Narrowbanding Requirements
Tidewater Communications works closely with a licensed frequency coordinator on current FCC licensing
requirements. We can assist you with new applications, renewals, relocations, and modifications as well as help
you prepare for the future. We feel it is important to make you aware of an FCC Licensing change that could
effect your business communications, and that is the requirement to move to narrowband 12.5kHz.
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.
What is Narrowbanding?
FCC Form For Analog Licensing
FCC Form For Digital Licensing
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.
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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.
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Plan for the Longer Term with MOTOTRBO™
To meet later mandates planned by the FCC, consider new equipment that is capable of 6.25 kHz channels.
These very narrowband systems are digital – your license should specify digital operations prior to use of this
equipment.
- MOTOTRBO TDMA will provide improved Capacity and Capability
with Reduced Costs
- MOTOTRBO provides 2 For 1 Channel Capacity for a 12.5kHz Channel
- MOTOTRBO or NXDN technology investments require emission update on licenses
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12.5kHz TDMA
7K60FXE (Voice)
7K60FXD (Data)
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6.25 kHz FDMA
4K00F1E (Voice)
4K00F1D (Data)
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- Simply adding a new emission designator does not require a frequency change
- Adding emission designator supports system transition
Copyright (c) 2012 Tidewater Communications & Electronics, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
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