The Connecticut School Transportation Association said a January 2013 FCC narrowband requirement is in actuality not that far off.

COSTA reported in newsletter this month that school bus companies should stay abreast of an FCC narrowband rule set to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2013 that will require all public safety, industrial and business licensees to convert existing 25kHz radio systems to a minimum narrowband of 12.5 kHz. The move aims to promote more efficient useage of VHF and UHF land mobile frequency bands and to increase spectrum efficiency.

It will affect all land mobile Part 90, 25 kHz efficiency systems operating on VHF (150-175 MHz) and UHF (421-512 MHz) frequency bands.

COSTA reminds that narrow banding does not requirement digital equipment and that both analog and digital formats will operate at the new 12.5 kHz efficiency. COSTA urged its members to be in contact with their two-way communication providers to ensure they are in compliance so that passenger safety won't be affected in two year's time.