Topic: Changes to UHF

[trash]

12.5KHz channel spacing is a bit old hat. Current technology allows radios to operate with a 6.25KHz spacing.

This is what we should be aiming for. The advantages are that we won't have 40 channels, or 80 channels, but 160 channels to play with.
There should also be provisions made for the use of digital, both voice and data. All of this fits within the existing spectrum.

If we lead by example, commercial operations will soon follow, the whole commercial UHF spectrum will be segmented into 6.25KHz slots allowing for more use of commercial frequencies at a cheaper spectrum licence fee. Making more money for the government while taking the pressure off services like UHF CB.

Channel ordering by frequency becomes; 81, 1, 121, 41, 82, 2, 122, 42, 83,  3, 123, 43, 84, 4, 124, 44......
This ensures backwards compatible channel numbering, else it can just be ditched and numbering started from scratch.

[acrem]

For anyone interested, ACREM has made a submission to ACMA regarding the proposed changes to the UHF band.

In brief, the changes propose to change the band from the current 25kHz spacing to 12.5kHz spacing. In essence this would double the number of UHF CB channels, placing new channels in between the current 40 channels.

You can view our submission by visiting our website: http://www.acrem.org.au/info/bandchanges.php

In short, whilst ACREM would support extra channels, our concerns centre around:

1) possible interference to the emergency channels during the phase in period;
2) changes to the emergency channel numbering, requiring a massive re-education campaign;
3) future enforcement by ACMA following the phas-in period (knowing the trouble we have now getting them to act).