Non-federal LMR systems have to January 2013 to change channels.
Historically, private land mobile radio (LMR) systems have used 25 kHz-wide blocks of radio spectrum or channels. Municipal government and state and local public safety systems are included in this group. Mandated in December 2004 by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), any non-federal LMR that is operating below 512 MHz must make the move to 12.5 kHz narrowband voice channels and more efficient data channels by January 1, 2013.
Decreasing Width, Increasing Usage
Reducing channel width to 12.5 kHz narrowband and at the same time taking advantage of new technology, will allow more channels to exist within the same spectrum. This is the premise behind migrating to narrowband channels.
Assessing Equipment
Encouraging all private stakeholders to assess their current radio equipment now for the need of possible upgrades or replacement will help smooth the transition in January 2013. Although most new equipment will comply as is, plans to accommodate system changes may have to be implemented by local government to ensure public and nonpublic safety.
Obtaining New or Modified Licenses
Applying for a new broadband license will follow the same procedure as used in the past for new license applications. Current licenses may also be modified. However, if you now have a 25 kHz-wide frequency, application does not guarantee that you will receive two 12.5 kHz channels. Having said that, the FCC points out that with the migration to narrowband frequencies, the number of available channels will increase.
