NCJ Number
214962
Date Published
August 2006
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This newsletter describes the use of radio communications.
Abstract
Radio communications are comprised of two main components: radio waves that form the basic building block of radio communication and the radio spectrum that holds the complete range of frequencies that can be used for radio communications. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates the use of the radio spectrum for non-Federal users, including the frequencies used by State and local public safety agencies. As more of the spectrum is allocated, public safety agencies have had to compete with commercial interests for use of the frequencies. In 2009, local broadcasters will have to relinquish use of certain frequencies to public safety agencies. The FCC has also ordered all public safety agencies to migrate their operating systems to narrowband channels by 2013 in order to increase the efficiency of the current frequency allocations. Contact information is provided to obtain additional information about radio communications. Figure, notes
Date Published: August 1, 2006