In short, if you have been thinking about updating and purchasing a NEW UHF CB, you may want to wait 18 months, as in 2011 we will see the UHF CB Band change from the current 40 UHF CB Channels to 78 UHF CB Channels.
Attached is an extract from the “The way ahead - Decisions and implementation options for the 400 MHz band” recently put out by the ACMA or if you would like to view the entire document click on the following link: ACMA - IFC 11/2010.
The way ahead - Decisions and implementation options for the 400 MHz band
Section 5.
5 UHF Citizen Band Radio Service
The UHF Citizen Band Radio Service (CBRS) currently comprises 40 25 KHz channels from 476.4125–477.4125 MHz. Use of the CBRS is supported by a class licence. The band is highly utilised, which demonstrates that the existing regulatory approach is effective.
In reviewing the UHF CBRS, the ACMA’s objective is to improve the utility of the band through reviewing and updating current arrangements (such as channel bandwidths). Balancing future flexibility with the impact on existing users (in light of the extensive user base) is a particularly crucial consideration in this situation.
5.1 Background
In the Options Paper, the ACMA introduced the concept of increasing the number of UHF CBRS channels from 40 to 80 by the implementation of 12.5 kHz channelization, with a corresponding phase-out of 25 kHz channel equipment. Responses to the Options Paper showed that this concept was worth pursuing in more detail.
5.2 Original ACMA proposal
In the Proposals Paper, the ACMA proposed to undertake a process to implement revised arrangements for the UHF CBRS based on the following core concepts:
> extension of the CBRS band by 6.25 kHz at the top edge of the band
> the reduction to 12.5 kHz channels for CBRS simplex channels
> the retention of 25 kHz channels for the eight existing repeater channel pairs, including the emergency channels and the two (2) existing telemetry/telecommand channels
> review of the coordination and assignment rules for repeater channels.
5.3 Stakeholder feedback
Proposals for changes to the UHF CBRS received broad support from respondents to the Proposals Paper. Respondents stated that the proposed solution was a sound technical compromise, and that maintaining the existing 25 kHz channels for the eight existing repeater channel pairs, including the emergency channels and the two existing telemetry/telecommand channels, would decrease costs to users, and decrease interference during the phase-in period. Users of emergency channels also supported maintaining the emergency channel number allocations.
There was also a degree of support for the repeater channels to be reduced to 12.5 kHz, with additional repeater channels interleaved. This would provide additional capacity and therefore be beneficial in the long term. Some respondents proposed that this could be done as a second stage to the changes proposed by the ACMA, following sufficient time for the migration of equipment to 12.5 kHz channel bandwidth.
There was general support for a review of coordination and assignment rules for repeater channels. However, some respondents were concerned that this would increase interference.
5.4 The ACMA’s response to feedback
The ACMA’s broad objective of increasing the utility of this spectrum is consistent with stakeholder feedback and suggestions. Given stakeholder support, a phased approach to implementing additional 12.5 kHz repeater channels seems feasible, and provides maximum utility for the future.
5.5 Final decision
The final ACMA decision on the UHF Citizen band is as follows:
> the UHF Citizen band shall be extended upwards by 6.25 kHz to accommodate an additional 12.5 kHz channel
> all simplex voice channels shall transition to 12.5 kHz bandwidth
> existing repeater channels will transition to 12.5 kHz bandwidth, with new repeater channels created in the interleaved space
> the two telemetry/telecommand channels remain as is
> the licensing rules regarding repeaters have been relaxed.
Channel arrangements are detailed in Attachment 6.
5.6 Proposed transition arrangements
Before the new arrangements can be used, three key events must occur:
1/ new licensing arrangements must be put in place
2/ UHF CB equipment standards must be published and referenced in law
3/ manufacturers must make equipment available.
The ACMA has carriage of licensing arrangements and can implement changes in about six months. The ACMA participates in equipment standards formation, along with equipment manufacturers and other experts, and the process of modifying the existing standard may take around 12 months. It is therefore the ACMA’s intention to have the framework in place supporting the use of the new arrangements in the second quarter of 2011, and equipment manufacturers may work in parallel with standards development to have the new equipment available when they can.
From 1 January 2011, the additional simplex and telemetry/telecommand channels will become available, and after five years, the use of 25 kHz equipment will not be supported.
By 1 January 2016, repeaters will have completed transition to 12.5 kHz bandwidth and the additional interleaved repeater channels will become available for use.
