In a decision that runs contrary to industry expectations, the FCC today granted in part and denied in part a petition filed by the National Public Safety Telecommunications Council (NPSTC) requesting a stay of the January 1, 2011 interim deadlines associated with the narrowbanding of private land mobile radio (PLMR) licensees in the 150-174 MHz and 421-512 MHz bands. No new 25 kHz systems that provide only one voice channel, or major modifications to such systems, will be permitted after 2011.

The ruling confirmed the FCC's decision to narrow the land mobile channels. The FCC states "we remain committed to bringing about a timely transition to narrowband technology in the PLMR services, in order to alleviate congestion in this crowded spectrum.

Nevertheless, for the reasons set forth below, we find that a waiver is warranted with respect to certain aspects of NPSTC’s request, and we accordingly grant the request in part and deny it in part. Specifically, we: (1) extend the timeframe for manufacturing or importing equipment that includes a 25 kHz mode, but not the deadline for prohibiting certification applications for equipment that includes a 25 kHz mode; (2) maintain the deadline for new or expanded 25 kHz operations; and (3) extend the timeframe for certifying equipment that is not capable of operating in 6.25 kHz mode, but only until 2013, rather than 2015 as requested by NPSTC.

The ruling is available for download at: http://www.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2010/db0630/FCC-10-119A...