Narrowbanding Requirements
What You Need To Know
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) started the narrowbanding proceedings, also known as refarming, almost twenty years ago in an effort to promote more efficient spectrum use in the 150-174 MHz (VHF) and 421-512 MHz (UHF) Part 90 radio frequency bands. The FCC has released numerous rulings during this time defining the requirements and mandating specific deadlines. The purpose of this document is to provide you with the narrowbanding facts, starting with the key dates and requirements you need to know, followed by exemptions and additional information, how Motorola products meet the requirements, and steps licensees should take starting now.
KEY DATES AND REQUIREMENTS:
The FCC is mandating all Public Safety and Industrial/Business licensees convert existing 25 kHz efficiency operations in the VHF and UHF bands to minimum 12.5 kHz efficiency analog or digital operation, and that going forward they implement no more 25 kHz efficiency systems. To implement this mandate, the FCC developed rules and deadlines that impact both radio users and equipment providers.
Key narrowbanding deadlines for radio users (licensees):
January 1, 2011 Applications for new licenses must specify at least 12.5 kHz efficiency. The FCC will no longer accept applications for systems operating at 25 kHz efficiency.1
January 1, 2011 Applications for modifications of existing licenses to expand the authorized interference contour (19 dBu VHF, 21 dBu UHF) must specify at least 12.5 kHz efficiency. The FCC will no longer accept modifications for expansion of service areas to systems operating at 25 kHz efficiency.2 Changes that can trigger such expansion include increasing the antenna height, transmitter power, or adding or moving a transmitter site.
January 1, 2013 All licensees must convert to and operate in at least 12.5 kHz efficiency.3
Note: The FCC has NOT set any date by which licensees must operate in 6.25 kHz efficiency in these bands.
Key requirements for equipment providers/manufacturers:
February 14, 1997 Radio equipment submitted for certification must include a 12.5 kHz efficiency mode. Can be dual mode 25/12.5 kHz efficiency.4 See Appendix 1 for list of Motorola radios that meet this requirement.
January 1, 2011 Radio equipment submitted for certification must include a 6.25 kHz efficiency mode. Can be dual mode 12.5/6.25 kHz efficiency.5
January 1, 2011 Manufacturers can no longer certify, manufacture or import equipment that is capable of operating at 25 kHz efficiency.
Federal Regulations Rule Number:
1 CFR 90.209(b)(6)(i)
2 CFR 90.209(b)(6)(ii)
3 CFR 90.209(b)(5)
4 CFR 90.203(j)(3)
5 CFR 90.203(j)(4) and CFR 90.203(j)(5)
6 CFR 90.203(j)(10)
