In 3 years, all radio systems operating at frequencies below 512 MHz will be required to narrowband, i.e., begin operating in 12.5 kHz channel bandwidths, instead of the current 25 kHz channel bandwidths in use today or meet the efficiency standard of two talk paths in 25 kHz.  The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has mandated that narrowbanding be complete by January 1, 2013.

Licensees in the private land mobile VHF and UHF bands traditionally have employed systems that operate on channel bandwidths of 25 kHz.  On or before January 1, 2013, the FCC has mandated that all existing licensees implement equipment designed to operate on channel bandwidths of 12.5 kHz or less or that meet a specific efficiency standard, e.g., utilize two- or four-slot TDMA.

Any equipment that is not capable of operating on channels of 12.5 kHz or less will need to be replaced.  In addition to the FCC's deadline of January 1, 2013 for all licensees to cut-over to new narrowband equipment, there are some "interim" deadlines.  For example, there is a date by which no more new or modified operations on 25 kHz bandwidth channels may be initiated, and there are certain deadlines that apply to equipment manufacturers and importers.

The FCC expects that licensees ultimately will implement equipment that is designed to operate on channel bandwidths of 6.25 kHz or less.  However, there currently is no deadline set for making this transition.

On December 11, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a Public Notice reminding licensees, frequency coordinators, and equipment manufacturers of the mandated narrowband migration deadlines in the 150-174 MHz and 421-512 MHz band.  The PN makes the consequence of failing to meet the 2013 narrowbanding date very clear, which will assist the coordinators and others in convincing the licensees that they have to take this seriously.  The FCC intends to enforce the January, 1, 2013, date and states that, "Operation in violation of the Commission's rules may subject licensees to enforcement action, including admonishments, monetary forfeitures, and/or license revocation, as appropriate."

While NPSTC fully supports the narrowbanding 2013 deadline, NPSTC's Governing Board believes certain interim deadlines effective January 1, 2011 will hamper public safety interoperability during the final 2 years of the transition and will unnecessarily raise costs for public safety users.  NPSTC has asked that the FCC stay the requirement for newly certified radios to include a 6.25 kHz channel equivalency mode, even though no P25 standard for that channel size exists today.  Reply comments on NPSTC's PFR were due December 3, 2009.

The Part 90 Narrowbanding Info and Resource website WirelessRadio.net has been recently updated.  The sole purpose of the site is to provide consolidated and accurate information and resource links to ALL Part 90 VHF/UHF licensees regarding the Mandate.