LA-RICS Requests Waiver for 700 MHz Narrowband Reserve Channels

The Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System Joint Powers Authority (LA-RICS) submitted a waiver request to apply for licenses for 700 MHz "narrowband reserve channels."

The LA-RICS system is in need of an upgrade to replace aging equipment, improve efficiency and capabilities, and promote interoperability in the Los Angeles County region.  To move forward with this endeavour, their hybrid UHF T-band/700 MHz system will require more 700 MHz narrowband channels than are currently available, both in the short-term and long-term, with the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 mandating migration off of the UHF T-Band spectrum within the next nine years.  Due to this deficiency, LA-RICS requested that the 46 pairs of 6.25 KHz channels, also known as "narrowband reserve channels," be made available for licensing as part of their hybrid system.

LA-RICS released a new RFP for their LMR project on October 25, to which Motorola and Raytheon have responded.  The agency is currently evaluating the responses.  Their LTE project is currently on hold, pending a decision by FirstNet. 

Comments on the waiver are due Feb. 11, with reply comments due Feb. 25.