The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has mandated that private land mobile radio services transition from 25 KHz channels to 12.5 kHz channels by January 1, 2013.  This mandate, commonly referred to as “narrowbanding,” affects public safety and other government radio systems operating at frequencies between 150 and 512 MHz (VHF and UHF) throughout Georgia and the rest of the nation. Existing systems operating in these bands may require modification to equipment or in some cases complete replacement of system equipment to meet the new federal standard.  There is no federal funding currently available to assist with compliance.

County officials should be aware of this important FCC deadline and discuss changes to public safety and other radio systems with the appropriate county staff.   While there are technical issues involved, there are also significant operational and governance challenges to address.   County public safety professionals should be aware of this mandate through information and workshops provided by the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA).    

ACCG has compiled the following resources to assist counties in understanding narrowbanding:

FCC Public Notice:  Reminder of January 1, 2013 Deadline for Transition to Narrowband Operations (July 13, 2011)

U.S. Department of Homeland Security:  A Practical Guide to Narrowbanding

In addition, the following information was provided at a narrowbanding training that GEMA held for elected officials on August 1, 2011:

GEMA Elected Officials Forum Overview (PowerPoint)

Narrowbanding and Public Safety Communications (PowerPoint) - presentation from Jay Sexton, Georgia Tech Research Institute

Public Safety Wireless Network Guide for Funding Local Public Safety Wireless Networks

Public Safety Wireless Network Guide for System Planning, Design, Procurement, Implementation, and Operations and Maintenance

Dept. of Homeland Security Narrowband License Status Tool User Guide

How to Modify Your FCC License for Narrowband

Narrowbanding 101 - article by Robert Symons, Wyoming Statewide Interoperability Coordinator, and Alan Komenski, Washington Statewide Interoperability Coordinator