Narrowband …Are You Ready For 2013?
You may or may not be aware that all FCC Part 90 VHF [150-174 MHz] and UHF [421-512 MHz] two-way radio systems will need to be operating on narrowband [12.5 KHz] emissions by January 1, 2013. Any equipment that cannot be reprogrammed to narrowband will need to be replaced. 2013 is closer than you think. It is going to take a considerable amount of time to formulate, budget and implement a transition plan. Depending on your type of system, it could take anywhere from a few days to a number of months to migrate everything over to narrowband. Action needs to be taken as soon as possible in order to ensure that your system is transitioned smoothly and with the least bit of disruption to on-air communications.
In most cases, transition will include base stations, mobiles and portables. Most equipment purchased after 1998 will have narrowband capability. Engineering work may be required. It is highly recommended to enlist the services of a knowledgeable radio dealer or engineering firm to help organize and manage your existing equipment. In addition to possible equipment changes, your FCC radio license will need to be modified to reflect the narrowband emissions designator(s). EWA can assist you with this. You will not need to switch frequencies and there is no requirement to change from analog to digital operations. Systems operating on Lowband, 800 and 900 MHz frequencies and paging-only systems are not affected by the narrowband migration.
The following is a list of steps to get you started:
- Perform an inventory of all the radios in your system(s) and record the make & model numbers.
- Determine how much of your equipment is already narrowband compliant and what radios will need to be reprogrammed or replaced.
- Work out a budget to purchase any new equipment that might be needed and to cover the cost of modifying your FCC license(s).
- Coverage could be reduced after switching to narrowband. A knowledgeable radio dealer/engineering firm will be able to tell you if you need to add new transmitter locations or different equipment in order to retain your existing coverage.
- Figure out a “plan of attack” as to how and when you’re going to transition the system.
- Make sure you have a valid FCC radio license for your system. If not, you are operating illegally and need to take immediate steps to obtain a license. Please contact EWA for assistance.
- Is the information on your FCC radio license current and up-to-date? Does your mailing address and contact information need to be changed? Are the coordinates for your transmitter location correct? Now would be the time to make any necessary changes while you’re switching the emissions designator. Call EWA for with any questions or to obtain a price quote.
The time to act is NOW. The longer you wait, the more you risk getting caught up in the mad rush that will undoubtedly come in 2012. You also risk possibly losing your FCC radio license if it has not been modified to narrowband operations by the deadline date. Click HERE to download our one page worksheet that you can use to submit your narrowband migration applications to EWA. And, as always, feel free to contact EWA with any questions you may have!
Important Dates to Remember:
- 1/1/2011 New 25 kHz wideband applications no longer accepted
- 1/1/2011 Modifications to expand contours of 25 kHz systems no longer accepted
- 1/1/2011 Manufacturers no longer build or import 25 kHz only equipment
- 1/1/2011 New 12.5 KHz equipment certification must also include 6.25 KHz equivalent mode
- 1/1/2013 Mandatory B/ILT 12.5 kHz conversion
- 1/1/2013 Mandatory PS 12.5 kHz conversion
