or 12.5 kHz the quickest way to find out is by contacting us. Many radio users already use 12.5 kHz and this will not affect them. For those who don't, a migration is necessary before 2013. If you fail to meet the deadline you will face severe penalties from the FCC and possibly loss of communications. TimelineJanuary 1st, 2011 - At this date you will no longer be able to purchase 25 kHz radios. This will affect many radio users because if you haven’t converted your radio system to 12.5 kHz your existing radios will not be compatible with any new radios you purchase. We highly recommend you convert before 2011. January 1st, 2013 - This is when phase 1 goes into effect. At this date you will no longer be allowed to use 25 kHz radios at all. If you have an FCC license and have not converted it to 12.5 kHz by this time you risk losing your FCC license. You also risk fine and penalty from the FCC for operating 25 kHz radios. The TruthBecause there is so much mis-information out there about the FCC mandate we wanted to set the record straight. Does this mean you HAVE to go digital? No. Many analog radios are perfectly capable of running 12.5 kHz. Do you need to do all this by 2011? No. In 2011 manufacturers will no longer make 25 kHz equipment. The FCC will also no longer accept applications for 25 kHz channels. Your current communication system, however, will not be affected at all until 2013. What Should You Do?Although 2013 seems far off, now is the time to start planning a migration. There are 4 basic steps for migrating to 12.5 kHz
What About Phase 2 - The 6.25 kHz Mandate?Although there is no firm date yet, the FCC has stated that phase 2 of narrowbanding will require a transition to 6.25 kHz. If you want to be prepared for this phase as well, Megahertz can help your business deploy new digital radio technology. Digital TDMA radios allow two simultaneous voice channels within one 12.5 kHz channel. Because of this efficiency, digital radios will satisfy the 6.25 kHz mandate. Digital radios have many other benefits such as private calls, text messaging, GPS, increased battery/coverage and many more. How Can We Help?With over 30 years in the radio business Megahertz can ease your transistion from start to finish. We can quickly asses your current equipment and determine what you can or cannot keep. We can help plan a new communication system which will best suit your company's current and future needs. From there our lawyers can modify your current FCC licence to be in compliance. At that point we will assist in deploying your new radio system. If your company wants to go digital we can even accomodate a half analog, half digital deployment in case you are not able to upgrade all your equipment at once. More Information
Contact UsContact Megahertz Technology to start planning your transition to 12.5 kHz today! |
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