Confusion is based on opinions, disinformation, misinterpretation, propaganda, and a variety of factors that can be eliminated by simply getting the facts.  Facts should be based on documented data, not what someone saw in a trade magazine, or what someone said or heard.  Sadly, there has been much confusion on the subject of new technical standards relating to 2-way radios.  We've got narrow banding, digital, and magazine articles reporting on alleged problems all stirred up together.  On top of that, we have equipment manufacturers and sales representatives promoting a particular "solution" without bothering to review the alternatives. That could confuse anybody.

We're going to make an attempt to clarify some of the questions you may have before investing in new communications equipment or even modifying existing equipment.  Have no doubt that we ARE opinionated.  However, we will tell you how we came to our opinion (based on facts that can be verified).  Once you have the correct information, you can proceed to make the decision that is best for YOU!  Most of the references to additional information for review can be found on our Blog page at http://falconinfo.blogspot.com in the Digital and FCC sections. Now, let's start with a few questions and answers based on our understanding of applicable governmental standards and regulations.  Verification should be made with the applicable federal agency for clarification or correction of any unintentional errors.

Question - Why has FEMA required the purchase of only P25 equipment for the 2009 Assistance to Firefighters grant?

Answer - For many years, DHS, FEMA, and SafeCom have encouraged the development of interoperable communications systems based on a standardized technology.  Some manufacturers, and many grant applicants, have ignored this guidance. FEMA recognized that Interoperability simply wasn't going to happen without a little "incentive".  Now we've got it!

Question - Elsewhere on this web page, you mentioned that P25 was the only approved communications technology eligible for 2009 FEMA grant funding.  I have applied to communications on the 2009 Assistance to Firefighters program assuming the use of MotoTRBO technology.  What happens with my application?

Answer - In the grant review process, the first level review specifically looks for compliance with grant guidelines.  Those applications that don't meet the published criteria will be rejected. If your application somehow slips by and gets approved, the money dispersed to you can be taken back at any time for non-compliance.  You could ask for a modification, but you can't modify a pending application - only an approved grant.  If your grant somehow gets approved, you would be well advised to immediately contact FEMA and request a modification to P25.

Question - If a large municipality or county establishes a communications system that is not in compliance with the applicable State Interoperability Plan, does that user qualify for future FEMA funding?

Answer - If the municipality or county system does not serve the majority of the communications users in the immediate area (surrounding the municipality or county wide as applicable), our understanding would be NO.

Question - Our local county trunked 800 MHz system operates in an enhanced P25 mode.  Would an application for FEMA funding be granted on the basis of the requirement for P25 interoperability?

Answer - Any system that does not provide for standard P25 communications interoperability does NOT qualify.  An enhanced system is a closed system specifically designed to lock out other brands/users that do not have these enhanced capabilities.  The easy way to answer this question is to ask the communications administrator if you can purchase a different brand of P25 radios that will work on "the system".  If the answer is NO, the system is not P25 compatible and the purchase of equipment for use on this system would not qualify for FEMA funding.

Question - What are the top issues in 2-way radio communications?

Answer   - We are told that the main requirements are to be able to talk, whether in a vehicle or on foot, when required, to the person or persons desired with the highest level or reliability, at minimal cost.  EVERYTHING else is secondary.

Question - Will narrow banding help me meet this objective?

Answer    -   Actually no!  In most cases, a REDUCTION in range and performance will be expected UNLESS the narrow band radio is operated in some type of digital mode (as compared to current vintage analog systems).

Question -  What is narrow band?
Answer    -  Bandwidth is the space allocated for radio channels as defined by the FCC.  Presently, 25 kHz is authorized (currently referred to as standard or wide band).  Narrow band is 12.5 kHz which effectively doubles the use of existing frequencies.  6.25 kHz Very Narrow Band (more about this later) TRIPLES the use of each frequency.  For a more detailed explanation, please refer to a special report that tells why one of the largest communications user groups (Association of American Railroads) has elected to switch to 6.25 kHz right now!  A copy of this information is available by going to the Why Digital? section of this web page.

Question -  Will my existing equipment work on narrow band?
Answer    -  All radios manufactured after 2000 should be programmable to narrow band at minimal cost (We charge $35 for the first radio and $5 for each additional at our shop).  Many of your favorite radios, including the Motorola HT1000 and MaraTrac cannot be converted to narrow band.

Question -  Who made the decision to convert to narrow band, by what authority, and for what purpose?
Answer    -  The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), as authorized by Congress made the decision to require narrow banding, and ultimately, very narrow banding for the purpose of creating more efficiency for limited frequency space.  There are three important milestones to the FCC plan starting in 2011, then 2013, then 2018.

