IWCE 2011

IWCE'S NARROWBANDING INITIATIVE

Important links for more information:

http://www.twrcommunications.com/~narrowband/index.html

THE MANDATE

By the end of 2012, all private land mobile radio users operating below 512 MHz must move to 12.5 kHz narrowband voice channels and highly efficient data channel operations. If they don’t, they will be in violation of their license and subject to fine by the FCC. In addition, the FCC will not be allowing any new licenses for systems operating with 25 kHz wide channels, or expansion of existing systems, after January 1, 2011. That means after December 31, 2010 – THIS YEAR – operators will need to make decisions regarding how they intend to comply by the end of 2012.

Two-way radio and other wireless system operators have a big challenge ahead. And IWCE wants to help.

THE SOLUTION

IWCE 2010 brought three important sessions to its audience, each dedicated to a different aspect of this vital topic. Below are the agendas for each session, with a link to the formal description. Check back in the fall for information on IWCE 2011's Narrowbanding Initiative.

Narrowbanding 101 Workshop

Tuesday, March 9, 2010 – 1-5 pm

Mussenden, Latif, Bender, Olson, Carter

I. Basic Narrowbanding Rules – Alan Tilles

II. FCC December 2009 Public Notice and Subsequent FCC Developments – Roberto Mussenden

III. FCC Application Procedures For Narrowband Compliance - Farokh Latif

a. Emission Designator Addition/Removal

i. When To Add

ii. When To Remove

iii. How To File

iv. Impact Of Failure To File

b. Narrowbanding Impact on Other Rules

i. HAAT/Power Grandfathering

ii. Other Rules

IV. Preparing and Implementing A Narrowband System

a. Equipment

i. Technology (Not Manufacturer) Options – Klaus Bender

ii. Budgeting Decisions – Klaus Bender

iii. Considerations In Narrowbanding A Wideband Transmitter – Klaus Bender

b. Coverage Impact Of Implementing Narrowband Equipment – Bernie Olson

V. Public Safety Regional Interoperability Planning – Bill Carter

a. How Does Your Narrowband Impact Your Current Interoperability?

b. How Can You Leverage Narrowbanding To Increase Your Interoperability?

VI. Finding New Frequencies In A Narrowband Environment

a. LMCC Coordination Procedures – Klaus Bender

b. PSCC Coordination Procedures/Public Safety – Farokh Latif

c. Alternative Interference Calculation Methodologies – Bernie Olson

Narrowbanding: Migrating to the 12.5 KHz - or Even the 6.25 KHz - by 2011

Thursday, March 11, 2010 – 10:00-11:10 a.m.

Ittner, Lougee, Speidel, Imlay

I. Basic Narrowbanding Rules – Alan Tilles

II. The Equipment Options

a. 12.5 kHz Analog

b. 12.5 kHz Digital

c. 6.25 kHz Digital

III. Issues To Consider In Your System Upgrade

a. P25 Equipment

i. Important?

ii. Necessary?

iii. NIST/DHS Compliance Assessment Program

b. Migration Strategies

c. Maintaining Interoperability – The Railroad Example

d. Being Proactive And Not Reactive

General Session: Narrowbanding: Meet the Mythbusters

Friday, March 12, 2010 – 8:30-10:00 am

Ittner, Bender, Devine, Mussenden

Mythbusting Issues:

1. Reduction of Coverage Area

2. Converting Old Equipment

3. Grandfathering Status For High Sites

4. Wideband Equipment Availability 2011-2012

a. Parts For Repairs

5. Paging Channels Remaining Wideband

6. 6.25 kHz Mandatory Conversion

7. Maintaining Current Channel Centers

8. Post 2012 Wideband Operation

9. The License Conversion Process by the FCC

10. Canadian Coordination

11. Going Digital – A Must Or A May?

12. Getting Two Channels By Narrowbanding

13. Must You Buy New Equipment?

14. Protecting a 25 kHz System from Interference

15. Must A Public Safety Licensee Go P25?

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