FCC, Coordinators Decide Short-Term Fate of Narrowbanding Violators

The nation's certified frequency coordinators and the FCC enforcement bureau met earlier this week to discuss what action to take with regard to licensees who have not complied with the narrowbanding mandate. 

Representatives of the Land Mobile Communications Council (LMCC) and the FCC met informally and determined that a further public notice would be released during the first quarter of this year.  The FCC will also conduct an audit of licenses affected by narrowbanding to decide upon further action.

Due to the significant number of narrowbanding applications filed shortly before the December 31, 2012 deadline and the number of waivers filed, the Commission will need some time to process these requests before moving forward with any enforcement action.  The decision was made to protect currently noncompliant licenses as if they were already narrowband, and to take no further action will be taken until these requests are processed.

Read more at Urgent Communications.

10 Things You Should Know About Narrowbanding

1. The deadline is approaching... very, very quickly.  The January 1st, 2013 deadline is right around the corner, and narrowbanding (formerly "refarming") is no small process.  Visit the FCC's website to find out if you fall within the affected spectrum.
2. What exactly are the requirements?  Straight from the FCC's Website:
   Any of the following meet the 12.5 kHz equivalent efficiency requirement:
   

   • One voice path in a 12.5 kHz channel
   • Two voice paths in a 25 kHz channel
   • Data operations on channels greater than 12.5 KHz must employ data rates greater than 4.8 kbps per 6.25 kHz channel, such as 19.2 kbps per 25 kHz channel
3. Some waivers will be granted.  The Commission is already gearing up to receive narrowbanding waivers, as many agencies are struggling to comply by the deadline.
4. Some waivers might NOT be granted.  Your waiver, if not subbmitted accurately and in a timely manner, and with appropriate content, could be dismissed.
5. Yes, your agency can be fined.  Up to $10,000 per day.
6. Yes, your communications system could be in jeopardy.  Especially if there are any breakdowns of communication in your agency.
7. Most Public Safety agencies cannot do it alone.  The fact is that a great deal Public Safety agencies have not been able to complete narrowbanding.
8. The good news is, you're not alone!  If you think you're the only one who is not ready, you're mistaken.  Budget cuts and rebanding have created a sparse funding environment for Public Safety.  Online resources abound for Public Safety agencies struggling with the narrowbanding process. 
9. EMR is here to help.  With 21 years of experience, and a never-give-up attitude, we will ensure your agency's safety and compliance so that you can continue to do what you do best, protecting the public.  Visit EMRConsults.com for info.
10. Time is running out.  Act today, because as the deadline approaches, and everyone scrambles to achieve compliance, resources will be diminishing.