By Steve Chandler
To avoid significant down time and hefty federal fines, all two-way radio users in the UHF and VHF spectrums must be narrowbanding compliant by the end of 2012. Learn how to make the transition quickly and easily.
What is Narrowbanding?
In 1992, the FCC began instituting rules designed to create additional voice channels using updated technology. To do so, they required public safety and private industry to begin employing two-way radio technology with narrowband (12.5 kHz) capability, and to completely switch to the new technology by January 1, 2013. All radios manufactured after 1997 have narrowband capability, but many may not be utilizing it at this time.
What do I need to do?
Step One: Take an inventory of your current equipment and verify whether it is 12.5 kHz capable.
Step Two: 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. Furthermore, late-model digital radios also boast 6.25 kHz capability, so that they can remain compliant even if the FCC tightens restrictions in the future. Digital radios also provide clearer, cleaner transmissions with less interference.
If you are currently using analog equipment, this is a great opportunity 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.
Steve Chandler is Regional Sales Manager for South Sales Communications with 34 years of 2-way radio communications expertise. In the 1990s, Chandler built a 24-channel radio systems company that caught the eye of Nextel, who purchased the company in 1996. Since then, Chandler has focused on Motorola certification and building customer loyalty for South Sales Communications two-way radio services.
