Can You Be Ready for Narrowbanding Before Fines Apply?

On January 1, 2013, critical UHF and VHF communications for some companies will go dead. Other companies will be fined for every day they remain out of compliance with FCC regulations. Some may lose their FCC licenses. Will your company be one of them?

If you're not already taking steps to bring your communications into compliance with narrowbanding regulations, the answer may be 'yes.'

Fortunately, if you act now, compliance can still be quick and painless.

What is Narrowbanding?

In 1992, the FCC began instituting new regulations to create additional voice channels. The new regulations essentially split each radio channel in half, to double the total number available. In order to use the new frequencies, every company with current FCC licenses need to have their current frequencies narrowbanded and their equipment re-programmed. Compliance deadline is January 1, 2013.

Do I Need to Worry About this Now?

Yes. Not only will you save money and time by taking care of it immediately, but also procrastination by even a few months could make it difficult to finish the process in time. Those who wait for the last minute will be in line behind every other company applying for narrowbanded frequencies. As the deadline approaches, both the FCC and two-way radio companies will become increasingly busy and may not be able to meet your needs right away. In fact, the FCC is already reporting slower processing times as a result of increases in applications. 

What do I need to do?

Step One: Take an inventory of your current equipment and verify whether it is 12.5 kHz capable. Not sure how to do this? Our two-way radio professionals can help.

Step Two: Obtain a quote and develop a funding plan for replacing any non-capable equipment. 

Step Three: Contact a two-way radio service professional to have your existing radios updated and to purchase any necessary new equipment.

Will this change how my radios operate?

It will change the effectiveness of analog radios. Both analog and digital radios can be 12.5 kHz capable, but analog radios will lose approximately 15-20% range as a result of the change-over.

Digital radios, however, will continue to operate at the same high level, with clear, clean transmissions and less interference. If you are currently using analog equipment, now is the time to upgrade.

Is there an easy way to meet requirements?

Absolutely! Contact our two-way radio experts with your license number and a list of devices in your inventory, and we’ll do the rest. No down time, no hassle, so you can focus on your business.

Your two-way radio narrowbanding questions answered by Steve Chandler, Regional Sales Manager for South Sales Communications, with 34 years of 2-way radio communications expertise. In the 1990s, Chandler built a 24 channel 800 mhz LTR trunked system that caught the eye of Nextel, and Chandler sold the frequencies to Nextel in 1996. Since then, Chandler has focused on Motorola certification and building customer loyalty for South Sales Communications two-way radio services.