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Less than 2 Years Away: What is the Status of Narrowbanding Today?
On January 1, 2013, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has mandated that all public safety and business industrial land mobile radio (LMR) systems operating in the 150-512 MHz radio bands must cease operating using 25 kHz efficiency technology, and begin operating using at least 12.5 kHz efficiency technology. The FCC mandate to narrowband is 2 short years away. NPSTC has created a Narrowbanding Questionnaire to ascertain the status of narrowbanding across the country. Completing this questionnaire will help the FCC assist jurisdictions to develop helpful strategies to accomplish the narrowbanding goal.
Who Is Affected: This mandate affects more than just public safety. In general it affects any users operating at VHF (150-174 MHz) and UHF (421-512 MHz) utilizing Part 90 frequencies. This includes but is not limited to public safety, public works, utilities, hospitals, higher education, and K-12 schools.
Personal Assistance Available: The NPSTC narrowbanding page includes a map of the United States. When a specific state is selected, the map will display contact information for local knowledgeable contacts who can provide information on the narrowbanding process. These contacts come from the State’s Interoperability Coordinators, the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Office of Emergency Communications (OEC) Regional Coordinators, local public safety frequency advisors, and National Regional Planning Council (NRPC) members, plus additional persons who have volunteered to assist in the process.
Helpful Links
PSIC Office Narrowbanding Information
NPSTC's Narrowbanding Website
FCC's Narrowbanding Website
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