Narrowbanding
Aug23Written by:
8/23/2009 12:25 PM 
What is Narrowbanding?
Without getting too technical, it simply means that the spectrum (VHF: 150 -174) on which we communicate will be split in half. The general reasoning behind this is to create more frequency capacity from that which already exists. The net result is a doubling of radio spectrum in these identified bands.
The impact comes in how our radios operate. Older radios certified before February 14, 1997 may not have the capability of narrowbanding while those certified after February 14, 1997 were required to meet this narrowbanding mandate. This affects transmitters and mobile radios alike.
In 2011, the FCC will no longer accept new or modified applications that exceed the narrowbanding guidelines. In 2013, all radios will be mandated to meet the FCC narrowband requirements.
What are we doing?
• Take inventory and identify equipment that must be replaced. 15 of our 19 mobile units are affected by this mandate.
• Identify the impact and the alternatives available. VHF units are required to communicate with federal agencies (Forest Service, BLM, etc). Some of the deficient VHF units can be replaced by 800 MHz units, while others require replacement units.
• Develop a migration plan to strategically replace equipment over time. 6 new narrowband compliant Motorola CM300 VHF mobile radios have been installed in the following apparatus:
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CHIEF
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E-71
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BT-73
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BT-71
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T-73
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B-72
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The VHF mobile radios in the following apparatus/locations are targeted for replacement with new radios or reusing compliant units from apparatus not responding to wildland fire incidents:
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SRU
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Base Station 1
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Base Station 3
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B-75
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E-74
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B-74
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Our target completion date to be FCC compliant is 2010, the exact date depending on availability of budget, award of grants, transition to 800 MHz, and deployment of equipment.