Embracing the FCC's Narrowbanding Mandate

At a time when changes in technology, products, and services are occurring at a rapid pace, many government agencies are not prepared to move forward with required changes.  However, in order to comply with the upcoming Federal Communications Commission (FCC) narrowbanding mandate, embracing change is required. 

Washington County, Illinois decided the best way to comply with the narrowbanding mandate was to determine what aspects of their current system were impacted by the upcoming deadline.  To begin the process, Washington County contracted with GeoComm to perform a Narrowbanding Audit which reviewed their current radio system and offered suggestions on how they could enhance their system and comply with the narrowbanding mandate. 

The audit identified the affect of the mandate on Washington County’s equipment and operations, proposed high level options for improvement, budgetary costs for each improvement option, along with the benefits and disadvantages of each option.  Forty-five days after the audit began, Washington County now has plan on how they can move their public safety radio system to a narrowband mode of operation before the January 1, 2013 deadline. 

Washington County started to take steps towards moving their public safety radio system to the narrowband.  With only three budget cycles remaining, you must act quickly to identify your options and what system upgrades and improvements are needed to meet the mandate.  The deadline is nearing…are you prepared?