FCC Narrowband Update
June 24, 2004
Presented by:
Chief Paul Maplethorpe
Greater Round Lake F.P.D.
Co-Chair MABAS Communications Committee
847-546-6001
[email protected]
Objectives
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Basic Radio Wave Technology
Discuss “Narrowbanding” & “Refarming”
History of FCC’s Rulemaking
Current Status of FCC Rulemaking
Summarize Impact on the Fire Service
Provide Planning Guidance for Future Fire
Service Communications
Radio Emissions
• Radios Transmissions = Electromagnetic
Energy
• Transmitted at a Specific Frequency (Sine
Wave) Frequency = Length of Wave
• Height of Wave = Amplitude = Bandwidth
= Deviation
Typical Radio Wave
Deviation
(kHz)
Wavelength
(MHz)
Narrowbanding
• Reduces the Amplitude (Bandwidth) of the
Radio Wave (Frequency)
• Allows Additional Frequencies (Channels)
to be inserted between Existing Frequencies
• Increases the Available Radio Spectrum for
Public Safety & Other Radio Users
Bandwidth
• Applies to Frequencies Below 512 MHz
• Current “Wideband” Deviation = +25 kHz
• Current “Narrowband” Dev. = +12.5 kHz
• Future “Narrowband” Deviation=+6.25 kHz
Bandwidth Comparison
25
20
15
25 kHz
12.5 kHz
6.25 kHz
10
5
0
Bandwidth
Refarming History
• Need for Additional Radio Spectrum
• Technological Advances
• FCC Issues First Report & Order in 1995
– Increase Efficiency Below 512 MHz
– Created Additional “Interstitial” Frequencies
– Required Manufacturers to Make Radios
Capable of both 25 kHz and 12.5 kHz
Emissions
Problems Encountered
• Wideband Emissions Overlap New Narrowband
Frequencies
• Interference Results
• Many Narrowband Frequencies are Currently
Unusable in Many Areas (Chicago Metro)
• Users Not Migrating to Narrowband
Channels/Emissions
• Older Radios Won’t Work with Narrowband
Frequencies
FCC Takes Action
• FCC Adopts Second Report & Order
February 12, 2003
• Published in Federal Register July 2003
• New Rules Effective January 13, 2004
Effect of FCC Rulemaking
• Prohibit Applications for New Wideband
Systems after January 13, 2004*
• Restrict Modifications to Wideband
Systems after January 13, 2004*
• Prohibit Certification of New Radios
Capable of Transmitting using Wideband
Emissions on January 1, 2005
Effect of FCC Rulemaking
• Prohibit Manufacture & Importation of
Radios Capable of Transmitting Wideband
Emissions on January 1, 2008
• Require all Non-Public Safety Users to
Switch to Narrowband Emissions by
January 1, 2013
• Require all Public Safety Users to Switch to
Narrowband Emissions by January 1, 2018
Problems with the Rulemaking
• Required all Users to License or Update Wideband
Systems Prior to January 13, 2004
• Effectively Eliminate the Purchase of New
Wideband Capable Radios after January 1, 2008
(Eliminate Backwards Compatibility)
• Complicate Migration of Statewide/
Interoperability Frequencies to Narrowband
• Place Extreme Financial Burdens on Many
Governmental Users
Public Safety Groups Respond
• APCO – IMSA – IAFC – IACP – NSA
Known as “Public Safety Petitioners” File
Request for Reconsideration on August 29,
2003.
• Raised Numerous Issues
• FCC ONLY Stayed Licensing Deadline of
January 13, 2004
• Final Decision Expected Late in 2004
Impact on Fire Service
• Future FCC License Additions to Wideband
Operations May Soon Be Limited
• New Wideband Equipment Might Not Be
Available After January 1, 2008
• Fire Departments Must Update
Communications Systems for Narrowband
Operations
Plan for the Future
• Develop Local – Regional – Statewide
Plans for Migration to Narrowband
Operations
• Add Narrowband Emission Designators to
Current FCC Authorized Frequencies
• Budget for Replacement of Portable,
Mobile & Base Station Equipment that is
Not Narrowband Capable
Additional Information
www.apco911.org
www.mabasradio.org
http://wireless.fcc.gov
Thank you!
Any Questions?