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FCC LICENSING

Communications Electronics works closely with a licensed frequency coordinator so we can take care of all of your FCC licensing requirements. We can assist you with new applications, renewals, relocations and modifications.

In 2013, the FCC implemented new requirements that mandated all VHF and UHF licensees make use of narrowband channels. This required some businesses to purchase new equipment, while others had us simply modify their equipment. A license modification is required to show that this was done. Contact us if you need more information on this process or to determine if you have completed it. The FCC is enforcing this new requirement by not allowing you to renew your license unless your equipment is narrowband compliant. FCC licenses are typically good for 10 years—if yours is expiring soon, we can help you manage all of the paperwork.

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Narrowbanding Compliance — What You Need to Know

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.

FAQs

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:

  • One voice path in a 12.5 kHz channel
  • Two voice paths in a 25 kHz channel
  • Data rates of 4.8 kbps per 6.25 kHz channel, such as 9.6 kbps per 12.5 kHz and 19.2 kbps per 25 kHz channel
After January 1, 2011, users who apply for a new license or modify their existing license must specify 12.5 kHz efficiency. If you need to expand your service area for your existing 25 kHz efficiency system, you will need to submit an application before January 1, 2011. Manufactures can no longer certify equipment capable of operating at 25 kHz efficiency after January 1, 2011. However, per the FCC Order, released June 30, 2010, manufacturers can now manufacture, import, and market equipment capable of operating at 25 kHz efficiency until January 1, 2013. This will allow you to purchase additional or replacement radios until you migrate to 12.5 kHz efficiency by that date, as mandated by the FCC. By January 1, 2013 all licensees must convert to and operate in at least 12.5 kHz efficiency. By that date, you must ensure that the 25 kHz mode is disabled via software on your dual mode 25/12.5 kHz radios. And you must replace all radios only capable of operating at 25 kHz efficiency.
No. The FCC will prohibit licensees from operating 25 kHz efficiency 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.
All Motorola radio equipment certified by the FCC since February 14, 1997 is 12.5 kHz efficiency capable. If you have questions or concerns, please contact us to review.
In most cases, we can use Motorola Customer Programming Software (CPS) to reprogram your subscriber and base station radios to operate at 12.5 kHz. Typically, infrastructure site equipment (duplexers, Multicoupler, window filter) does not require any changes. Please contact us if you need technical assistance.

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.

No. Narrowbanding does not require moving to another frequency band or different channels. 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 and change the emission designator on the license. Alternatively, licensees stay on the same 25 kHz channel but implement a 12.5 kHz equivalent technology on that channel.
No. Your 12.5 kHz channel will remain on the same 25 kHz channel center. Your current 25 kHz channel will not be split into two 12.5 kHz channels. You will need to justify and apply for any additional 12.5 kHz channels to the FCC through a certified frequency coordinator.
Maybe. We can help you conduct tests during conversion to ensure your system continues to provide similar coverage. Please contact us to help you determine if transmitter site changes or additions will be required to compensate for possible coverage change.
Please contact us.
No. The FCC has not set any date by which licensees must operate in 6.25 kHz efficiency. The current mandate only requires users to migrate to 12.5 kHz efficiency by January 1. 2013. Based on the 12.5 kHz migration time line, we believe that any potential future FCC decision to require users to migrate to 6.25 kHz efficiency will take a considerable number of years.
For those licensees who want to voluntarily move to 6.25 kHz efficiency, Motorola is currently shipping two complete product families that already meet a 6.25 kHz equivalent efficiency mode. ASTRO® 25 product line for Mission Critical Subscribers and MOTOTRBO™ product line for Commerce and Enterprise clients. Both operate at two voice paths in a 12.5 kHz channel, using a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) protocol. This technology allows you to double the capacity of your existing 12.5 kHz or 25 kHz channel.

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©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.
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COVID-19 Update & Our Commitment to You

*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