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FCC Narrowband Update: Impact and Planning for Fire Service Communications

This presentation discusses the basics of radio wave technology and the concept of "narrowbanding" and "refarming". It provides an overview of the FCC's rulemaking history and current status, as well as the impact on the fire service. Planning guidance for future communications is also provided.

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FCC Narrowband Update: Impact and Planning for Fire Service Communications

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  1. FCC Narrowband UpdateJune 24, 2004

  2. Presented by: Chief Paul Maplethorpe Greater Round Lake F.P.D. Co-Chair MABAS Communications Committee 847-546-6001 WCL2600@aol.com

  3. Objectives • 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

  4. Radio Emissions • Radios Transmissions = Electromagnetic Energy • Transmitted at a Specific Frequency (Sine Wave) Frequency = Length of Wave • Height of Wave = Amplitude = Bandwidth = Deviation

  5. Typical Radio Wave Deviation (kHz) Wavelength (MHz)

  6. 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

  7. Bandwidth • Applies to Frequencies Below 512 MHz • Current “Wideband” Deviation = +25 kHz • Current “Narrowband” Dev. = +12.5 kHz • Future “Narrowband” Deviation=+6.25 kHz

  8. BandwidthComparison

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. FCC Takes Action • FCC Adopts Second Report & Order February 12, 2003 • Published in Federal Register July 2003 • New Rules Effective January 13, 2004

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. 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

  15. 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

  16. 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

  17. 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

  18. Additional Information www.apco911.org www.mabasradio.org http://wireless.fcc.gov

  19. Thank you! Any Questions?

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