FCC Eliminates 2016 Deadline for 700 MHz Public Safety Licensees to Convert Radio Systems
The FCC released an order at our deadline Friday that eliminates the Dec. 31, 2016, deadline for public safety licensees using 700 MHz narrowband spectrum to transition their radio systems from 12.5 kHz channel bandwidth technology to 6.25 kHz technology…
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(http://fcc.us/1wmI1py). The order also redesignates the channels in the 700 MHz band that are currently licensed for secondary trucking operations as available for public safety aircraft voice operations. The FCC’s order allows voice operations on Data Interoperability Channels on a secondary basis and reallocates the Reserve Channels on the narrowband into General Use Channels. The order also gives T-Band public safety licensees priority for licensing of the former Reserve Channels in T-Band areas. The FCC encouraged manufacturers of 700 MHz public safety radios to obtain Compliance Assessment Program certification for new equipment to demonstrate the equipment meets P25 interoperability standards. APCO had urged the FCC in August to make a “rapid” decision whether to eliminate the Dec. 31, 2016, deadline (see 1408150028). FCC Public Safety Bureau Chief David Simpson said during an FCBA event prior to the order's release that "we should have a resolution" on the deadline issue.