UHF CB Service Channel Plan
Frequency * New Ch * New Step
Ch1A 476.4250 12.5 kHz Repeater
Ch1B 476.4375 12.5 kHz Repeater
Ch2A 476.4500 12.5 kHz Repeater
Ch2B 476.4625 12.5 kHz Repeater
Ch3A 476.4750 12.5 kHz Repeater
Ch3B 476.4875 12.5 kHz Repeater
Ch4A 476.5000 12.5 kHz Repeater
Ch4B 476.5125 12.5 kHz Repeater
CH5A 476.5250 12.5 kHz Emergency
Ch5B 476.5375 12.5 kHz Repeater
Ch6A 476.5500 12.5 kHz Repeater
Ch6B 476.5625 12.5 kHz Repeater
Ch7A 476.5750 12.5 kHz Repeater
Ch7B 476.5875 12.5 kHz Repeater
Ch8A 476.6000 12.5 kHz Repeater
Ch8B 476.6125 12.5 kHz Repeater
Ch9A 476.6250 12.5 kHz Old simplex Now 12.5 kHz
Ch9B 476.6375 12.5 kHz New simplex 12.5 kHz
Ch10A 476.6500 12.5 kHz Old simplex now 12.5 kHz
Ch10B 476.6625 12.5 kHz New simplex 12.5 kHz
Ch11A 476.6750 12.5 kHz Calling now 12 .5 kHz
Ch11B 476.6875 12.5 kHz New simplex 12.5 kHz
Ch12A 476.7000 12.5 kHz Old simplex Now 12.5 kHz
Ch12B 476.7125 12.5 kHz New Simplex 12.5 kHz
Ch13A 476.7250 12.5 kHz Old simplex now 12.5 kHz
Ch13B 476.7375 12.5 kHz New Simplex 12.5 kHz
Ch14A 476.7500 12.5 kHz Old simplex now 12.5 kHz
Ch14B 476.7625 12.5 kHz New Simplex 12.5 kHz
Ch15A 476.7750 12.5 kHz Old simplex now 12.5 kHz
Ch15B 476.7875 12.5 kHz New Simplex 12.5 kHz
Ch16A 476.8000 12.5 kHz Old simplex now 12.5 kHz
Ch16B 476.8125 12.5 kHz New Simplex 12.5 kHz
Ch17A 476.8250 12.5 kHz Old simplex now 12.5 kHz
Ch17B 476.8375 12.5 kHz New Simplex 12.5 kHz
Ch18A 476.8500 12.5 kHz Old simplex 1now 2.5 kHz
Ch18B 476.8625 12.5 kHz New Simplex 12.5 kHz
Ch19A 476.8750 12.5 kHz Old simplex now 12.5 kHz
Ch19B 476.8875 12.5 kHz New Simplex 12.5 kHz
Ch20A 476.9000 12.5 kHz Old simplex now 12.5 kHz
Ch20B 476.9125 12.5 kHz New Simplex 12.5 kHz
Ch21A 476.9250 12.5 kHz Old simplex now 12.5 kHz
Ch22 476.9500 25 kHz Tele-command no change
Ch23 476.9750 25 kHz Tele-command no change
Ch24A 477.0000 12.5 kHz Old simplex now 12.5 kHz
Ch24B 477.0125 12.5 kHz New Simplex 12.5 kHz
Ch25A 477.0250 12.5 kHz Old simplex now 12.5 kHz
Ch25B 477.0375 12.5 kHz New Simplex 12.5 kHz
Ch26A 477.0500 12.5 kHz Simplex now 12.5 kHz
Ch26B 477.0625 12.5 kHz New Simplex 12.5 kHz
Ch27A 477.0750 12.5 kHz Simplex now 12.5 kHz
Ch27B 477.0875 12.5 kHz New Simplex 12.5 kHz
Ch28A 477.1000 12.5 kHz Simplex now 12.5 kHz
Ch28B 477.1125 12.5 kHz New Simplex 12.5 kHz
Ch29A 477.1250 12.5 kHz Simplex now 12.5 kHz
Ch29B 477.1375 12.5 kHz New Simplex 12.5 kHz
Ch30 477.1500 12.5 kHz Simplex now 12.5 kHz
Ch31A 477.1750 12.5 kHz Repeater
Ch31B 477.1875 12.5 kHz Repeater
Ch32A 477.2000 12.5 kHz Repeater
Ch32B 477.2125 12.5 kHz Repeater
Ch33A 477.2250 12.5 kHz Repeater
Ch33B 477.2375 12.5 kHz Repeater
Ch34A 477.2500 12.5 kHz Repeater
Ch34B 477.2625 12.5 kHz Repeater
Ch35A 477.2750 12.5 kHz Emergency
Ch35B 477.2875 12.5 kHz Repeater
Ch36A 477.3000 12.5 kHz Repeater
Ch36B 477.3125 12.5 kHz Repeater
Ch37A 477.3250 12.5 kHz Repeater
Ch37B 477.3375 12.5 kHz Repeater
Ch38A 477.3500 12.5 kHz Repeater
Ch38B 477.3625 12.5 kHz Repeater
Ch39A 477.3750 12.5 kHz Old simplex now 12.5 kHz
Ch39B 477.3875 12.5 kHz New Simplex 12.5 kHz
Ch40A 477.4000 12.5 kHz Old simplex now 12.5 kHz
