Accommodates both Data Telemetry and VRS System Deployments

Herndon, VA – Today, the Land Mobile Communications Council (LMCC) delivered to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for its approval proposed “Consensus Protocols for VRS/Data Telemetry Frequency Coordination.” Upon approval by the Commission, particularly the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau and the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, it is anticipated that the FCC will issue a Public Notice announcing the date on which it will start to accept applications for Vehicular Repeater Systems (VRS) on six specific 173 MHz channels that were previously available for use only by Data Telemetry systems. The protocols are intended to reduce the potential for interference between VRS and data telemetry systems that will be sharing these six channels in the future. A copy of the protocols may be found by visiting the LMCC web site at www.lmcc.org.

On August 10, the FCC released a Report and Order amending the FCC’s Part 90 rules “to allow the licensing and operation of vehicular repeater systems (VRS) and other mobile repeaters on six remote control and telemetry channels in the VHF band” for use by Industrial/Business (I/B) and Public Safety entities. The six channels in the 173 MHz band are shared between Public Safety and I/B licensees. In its Order, the FCC stated that it seeks to create an environment that will allow for both the expansion of incumbent telemetry systems and the implementation of new VRS and directed the “coordinator community to develop a consensus protocol for VRS coordination” that conforms with existing Part 90 technical requirements and ensures efficient use of the spectrum.

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