FCC Releases Second Report and Order (R&O)
and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making (FNPRM)

In the Matter of Promotion of Spectrum Efficient Technologies on Certain Part 90 Frequencies. 
(WT Docket No. 99-87; RM-9332)

Decisions made mandating the transition to narrowband technologies in the VHF and UHF 
refarming bands include:

(1) The Commission will not permit applications for new systems seeking to operate with a 
bandwidth greater than 12.5 kHz after January 17, 2004.

(2) The Commission will not permit applications modifying a system using more than 
12.5 kHz  of bandwidth if that application would expand the authorized contour of the 
licensee after January 17, 2004. 

3) Beginning January 1, 2005, prohibit the certification of any equipment capable of
operating at one voice path per 25kHz of spectrum, i,e., multi-mode equipment that
includes a 25kHz mode.

4) Beginning January 1, 2008, prohibit the manufacture and importation of any 25kHz equipment 
(including multi-mode equipment that can operate on a 25kHz bandwidth).

5) Beginning January 1, 2013, require non-public safety licensees using channels in
these bands to deploy technology that achieves the equivalent of one voice path per 
12.5kHz of spectrum.

6) Beginning January 1, 2018, require public safety licensees using channels in these
bands to deploy technology that achieves the equivalent of one voice path per
12.5kHz of spectrum.

The 2nd FNPRM seeks comment on additional issues related to promoting spectrum
efficiency in the private land mobile radio services (PLMRS).  The 2nd FNPRM seeks
comment on whether the equipment certification provision in the current rules is sufficient to
promote migration to one voice path per 6.25kHz bandwidth, or equivalent technology, or
whether migration to 6.25kHz bandwidth or equivalent technology should be mandatory.

These rules are certain to be challenged by the filing of Petitions for reconsideration. We
recommend regular viewing of the FCC website for further updates.

To view the complete Report & Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rule 
Making copy either of these links and paste into your browser:

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-03-34A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-03-34A1.pdf