Appendix B - Fcc Information Spectrum And Regulatory Update; Fcc Rules Update - Motorola V186 - Cell Phone - GSM System Planner Manual

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
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