Narrowbanding

What is narrowbanding?

Narrowbanding is a requirement by the FCC for licenseholders to move from 25 KHz (channel width) channels to 12.5 KHz channels and eventually 6.25 digital channels. The channel width may also be thought of as radio spectrum "real estate". This affects Part 90 licensees in the 150-174 MHz and 421-512 MHz. The goal is to provide more radio spectrum efficiency thereby allowing more users to utilize a finite amount of radio band.

Are any frequencies exempt?

Some paging only frequencies are exempt. Please contact us for more details as to which ones they are.

Can I still use my 25 KHz equipment? Can I still purchase 25 KHz equipment?

You can still use 25 KHz equipment until the end of 2012. The FCC will not certify equipment using 25 KHz and will prohibit the manufacture or import of 25 KHz equipment after 2012.

Below we have compiled a list of documents for you to browse if you are interested in finding additional information on narrowbanding:

FCC PRESENTATION.pdf - This is an FCC presentation to public safety, but applicable to all.

NARROWBAND BROCHURE.pdf - This is a brochure for public safety, but also applicable to all.

COMPLIANT RADIO LIST - This is a relatively current list (2010) showing which radios are narrowband compliant.

NARROWBAND VIDEO - This is a video which is informative albeit long and a bit fatiguing.

Will I have to get new frequencies?

No, however you will need to reprogram your radios once you have received your narrowband license.

Should I consider going digital at this time?

Possibly. The digital radios we offer are backward compatible with 25 KHz analog, 12.5 narrowband analog and 6.25 digital. This may be a good time to evaluate if this path is the correct one to take at this time.

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