FCC eliminates 700 MHz narrowbanding mandate, reserves channels for T-Band, air-to-ground comms
With this in mind, the FCC order prioritizes current T-Band users looking to deploy new systems in the 700 MHz band.
“In the T-Band markets, all 24 Reserve Channels will be available for general use, with priority given to relocating T-Band incumbents that commit to return an equal amount of T-Band channels,” the FCC report and order states. “The RPCs shall submit channel plans consistent with this Report and Order within six months from publication in the Federal Register.
“We encourage T-Band licensees transitioning to the former Reserve Channels to consider using spectrally efficient 6.25 kHz technology, given the limited number (24) of available former Reserve Channels.”
In addition to removing the Dec. 16, 2016, narrowbanding deadline, the FCC order removes the Dec. 31, 2014, date—slightly more than two months away—after which 700 MHz equipment could not be sold unless it included 6.25 kHz-channel functionality. It also allows public-safety entities to submit applications for 12.5 kHz-channel systems after Dec. 31, 2014, which was prohibited under the previous rules.
Another key aspect of the FCC’s report and order is its decision to designate former secondary trunking channels in the 700 MHz band for air-ground communication with aircraft such as public-safety helicopters that are operating at an altitude of 1,500 feet or lower.
“The secondary trunking channels are the most suitable available channels for air-ground communication, because they are not used for their originally intended purpose, i.e., aggregation with the adjacent interoperability channels to form 25-kilohertz bandwidth channels for trunking,” the FCC report and order states. “Because these channels are clear of incumbents, there is little risk of co-channel interference.
“We adopt the proposed two watt ERP limit and restrict airborne use to altitudes at or below 457 meters (1500 feet) above ground level, in order to limit the geographic area impacted by aeronautical transmissions.”