The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has added more teeth to its edict requiring business radio users to migrate to narrow band frequencies. If you have not heard of narrowbanding before, FCC regulations mandate that all “Part 90” business, education, industrial, public safety; and local and state government two-way radio system licensees currently operating legacy wideband (25 kHz) radio systems must make the transition to the narrowband technology (12.5 kHz). With the narrowband conversion deadline of January 2013 fading into memory, the FCC is now telling coordinator companies who assign radio frequencies that they can ignore any frequencies assigned to licenses that have not been migrated to narrowband. That means if you have an old analog radio licensed for wideband and have not migrated to narrowband, your assigned frequencies can be handed over to someone else.

Narrow Band Frequencies are now essential

The Enterprise Wireless Association recently sent out an alert notifying businesses, government agencies, schools and others— that if they use analog, wideband two-way radios under old licenses they need to wake up and face facts: “For all intents and purposes, these entities no longer have licenses,” the EWA said. (EWA is the leading national association for business enterprise wireless users and serves as a frequency advisory committee certified by the FCC.) So whether you’re a small local store or a big-box retailer, if you have not migrated your license to narrowband, it is no longer in force as far as the FCC is concerned. What’s more, if your radio communications interfere with or annoy your next-door neighbors, those users can file a complaint against you. Since you’re in violation, you can be penalized by the FCC. This same scenario applies not only to retailers, but to any enterprise that uses two-way radios.

Operating radios without an FCC license is risky business

Admittedly, lots of two-way radio users get away with going unlicensed. In published documentation, the FCC indicates: “Operations in violation of Commission’s rules may subject licensees to enforcement action, including admonishments, monetary forfeitures, and/or license revocation, as appropriate.” The question is how much risk do you want to assume for your organization and how essential are radios to your operations? Consider the importance of serving customers and stakeholders, communicating quickly in an emergency, or enhancing productivity and profitability if you’re a commercial enterprise.

Why narrowbanding regulations were implemented

The competition for radio bands is getting busier, which was the whole point of the narrowbanding initiative. The FCC was attempting to proactively squeeze more radios into limited bandwidth. When everyone works together, that vision is a lot more likely to happen. Organizations whose two-way radio networks are deeply engrained in their operations cannot afford the disruption of losing their assigned frequencies. And, even a few days of missed or intermittent service if you are found non-compliant could be enough to impact service levels and erode reputation. If your organization has been reluctant to migrate to narrowband, BearCom can help you upgrade your radios before another organization takes your frequencies, or before the FCC takes enforcement action. We’ll help you get into compliance as soon as possible. For additional assistance getting your license in compliance or just verifying that your license is in compliance, contact Support Services at 800.458.9887. Or, email: [email protected].

About BearCom

BearCom provides a broad line of high-performance wireless communications products, services, and complete mobility solutions. Founded in 1981, BearCom is America’s only nationwide dealer and integrator of wireless communications equipment, serves customers from 29 branch offices located throughout the U.S., and employs approximately 360 people. BearCom is headquartered in the Dallas, Texas area. MOTOROLA, MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS and the Stylized M Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Motorola Trademark Holdings, LLC and are used under license. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2015 Motorola Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved