Are your radio system and subscribers ready for Narrowbanding?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has mandated all public safety and industrial/business licensees convert existing 25 kHz radio systems to minimum narrowband 12.5 kHz efficiency technology by January 1, 2013. The purpose of the narrowband mandate is to promote more efficient use of the VHF and UHF land mobile frequency bands.
Who is affected?
All land mobile Part 90, 25 kHz efficiency systems operating on VHF (150-174 MHz) and UHF (421-512 MHz) frequency bands.
Key Dates
The FCC has set the following deadlines for licensees and manufacturers, requiring migration to minimum 12.5 kHz efficiency systems.
Radio Users (Licensees)
• January 1, 2011: Applications for new licenses or for license modifications to expand existing service areas must specify at least 12.5 kHz
efficiency. The FCC will no longer accept applications for systems operating at 25 kHz efficiency.
• January 1, 2013: All licensees must convert to and operate in at least 12.5 kHz efficiency. Existing dual mode (25/12.5 kHz) equipment must
have the 25 kHz efficiency mode disabled via software. Equipment capable of operating only at 25 kHz efficiency must be replaced.
Note: The FCC has NOT set any date by which licensees must operate in 6.25 kHz efficiency in these bands.
In an effort to promote more efficient use of spectrum, the FCC mandated all VHF and UHF Public Safety and Industrial /Business licensees using 25 kHz land mobile radio (LMR) systems migrate to narrowband 12.5 kHz efficiency technology by January 1, 2013.
Currently the UHF and VHF frequency bands are congested and often there is not enough spectrum available for licensees to expand their existing systems or implement new systems. This mandate requires licensees to operate more efficiently, either on narrower channel bandwidths or increased voice paths on existing channels. This will allow creation of additional channels within the same spectrum, thereby supporting more users.
The FCC does not mandate channel width, it mandates spectrum efficiency. FCC rules require 12.5 kHz or equivalent efficiency. Any of the following meet the 12.5 kHz equivalent efficiency requirement:
No. Licensees can operate in either analog or digital formats as long as you operate at 12.5 kHz efficiency. Motorola 12.5 kHz efficiency equipment is available in both analog and digital formats.
©2015 – 2023 Communications Electronics is a Motorola Two Way Radio Dealer and Premier Service Partner Serving Baltimore, The State of Maryland, Harrisburg and Eastern Pennsylvania. MOTOROLA, MOTO, MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS and the Stylized M Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Motorola Trademark Holdings, LLC and are used under license.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2023 Motorola Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy
*Last Updated 3/26/20
CE continues operations as an essential service provider
To our valued customers and partners,
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread in the United States and across the globe, we want to reinforce that Communications Electronics’ number one priority is keeping our employees, partners, and customers safe. Our team has been working hard behind the scenes to ensure we can continue to deliver uninterrupted, high quality service while remaining focused on the health and safety of our staff and clients. We are fortunate to have ample technology and significant experience with working remotely.
In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Motorola Solutions is providing recommended cleaning and disinfecting guidelines for our radios, body-worn cameras and accessories based on our current and best understanding of radio hygiene. You can review their recommended equipment cleaning guidelines here.
Communications Electronics provides a critical service as defined by the Department of Homeland Security. Our business supplies crucial equipment and vital services to fill the urgent needs of telecommunications companies, service providers, emergency responders, law enforcement, and a multitude of private entities throughout the nation. Therefore, we will continue operations at this time and are fully available to serve you.
If you have any questions during this time, please contact your CE representative. We are here to help you.
We thank you for your continued patronage. Communications Electronics will strive to maintain exceptional service to our customers during this difficult time. Wishing you good health.
Roger Cassell
President & CEO
communicationselectronics.com
1-888-TALK-CEI
——————————————————
3/13/20
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread in the United States and across the globe, we want to let everyone know that Communications Electronics’number one priority is to keep our employees, partners, and customers safe. Here is an update on preparations and steps we have taken to date. Two weeks ago, CE assembled a cross-disciplinary COVID-19 Management Team to actively monitor the situation and make recommendations to leadership. We have been assessing the situation daily, remaining vigilant, and following recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and local authorities. We’ve assembled guidance for our employee teams, pursuant to these recommendations.
As you know, the situation is evolving rapidly, and COVID-19 is affecting people differently, depending on their location and situation. As a result, flexible solutions are needed. CE Senior Management is considering all options, including the possibility of asking staff to work remotely.
While we remain focused on the health and safety of our staff and those around us, we also remain committed to serving our customers. Fortunately, we have technology in place and significant experience with working remotely. We have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure we can continue to deliver uninterrupted, high quality service. Operational teams have been working to identify potential needs and strategies associated with full-virtual delivery of services. Project managers and supervisors are actively having preparedness discussions with our teams. Our IT team has been reviewing and testing systems and protocols, to ensure necessary tools and support for staff to operate virtually. Everyone has a role to play.
If you have questions or feedback, you can reach the COVID-19 Management Team at Safety@Talkcei.com.
Being flexible and able to overcome big challenges is part of what makes us who we are. We have the infrastructure, skills, and desire to support each other, while providing the highest level of service to our customers. Obviously, this is a fast moving, fluid situation affecting our country and the world. We will update our guidance and decisions as the situation changes. Please continue to monitor the CDC Website for updates.
We hope that you and your family are well,
Glenn Lesley
Chief Operations Officer
Communications Electronics