[Scan-DC] ICC Policing / radios - also rebanding information.

[Doug Kitchener]

>From a friend of mine in the county fire service, I asked him about the ICC stuff...

re: ICC, MD Transportation Authority Police ARE patrolling the ICC, and 
they have been/will be given a talk group from the allotment of the MCP. Not 
sure how it will interconnect with their base in Fort McHenry.
They will be buying their own radios ( HOPEFULLY capable of accepting the 
700 mHz band we're all going to in the next year or so ) which our new XTS-5000R 
already can cover, although we're getting ANOTHER new wave of radios before the 
big re-banding... $$$$$$$$$$$$
 
PLUS:

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is mandating all public safety and 
industrial/business licensees convert existing 25 kHz radio systems to minimum 
narrowband 12.5 kHz efficiency technology by January 1, 2013. The purpose of the 
narrowband mandate is to promote more efficient use of the VHF and UHF land 
mobile frequency bands.
RADIO USERS (LICENSEES)
January 1, 2011 
Applications for new licenses or for license modifications to expand existing 
service areas must specify at least 12.5 kHz efficiency. The FCC will no longer 
accept applications for systems operating at 25 kHz efficiency.
January 1, 
2013 All licensees must convert to and operate in at least 12.5 kHz efficiency. 
Existing dual mode (25/12.5 kHz) equipment must have the 25 kHz efficiency mode 
disabled via software. Equipment capable of operating only at 25 kHz efficiency 
must be replaced.
Note: The FCC has NOT set any date by which licensees must 
operate in 6.25 kHz efficiency in these bands.
EQUIPMENT 
PROVIDERS/MANUFACTURERS
January 1, 2011 Can no longer certify equipment that 
is capable of operating at 25 kHz efficiency.
January 1, 2013 Can no longer 
manufacture, import, or market equipment that is capable of operating at 25 kHz 
efficiency.
January 1, 2013 Radio equipment submitted for certification must 
include a 6.25 kHz efficiency mode. Radios can be dual mode 12.5/6.25 kHz 
efficiency.
Who is affected?
All land mobile Part 90, 25 kHz efficiency 
systems operating on VHF (150-174 MHz) and UHF (421-512 MHz) frequency 
bands.