Question -  What about those dates you mentioned earlier - 2011 - 2013 and 2018?
Answer    -  2013 is when ALL users must convert to narrow band, and 2018 is when ALL users must convert to Very Narrow Band (VNB).  The Catch 22 is that 2011 is when ALL manufacturers must offer VNB 6.25 kHz equipment.  VNB equipment also meets narrow band operating standards.  Based on this information, the logical conclusion is that any equipment purchased today should be capable of meeting 25, 12.5 and 6.25 kHz operating standards or at least be adaptable as required (P25 is a work in progress designed from the beginning for technology upgrades.  NXDN meets the 2018 standards now. MotoTRBO is designed specifically for 12.5 kHz operation with no known upgrade program.

Question -  What is an operating standard?
Answer    -  A 15 inch automobile wheel is an operating standard.  If every wheel maker made a difference size, tires would be very expensive and often hard to find.  25 KHz analog is an operating standard.  It is known as an open standard since many manufacturers can build to a common standard.  12.5 kHz and 6.25 kHz radio equipment is available in both analog and digital standards.  Currently, there are two basic standards covering radios capable of operating in analog and digital modes.  P25, or APCO-25, is an OPEN standard providing the ability to operate on 25 or 12.5 kHz channels in either an analog or digital mode or BOTH simultaneously.  MotoTRBO is a CLOSED standard in the USA with the ability for repeaters to operate in an analog or digital mode, but not both for 25 kHz analog operation or 12.5 analog or digital operation.  NXDN is an OPEN standard allowing operation in BOTH analog and digital modes using bandwidth spacing of 25, 12.5, or 6.25 kHz.

Question -  What's the difference between an OPEN and CLOSED standard?
Answer    -  An OPEN standard means that multiple manufacturers offer comparable products which allow the user to select the vendor or vendor’s best suited for their individual requirements.  A CLOSED standard means that the user is locked in to a single source at whatever price that supplier chooses to charge.

Question -  What's the real difference between MotoTRBO, NXDN, and P25?
Answer    -  P25 is the most mature of the analog/digital systems and works very well.  It has two major disadvantages.  The first is cost (Considerably more than the cost of either MotoTRBO or NXDN).  The second is the current generation is not designed for 6.25 kHz operation and 2011 is only three years away. MotoTRBO is a great system, affordably priced with a full range of options including GPS and messaging available.  However, the MotoTRBO repeater can only be set for analog or digital operation (not both) which means this system does not provide a simple and affordable migration path from analog to digital.  Additionally, the MotoTRBO system cannot operate at 6.25 kHz (See earlier comments about 2011).  NXDN is priced comparably to MotoTRBO, yet it CAN operate simultaneously in the analog and digital modes, and it CAN operate at 6.25 kHz.  Prices are expected to come down as more manufacturers embrace the NXDN standard (ICOM, Kenwood, and Ritron are already committed to the NXDN standard.

Question -  When do I have to switch to digital?
Answer    -  Tricky question!  The answer is that you SHOULD be planning your migration to digital right now and not for the purpose of meeting regulatory requirements.  The fact is that there are five major reasons for making the switch to digital and NONE of them involve regulatory compliance.  One the largest 2-way radio users in the USA, the Association of American Railroads (AAR), is in the process of switching to NXDN 6.25 kHz DIGITAL operation at this time.  You might be interested in a review of why this decision was made by referring to http://falconinfo.blogspot.com/2008/09/aar-chooses-nxdn-digital-standard.html. As to when you have to switch to digital, the answer is 2018, based on current technology and FCC mandates. The FCC says that all VHF and UHF radios systems MUST operate at 6.25 kHz channel spacing by 2018.  At this channel spacing, analog doesn't work well whereas digital works very well at 6.25 kHz.  Therefore the answer is 2018!

Question -  What's the story on operational problems with digital radios?
Answer    -  The reported problems deal ONLY with 800 MHz digital trunked systems - not VHF or UHF conventional digital systems.  The main reported problem is poor building penetration in highly urbanized areas.  The fact is that 800 MHz has virtually NO building penetration whether the system is analog or digital.  Additional information is available at http://falconinfo.blogspot.com/2008/07/source-of-digital-radio-problems.html.

Question -   Are you available for individual or group consultation?
Answer    -  You name the date, time and place - we'll be there!  Be sure and ask us about our new single site repeater system that offers 99.9% reliability and complete county wide coverage for a fraction of the cost of other wide area communications systems.  We call it UltraCom II.  You'll call it amazing!  We are available by phone at 800.489.2611, or by email - sales@falcondirect.com.  Give us a call today - you'll be glad you did!

Thanks for visiting with us!

The Falcon Team
At your Service!