Motorola V186 User Manual - Page 176
Appendix B - FCC InformationSpectrum and Regulatory Update, FCC Rules Update
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Appendix B - FCC Information Spectrum and Regulatory Update The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has made a series of changes over the years to the rules and regulations that govern the use of frequencies that constitute the VHF and UHF bands. They affect in several ways how MOSCAD devices are used on traditional, conventional two-way radio channels. This update is a summary document and not intended as a complete licensing guide. Refer to the FCC rules or other applicable regulations for additional information or requirements. This summary will cover: • FCC Rules Updates • Licensing of Fixed Data Systems • Spectrum available for Fixed Data Systems FCC Rules Update Refarming and Narrow Banding In the mid 90's, the FCC began implementing a plan to increase the capacity and promote spectrum efficiency within the VHF and UHF frequency bands, 150MHZ to 512 MHz. The rule changes established a channel plan that includes 25 kHz channels (the original 'legacy' channels), 12.5 kHz channels, (the old 'offset' frequencies) and 6.25 kHz channels. Users could, and until January 1, 2011 can still, license at all three bandwidths. The FCC instituted a minimum data efficiency standard of 4800 bps per 6.25 KHz (9600 bps per 12.5 kHz). In the initial decision, the FCC declined to establish deadlines for existing users to convert systems to 12.5 and/or 6.25 kHz technologies, deciding instead to manage the narrowband conversion through the equipment certification process (type acceptance). Starting in January 1997, all new radio designs submitted for FCC approval by radio manufacturers were required to include a 12.5 kHz operational mode. Dual mode 25 kHz and 12.5 kHz designs were also permitted and manufacturers could continue to sell previously approved radios that only contained a 25 kHz mode of operation. Existing users/licensees of 25 kHz equipment were not mandated to migrate to narrowband operation. UHF Offset Channels Prior to the FCC's adoption of refarming, FCC Rule Section 90.267 allowed for the use of 25 kHz bandwidth "offset" channels in the 450-470 MHz band. These were channels offset 12.5 kHz from the primary UHF channels and limited to 2 watts ERP and antenna heights of 20 feet. The offset channels supported 25 kHz wide transmissions. These 172