Spectrum Bridge customers often make requests for very specific frequencies or Radio Service codes.  This is typically driven by:

While a specific band or channel pair may be required for a certain application, it is also likely that compatible spectrum (denoted by a different service code and/or description) could be used.  In many cases, alternatives may be more available or affordable than the initial spectrum sought.

Buyers can often use alternative spectrum for an application, even if the alternative spectrum is described by terms differing from the intended application - while staying in full compliance with FCC rules.

Through flexibility and an occasional waiver, our clients have been able to find available and affordable spectrum, even when the initial spectrum choice proved to be unavailable or cost prohibitive. Right-sizing can also help improve the fit of alternative spectrum, since this can help match coverage and bandwidth requirements more exactly to the original application requirements.

Spectrum Repurposing Examples:

Case Study:
Tillamook County, Oregon Leverages Part 22 & 24 Spectrum to Address Capacity and Interoperability

Background

Tillamook, Oregon is famous worldwide for its cheese and pictureque coastline.  It also it has the distinction of the most declared disasters of any county in the state over the past decade. This requires the county to rely on wireless communications to deliver key services to its citizens during catastrophes.  Over time, the shared wireless communications systems for Tillamook's public safety and other county agencies were getting taxed beyond what their available Part 90 spectrum could realistically handle.

Situation

Tillamook is close to the Portland metropolitan area. With its large population and multiple agencies, Portland had used virtually every VHF frequency that exists in the region.  As a result, Tillamook was unable to get additional VHF frequencies to service the forested areas that cover 90% of the county. At the same time, they were also under pressure to maintain interoperability between first responders and other service agencies.

Up until a few years ago, the Parks and other County departments were all using scarce Public Safety frequencies. With growing demand for capacity from primary responders, and no Part 90 spectrum available from their frequency coordinator, The County looked to part 24 and 22 spectrum relieve congestion and move these departments on to new channels.

Solution

By adding Part 24 and Part 22 channels, to their network, Tillamook County was able to dedicate the existing Public Safety frequencies to first responders. The new spectrum added the needed capacity, while still meeting interoperability goals between all the service agencies. This was critical since service agencies, including local electric utilities, bus companies, and County departments provide valuable services to the first responders in emergency situations. Part 22 and 24 VHF frequencies are providing both interoperability and the additional capacity they need to achieve fast response and save lives.

Other Examples

In addition to Tillamook County, the Virginia Commonwealth State Police, New Jersey Office of Public Safety Communications and Wisconsin DOT are non-traditional users of Part 22 spectrum as well.  The City of Bayonne, New Jersey has plans and applications in process to add Part 22 frequencies to its public safety radio system, and the State of Wyoming is planning a statewide communication system using Part 22 paging spectrum. Finally, Marin County, California plans to operate a public safety radio system using Part 22 point-to-multi-point frequencies.

Spectrum Bridge and its partners have extensive experience in application analysis, rules compliance and the FCC waiver process for repurposing spectrum.  If you would like more information regarding suitability and availability of alternative spectrum for your application, please Contact Us.

Download our white paper on repurposing Part 22 & 24 spectrum for Part 90 applications HERE.