Frequently Asked Questions

• Will I need to change the frequency band I've been using to be compliant with the FCC mandate?
• No. Narrowbanding does not require moving to another frequency band. 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.
• If I need to upgrade my equipment, do I need to implement digital equipment?
• No. The 12.5 kHz narrowband equipment is available in both analog and digital formats (e.g., Project 25). After January 1, 2013, analog and digital equipment must operate on a 12.5 kHz channel or achieve equivalent efficiency.
• What exactly does it mean to use technology that achieves equivalent efficiency?
• For voice applications, the FCC efficiency standard can be met if equipment either operates on a 12.5 kHz channel or transmits at least one voice channel per 12.5 kHz of bandwidth. This means equipment operating on a 25 kHz channel bandwidth is compliant if the equipment supports two or more voice channels.
• Has the FCC established a schedule for mandatory migration to 6.25 kHz bandwidth?
• No. The FCC has not yet set any date by which licensees must operate in 6.25 kHz efficiency.
• How can I determine if I have a valid FCC license?
• Contact BearCom headquarters or your local branch for expert advice or assistance.
• If I currently have a license for a 25 kHz channel, will I automatically be entitled to license two 12.5 kHz channels?
• No. Your 12.5 kHz channel will remain on the same 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 the additional 12.5 kHz channels to the FCC through a certified frequency coordinator, such as BearCom.
• What will happen if I fail to comply with the FCC narrowbanding mandate? Can I continue to operate at 25 kHz efficiency on a secondary status after January 1, 2013?
• No. The FCC will prohibit licensees from operating non-compliant 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.
• Will migration to 12.5 kHz change my system coverage area?
• Maybe. Conduct tests during conversion to ensure your system continues to provide similar coverage. Contact BearCom to help you determine if transmitter site changes or additions will be required to compensate for possible coverage change.
• I noticed that the FCC recently eliminated the interim narrowbanding deadlines that were scheduled to take effect at the end of 2010. What was the FCC trying to accomplish with these deadlines in the first place?
• The FCC had initially decreed that, after January 1, 2011, it would not grant applications for new voice operations or applications to expand the authorized contour of existing stations that use 25 kHz channels. In addition, it had planned, after that date, to prohibit the manufacture or importation of new equipment which operates on 25 kHz channels. The goal was to reduce the availability of new equipment for legacy radio systems.

For more information about narrowbanding, such as why spectrum efficiency is important, who is impacted, what it will cost, and the conversion process, please download BearCom's free narrowbanding white paper, call BearCom at 800.527.1670, or contact one of BearCom's 26 local branches.