Understanding FCC Part 90 Narrowband Compliance

FCC Narrowband Mandate Coming January 1, 2013, Call Us For More Information.

Operating 25 kHz radio systems?  Get prepared for 12.5 kHz narrowband compliance.

In an effort to increase adoption of spectrum efficient technologies on certain Part 90 frequencies, the Federal CommunicationsCommission (FCC) has mandated all Public Safety and Industrial/Business licensees using 25 kHz radio systems to migrate to narrowband 12.5 kHz channels or a technology that achieves equivalent efficiency by January 1, 2013.

What Is Spectrum Efficiency?

The purpose of the FCC narrowband mandate is to promote more efficient use of the VHF and UHF land mobile radio bands. Currently,these bands are so congested that often there is not enough spectrum available for licensees to expand their existing systems or implement new systems.

Requiring licensees to convert their radio systems to operate on narrower channel bandwidths will allow additional channels to exist within the same spectrum.

Who Is Impacted?

Land mobile radio (also known as Part 90) systems operating at 25 kHz efficiency in the following bands:

 • VHF: 150 – 174 MHz
 • UHF: 421 – 512 MHz

Low band radio systems operating below 150 MHz are not affected.

Start Planning Now

If not already started, then now is the time to develop a migration plan to narrowband systems.

Take inventory. Review current equipment to determine what can be converted to 12.5 kHz and what will need to be replaced before January 1, 2013. Most new equipment has the capability for both 25 kHz and 12.5 kHz operation because any VHF/UHF radio equipment accepted by the FCC after February 14, 1997, had to have 12.5 kHz capability. Contact Convergence Communications to determine if your radio equipment is capable of operating in the12.5 kHz mode.

Develop budget requirements, explore funding options and establish a conversion and implementation schedule. Include studies to ensure 12.5 kHz operation continues to provide similar coverage. Once you determine possible equipment conversion needs, start developing funding and conversion schedules. Remember to coordinate your conversion with neighboring agencies or other organizations to maintain continued interoperability.

Obtain new or modified licenses. In addition to operating on narrowbanded equipment, users must be properly licensed by the FCC with the correct emissions designator. Contact Convergence Communications for assistance.

Key Deadlines

January 1, 2011

• Applications for new licenses or license modifications to expand existing service areas
must specify at least 12.5 kHz efficiency.

• Manufacturers can no longer certify, produce or import equipment capable of operating at 25 kHz efficiency.

January 1, 2013

• All licensees must convert to and operate in at least 12.5 kHz efficiency.

• Equipment only capable of operating at 25 kHz efficiency must be replaced. Contact Convergence Communications for help in determining if your current radio equipment is compliant.

• Existing certified dual mode (25/12.5 kHz) equipment must have the 25 kHz mode disabled via software.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I need to change the frequency band used to be compliant?
No. Narrowbanding does not require moving to another frequency band. Licensees stay on the same channel center(s), but reduce the bandwidth of the channel(s) currently used, from 25 kHz to 12.5 kHz.

If I need to upgrade equipment, do I need to implement digital equipment?
No. The 12.5 kHz narrowband equipment is available in both conventional analog and digital formats (e.g. Project 25). After January 1, 2013, analog and digital equipment must operate on a 12.5 kHz channel.

How can I determine if I have a valid FCC license?
Contact Convergence Communications for assistance.

If I currently have a license for a 25 kHz channel, will I automatically be entitled to license two 12.5 kHz channels?
No. Your 12.5 kHz channel will remain on the same channel center. Your current 25 kHz channel will not be split into two 12.5 kHz channels.

What will happen if I fail to comply with the FCC narrowbanding mandate?
The FCC will prohibit licensees from operating non-compliant equipment on a secondary basis. Non-compliance will be considered a violation subject to FCC Enforcement Bureau action, which may include admonishment, monetary fines and loss of license.

Will migration to 12.5 kHz change my system coverage area?
Maybe. Conduct tests during conversion to ensure your system continues to provide similar coverage. Contact Convergence Communications for assistance  to help you determine if transmitter site changes or additions will be required to compensate for possible coverage change.