Licensing - land mobile 25 kHz to 12.5 kHz transition

Background

MED wishes to formally advise current licence holders of 25 kHz analogue land mobile channels about the licensing changes taking place in the VHF and UHF land mobile bands, following the outcomes of the public consultations carried out in 2008 and 2009. One outcome is the phase-out of legacy 25 kHz analogue land mobile radio (LMR) equipment, in order to align New Zealand with international practice and to allow the introduction of the more spectrum efficient digital LMR technologies in highly congested bands. These changes will include the following steps.

Existing use of 25 kHz analogue LMR channels is to cease by 1 November 2015. This period is in accordance with the minimum period (five years) specified in the Radio Regulations for giving notice of revocation of a licence of an undefined duration.

1. LMR frequency bands with an offset channel plan (E, EN, and ENX bands) require a different treatment to manage the introduction of digital LMR (due to potential adjacent channel interference risks). The following steps apply to these bands:
   1. Users of E band (25 kHz channels) wanting to transition to digital prior 1 November 2015, can migrate to the EE band (also in the VHF range) or any other band open for digital LMR licensing.
   2. E band users wanting to continue operating analogue services after the five year transition period can migrate to 12.5 kHz analogue channels in the EN band (also in the VHF range) or any other band open for narrow band analogue LMR.
   3. Introduction of digital LMR in the EN and ENX bands prior to 1 November 2015 will be considered on a case by case basis. Licensing of digital LMR in these bands will be possible in areas where E band users have vacated the band, or when rigorous engineering analysis guarantees no risk of interference to other band users.
2. Data links used for telemetry in UHF LMR bands, with channel bandwidths of 25 kHz, will only be licensed strictly on a case by case basis and subject to approval by RSM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which bands are affected by the change?

All land mobile bands currently operating with 25 kHz channel sizes and using analogue technology. These bands are detailed here.

How do I know if I'm affected and what licences are affected?

If you have received a letter, then it means that our system has identified some 25 kHz analogue licences under your name or company. You can view online the licences held by your company through our online register SMART.

Licences have a number in the field called "emission". If this number starts with 16, then this is 25 kHz channel licence. Note that the change applies only to analogue 25 kHz, which corresponds to the emission code 16k0F3EJN.

Does this mean that current users need to move to digital?

No. Moving to digital is an option (and encouraged) but current users can continue operating analogue services in 12.5 kHz narrow band channels. There is no obligation for users to move to digital, especially considering that some 25 kHz analogue equipment is capable to switch to 12.5 kHz mode.

Our network currently operates 25 kHz channels. How can we move to 12.5 kHz channels?

Some equipment is already capable of switching between 25 and 12.5 kHz channel bandwidths. Users should consult with their equipment supplier or manufacturer on this.

What is the cost of switching our equipment from 25 kHz to 12.5 kHz?

Some equipment may be switched by simple button activation, where no cost is involved. Other older types may require some software upgrade or hardware modification, involving some cost. Some older equipment may not be capable to switch at all, and then the only option is replacement (new equipment). In cases where users need to get new equipment, a reasonable choice would be getting new digital equipment. Users should consult with their equipment supplier or manufacturer on this.
Any questions on costs of equipment, switching and equipment modification need to be referred to the supplier.

Do I need a new licence to switch from 25 kHz to 12.5 kHz?

Yes.

I'm not sure what to do to get a licence. How can I submit a licence application?

An independent engineer can do this for you. They are familiar with the online licensing tool SMART and can also assist you with the technical aspects of your application. 

Is there a cost for getting a new licence?

The independent engineer may charge you for engineering services to migrate your licence from 25 kHz to 12.5 kHz. This fee will be between you and your chosen independent engineer. Your annual licence fee remains the same.

Can I use 25 kHz UHF Land Mobile channels after 01 November 2015?

After the 01 November 2015 deadline only current 25 kHz SCADA or telemetry type services, typically used by utility companies and councils can continue operating in UHF land mobile bands.

New SCADA or telemetry services on 25 kHz channel assignments in UHF bands will be considered by RSM Licensing on a case by case basis. Application can be made to an independent engineer, who will contact RSM Licensing for consent.

Can I use 25 kHz VHF Land Mobile channels after 01 November 2015?

All 25 kHz channelled land mobile services in VHF bands must migrate to 12.5 kHz channels by 01 November 2015. Application can be made to an independent engineer who can assist you in migrating to a 12.5 kHz channel.

New 25 kHz assignments in land mobile VHF bands are not available.

If the above has not answered your question, please send your question to the Radio Spectrum Management team or select from another option below.