Type Acceptance of Private Land Mobile Radios

On June 15, 1995, the Commission adopted a Report and Order (R&O) to promote more efficient use of the private land mobile radio spectrum. This R&O established a narrowband channel plan and a transition schedule which facilitates the transition to narrowband technology through the type acceptance process rather than by requiring users to replace existing systems. Specifically, the Commission's rules state that on or after August 1, 1996, type acceptance only will be granted for equipment capable of operating on a channel bandwidth of 12.5 kHz or less or equipment that operates on a channel bandwidth of up to 25 kHz if certain narrowband efficiency standards are met. The Commission has received twenty-four petitions for reconsideration and clarification of rules adopted in the R&O. Several petitioners ask for reconsideration of the rules relating to the type acceptance dates. The Commission has not yet ruled on these petitions for reconsideration. Therefore, the Commission, on its own motion and in the public interest, is suspending the effectiveness of the August 1, 1996, transition date pending action on the petitions for reconsideration filed in this proceeding.