UHF Band proposed changes

Andrew,

Will it be illegal or just not supported via repeaters??

From the way ahead link within your link -

"Before the new arrangements can be used, three key events must occur:
1/ new licensing arrangements must be put in place
2/ UHF CB equipment standards must be published and referenced in law
3/ manufacturers must make equipment available.
The ACMA has carriage of licensing arrangements and can implement changes in about six months. The ACMA participates in equipment standards formation, along with equipment manufacturers and other experts, and the process of modifying the existing standard may take around 12 months. It is therefore the ACMA’s intention to have the framework in place supporting the use of the new arrangements in the second quarter of 2011, and equipment manufacturers may work in parallel with standards development to have the new equipment available when they can.

From 1 January 2011, the additional simplex and telemetry/telecommand channels will become available, and after five years, the use of 25 kHz equipment will not be supported.

By 1 January 2016, repeaters will have completed transition to 12.5 kHz bandwidth and the additional interleaved repeater channels will become available for use."

My reckoning is that by 2016 we will all need a new UHF in order to use the repeaters?

Cheers Kev

Currently we use an analogue FM radio. Has anyone noticed if the new radios will be analogue or digital?

If the new system will be analogue then depending on the technology in the new ones we MAY be able to communicate between the new and old kits. But that's a big IF. The other problem is that anyone using the old radios may obliterate anyone using the "new" adjacent channels.

Boy is it going to be a nightmare. Methinks a lot of tolerance will be needed.

But then again we do not know what form the new technology will be. I couldn't see any reference to modulation in the CBRS sections.

Phil

Im with Lex M (Brisbane)

Just another stimulus package ... same as TV and mobile phones and all the rest ....

Changing stuff for the sake of changing stuff .... pffftttttt

It would appear that no direct impact will be felt until 2015 to 2018 if you read the proposal and they are halving the bandwidth from to which means on your current radio you would hear two channels at once (theoretically)
I guess it means new radios but have you seen the new GME (size of a cigarette packet) with all the controls in the Microphone.

Will have to wait and see but doesn't appear to affect us with use of the CB band when instigated. At the moment I get annoyed with the commercial users of what is supposed to be a citizens band not a delivery company's private channel.

Cheers

Those of us with an eprom in our UHF radios, eg Sawtron, Icom etc,
Should be able to simply get the eproms reprogrammed at the new spacing.

My .02

There is not a single mention in the proposal to move away from FM for UHF CB.

The main issue for the interim staging is the type of FM modulation. We currently use an analogue version and if we go to digital FM modulation then they are not compatable at all.

Era we going digital? Anyone know?

Phil

I have a feeling that with any changes, better communication and features wont be part of it. It never is, just more expense and a way of squeezing more from the spectrum that greedy governments can sell to someone else!!! It happened to Mobile phones and now Free to air TV... Michael

If i understand it correctly now.....your existing CB UHF whould still be able to use their preprogrammed channels (soon to be called 1A, 2A etc) as long as the radio is set up for narrowbanding?

Of interest is that in the US, the FCC has mandated that all non-Federal public safety licensees change to 12.5kHz channels by January 1, 2013. Sounds familiar? :)

Andrew

Andrew,

I thought I would ask the question of GME.

Reply below.
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Hi Tony,

Thank you for your email regarding the proposed changes to the 477MHz UHF CB band.

I understand your associations concerns as to how these changes will effect the way they use there current CBs in the future.

Please let me explain what changes the ACMA are going to implement, what is the timeframe for implementation and what the ACMA is trying to achieve by making the changes.

The ACMA recognise the UHF CB spectrum is well utilised and possibly crowded in some areas. There have been a number of discussions held between various stakeholders over the last 2 years which culminated in the release the latest document which puts the following plan and time lines in place.
• The current 40 channel band plan will be replaced by a 76 channel band plan.
• All current 25 KHz channels will be replaced with 12.5 KHz channels except channels 22 and 23, they will remain 25 KHz and designated for telemetry only.
• The ACMA is anticipating the necessary changes can be in place so the channel plan can revert to 76 channels sometime in the second quarter next year.
• 40 Channel equipment will still be able to be used until 1st January 2016


In answer to your questions:
• You will be able to still use your existing equipment until the 1st January 2016.
• The band will be covered under a class license as it is now, there will be no license required.
• The benefit is the additional channels will relieve the current congestion experienced in some areas.

I hope this information helps, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have further questions. I will forward further information to you as it comes to hand.

Best Regards

Peter Cooke
Marketing Manager Land Mobile and MATV

E-Mail mkmgrlmm@gme.net.au
Standard Communications Pty Ltd ACN: 000 346 814
Phone +612 9844 6666 Head Office:
Fax +612 9844 6600 Locked Bag 2086
Nth Ryde NSW 1670
Australia
Website: www.gme.net.au
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