FCC Regulations

The Federal Communications dictates how the radio frequency spectrum is allocated in the US (see FCC Spectrum Map PDF).

In December 2004, the FCC mandated that all private Land Mobile Radio (LMR) users operating below 512 MHz move to 12.5 kHz narrowband voice channels and efficient operations by January 1, 2013. The timeline shown illustrates the move from FCC's 25 kHz to 6.25 kHz.

FCC Regulation Timeline

The narrow banding requires new channelization. The licensing of 6.25 kHz channels varies by VHF or UHF frequencies.

To phase in the migration deadline of January 1, 2013, the FCC has established interim deadlines. The first important deadline is January 1, 2011, after which:

  • The FCC will not grant applications for new voice operations or applications to expand the authorized contour of existing stations that use 25 kHz channels. Only narrowband authorizations will be granted.
  • The FCC will prohibit manufacture or importation of new equipment that operates on 25 kHz channels. This will reduce the availability of new equipment for legacy radio systems and will affect how agencies maintain and upgrade older systems.

Some of these dates may seem far away but now is the time to develop a strategy to meet these deadlines and prepare for narrowband migration. It takes time to assess your radio system, apply for new frequencies and budget for replacements.

IDAS exceeds the FCC requirements for 12.5 kHz narrowbanding plus allows you to plan for the future in 6.25 kHz digital, which is near. Heed the advice from the FCC, who "strongly urges licensees to consider migrating directly to 6.25 kHz technology rather than first adopting 12.5 kHz technology and later migrating to 6.25 kHz technology." It's clear what the FCC's intentions are.

The FCC document FCC WT Docket No. 99-87 (PDF) states, "The FCC reiterated, however, that it will expeditiously establish a schedule for transition to 6.25 kHz narrowband technology once the technology matures to the point that sufficient equipment is available for testing."

Given the progress of Icom with IDAS, that can't be far off.