The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is evaluating whether to expand existing spectrum allocation for vehicular repeater systems (VRSs) and other types of mobile repeaters.
VRSs and mobile repeaters are instrumental in providing fire fighters and other first responders with enhanced radio coverage within buildings and at other emergency sites. This is especially important since modern construction materials can attenuate radio signals, potentially jeopardizing the safety of first responders or hampering their efforts.
In response to a petition filed by Pyramid Communications, the FCC has proposed allowing the operation of VRS on six remote control and telemetry channels at 173 MHz, subject to the detailing of procedures to coordinate spectrum use without interference. Comments on the Commission’s proposed rules are due by mid-November 2013.
Read the complete text of the FCC’s Order and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding whether to expand existing spectrum allocation for vehicular repeater systems (VRSs) and other types of mobile repeaters.
