Narrowbanding

The much-publicized Narrowbanding Deadline is fast approaching and it means something different to everyone. To some, it's a chance to make the change from analog to digital, for others it's an obstacle to be overcome with the least amount of hassle. Ideally, every affected license holder is already well underway to narrowband operations, but you needn't worry if you're getting a late start. MWF stands ready to aid you in every aspect of narrowbanding: licensing, inventorying, determining narrowband capability of existing equipment, analyzing possible coverage losses, and developing a transition plan. Whether you're seeking the bare minimum to be narrowband-compliant or are looking to use this opportunity to make some other changes, MWF will work with you to develop a custom strategy that fits your needs.

 

Narrowbanding FAQ's

 

  • Deadline is January 1, 2013. Although there is much speculation as to what the FCC will do to licensees who fail to narrowband, no one knows for sure.
  • Narrowbanding does not guarantee additional licenses, they must be sought after and licensed as a separate action.
  • It does NOT require a transition to digital communications, although many are taking advantage of the change to convert to digital.
  • It does NOT require a transition from conventional to trunked.
  • A detailed inventory is needed to determine the extent of equipment that must be replaced.
  • Coverage losses can range from very minimal to moderate, depending on terrain and land clutter. Coverage losses can be minimized by possible antenna changes, ERP changes, or additional sites. A coverage analysis gives a much better idea of possible coverage losses.

 

Narrowbanding Links

 

  • The FCC's website on Narrowbanding: http://transition.fcc.gov/pshs/public-safety-spectrum/narrowbanding.html
  • APCO International's Page on narrowbanding: http://www.apco911.org/frequency/documents/NarrowbandOrder.html
  • APCO International Page on radio equipment that is narrowband capable: http://psc.apcointl.org/2010/01/01/narrowbanding/
    NPSTC's page on narrowbanding: http://www.npstc.org/narrowbanding.jsp
  • Website supported by the law firm, Shulman and Rogers: http://www.narrowbandinglaw.com/
  • A guide to Practical Narrowbanding on the DHS website: http://www.safecomprogram.gov/NR/rdonlyres/7B1742BB-A2A7-4A2F-AF34-3654DDDA8684/0/OECNarrowbandingGuide_Final.pdf