Narrowbanding.com Site Launched to Educate the Public on Wireless Spectrum Changes

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In partnership with Enterprise Wireless Alliance and Motorola Solutions, BearCom, a nationwide provider of wireless communications equipment and solutions, today unveiled a new website at www.Narrowbanding.com.

“A change as major and as complicated as migrating potentially millions of wireless devices to a new spectrum configuration definitely calls for a great deal of communication and information sharing”

This new resource is designed to provide commercial users, state and local government officials, and the general public with the ability to stay current on one of the biggest changes to happen in the two-way radio industry in decades: narrowbanding.

Many two-way radio systems—including municipal government and state and local public safety systems—use blocks of radio spectrum called channels. Historically, these agencies have used 25 kHz-wide channels. In December 2004, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandated that users operating below 512 MHz move to 12.5 kHz narrowband voice channels and highly efficient data channel operations by January 1, 2013. Using narrowband channels will ensure that radio users take advantage of more efficient technology and, by reducing channel width, will allow additional channels to exist within the same spectrum space.

"We are delighted to collaborate with Motorola and BearCom to launch this important new public education tool," said Mark Crosby, President and CEO of Enterprise Wireless Alliance, the leading trade association for the wireless communications industry and one of the organizations partnering to create Narrowbanding.com. “We believe it will not only help inform two-way radio users and the public on the specifics of narrowbanding but will educate them on broader industry, policy, and technology issues as well.”

"A change as major and as complicated as migrating potentially millions of wireless devices to a new spectrum configuration definitely calls for a great deal of communication and information sharing," said Hal Herron, Motorola Sales and Services Inc. (MSSI) Vice President and Senior Director, North America Channels, Motorola Solutions.

“Narrowbanding is one of those key developments that escape the notice of most until it is right around the corner,” said Jerry Denham, President and CEO of BearCom, the nation’s largest dealer and integrator of two-way radios and other wireless technology products. “This new online resource will help change that for the better.”

For more information, visit www.Narrowbanding.com.

About Enterprise Wireless Alliance

Enterprise Wireless Alliance (EWA) is an FCC-certified frequency advisory committee that provides license preparation, spectrum management, and associated services to business enterprises, public safety entities, and wireless sales and service organizations. Membership within EWA is open to users of wireless communications systems, manufacturers, system operators, and service organizations. EWA publishes its e-newsletter Insider™, provides regulatory updates, offers the Enterprise Wireless Solutions Center, and convenes an annual conference with a technology showcase for new wireless products and business operations sessions. Additional information about membership and services is available at www.EnterpriseWireless.org.

About Motorola

Motorola Solutions is a leading provider of mission-critical communication products and services for enterprise and government customers. Through leading-edge innovation and communications technology, it is a global leader that enables its customers to be their best in the moments that matter. Motorola Solutions trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker "MSI." To learn more, visit www.MotorolaSolutions.com.

About BearCom

BearCom provides a broad line of high-performance wireless communications products, services, and complete mobility solutions. Founded in 1981, BearCom is America’s only nationwide dealer and integrator of wireless communications equipment, serves customers from 26 branch offices located throughout the U.S., has several affiliated offices around the world, and employs approximately 400 people. BearCom is headquartered in the Dallas, Texas area. For more information, visit www.BearCom.com.