Low-band VHF is Alive and Well!

Low-Band VHF is Alive and Well!

While many public safety agencies are migrating to 700/800 MHz systems, and some are likely to remain at VHF/UHF for the interim, the fact is that 29 to 50 MHz Low-band VHF (or just "Low-band") is alive and well and is increasingly attractive to many users. Why, you might ask?

Low-Band Exempt from Narrowband Requirements

First of all, in an effort to improve spectral efficiency, the FCC has mandated that all new licenses granted after Jan 1, 2011 must be narrowband, without exception, for public safety agencies and business users. All of these systems must be converted or relicensed to narrowband operation by Jan 1, 2013. But, the narrowband rules only apply for operation from 150 MHz to 512 MHz. Lo-band systems are exempt from the upcoming narrowband requirements, meaning that low-band equipment put into service today will not become obsolete in 2013. So, low-band makes sense for those agencies and businesses that need new systems or expansion of existing operations.

Ample Spectrum Available

Secondly, because many public safety agencies have migrated to VHF/UHF or 700/800 MHz operations, there is ample spectrum available at low-band, greatly simplifying the frequency coordination effort and shortening the overall licensing procedure.

Low-Band Range Can't be Beat

Third, low-band VHF (29-50 MHz) provides a tremendous range improvement, watt for watt, compared to VHF (150-174 MHz) and especially UHF (450-490 MHz). Rural businesses, farming operations, towing companies, and other users that need service over a wide area will find that low-band is an excellent choice for dependable radio communications. In fact, many fire agencies in New York, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Maine still rely on low-band due to the excellent coverage and range achievable in this frequency band. While it’s impossible to "guarantee" range for low-band systems, it’s not uncommon to achieve reliable service at distances up to 60 miles, or even greater.

Finally, manufacturers like Vertex Standard offer superior Lo-band radios with power outputs up to 120 watts. When matched to a high-quality antenna, it’s easy to see how these great distances can be achieved, especially with newer model radios featuring sensitive receivers with superb adjacent channel interference rejection. And, Vertex Standard radios are now available, from Red Dog Radios!

Red Dog Radios Now Authorized Dealer for New and Refurbed Vertex Radios

Red Dog Radios is proud to announce that we are now an authorized dealer, distributor and service center for Vertex Standard products. Vertex offers a broad range of low-band radios including the VX-510L 32-channel, 5 watt, portable radio, the VX-5500L 250-channel, 70 watt, mobile radio and the VX-6000L 250-channel, 120 watt, mobile radio. The VX-5500L and VX-6000L mobile radios can be equipped with mobile control heads to simplify installation and provide a neat and tidy appearance. The Vertex Standard low-band radios are excellent choices for end-users who demand superior power, capacity, and performance in a new and modern configuration. In addition, Vertex Standard low-band radios can be combined with VHF or UHF RF "decks", yet be controlled by a single control head. This greatly reduces clutter and confusion in any vehicular installation.

Call Tom Ohlsson at 1-888-799-6216* to find out how Red Dog Radios can provide you with a superior low-band VHF solution, or browse our new Vertex low-band products.

* 303-652-9494 outside the United States

Mandatory transition to narrowband technology as dictated by the FCC may affect your radio operations. The deadline is less than 2 years away. For more information, contact us at Red Dog Radios for information on how we can help you make a smooth and cost-effective transition. For more information, see the Department of Justice: Understanding FCC Narrowbanding Requirements .