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Advantages of 6.25 kHz – Channel Availability

This Icom video explains the FCC's management of the electromagnetic spectrum and the progression from 25 kHz to 12.5 kHz channel bandwidth to reduce congestion. Icom, in partnership with JVC Kenwood, developed the NXDN™ digital narrowband protocol operating at 6.25 kHz, which unlocks over a thousand additional channels. The narrower bandwidth significantly expands channel availability for organizations relying on land mobile radio communications.

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By James Kent · 6.25 KhzElectromagnetic SpectrumFccIcom
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Key takeaways

01

6.25 kHz channel bandwidth provides exponentially more channels than legacy 25 kHz or 12.5 kHz systems

02

Icom and JVC Kenwood co-developed the NXDN™ protocol to enable next-generation digital narrowband communication

03

The FCC has progressively mandated narrower bandwidths to alleviate electromagnetic spectrum congestion

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This video from Icom highlights the advantages of 6.25 kHz channel availability. The video explains the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC's) regulation of the use of the electromagnetic spectrum, transitioning from 25 kHz to 12.5 kHz to alleviate congestion. Icom, in collaboration with JVC Kenwood, introduced the next-generation digital narrowband (NXDN™) protocol that operates on 6.25 kHz, offering over a thousand additional channels.

Video TranscriptExpand ↓

N x d n re have more available license frequencies in the UHF band than analog, DMR, or P25. Devices such as cell phones, car fob, Bluetooth headphones and satellite TVs are a couple of examples that use radio waves. When communicating over these radio waves, each piece of technology takes up a slice in the overall electromagnetic spectrum. Within the electromagnetic spectrum, there is a limited amount of space a device can take up. For example, we have three quarters of a circle representing one version of the electromagnetic specter One cell phone takes up that entire spectrum to communicate on. If we put a two way radio and a laptop on the same spectrum to communicate at the same time with the cell phone, we are going to run into some issues. If all devices try to talk on the same sliver, spectrum, it would be impossible for anything to communicate. There are regulation set up to make sure instances like this don't happen. In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission or the FCC controls the use of the electromagnetic spectrum. For two way radios, there is a limited amount of spectrum available in any given area. From big cities to small towns, The FCC helps regulate the technology usage and allocates frequency licenses to these radios and locations. There was specific spectrum in which radios could operate on. This was the twenty five kilohertz channel spacing. Over time, radios were filling up on the twenty five kilohertz channel spacing, limiting the amount of total licenses available. In twenty thirteen, the FCC mandated that two way radios must transition from twenty five kilohertz to twelve point five kilohertz. Twelve point five kilohertz creates twice the amount of available channels compared to the twenty five kilohertz channel spacing. At the same time, the FCC also the six point two five kilohertz channel spacing available. Icom and JVC Kenwood jointly developed a two way radio protocol that can operate on six point two five kilohertz. This is called next generation digital narrowband or n x d n for short. With NXTN radios, it can operate on the same channels found on the twelve point five kilohertz channel spacing. Plus, an exclusive additional, one thousand two hundred twenty two channels found on six point two five kilohertz. For more information about n x d n technology, visit our website at w w w dot I com america dot com.

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About the author

JK
James KentPodcast Host and Content Creator

Dependable leader and Podcaster with more than 12 years of results-oriented brand marketing and agency management experience including a broad range of competencies: Adaptive communication and presentation skills. A manager who coaches, mentors and leads. Ability to successfully work cross-functionally within every level of an organization. Strong focus on innovative marketing solutions. Outstanding client relationship building and strategic account management support. Thrives in fast-paced environments with multiple deliverables. Podcast host and content creator.

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About the Expert

JK
James Kent

Podcast Host and Content Creator

Dependable leader and Podcaster with more than 12 years of results-oriented brand marketing and agency management experience including a broad range of competencies: Adaptive communication and presentation skills. A manager who coaches, mentors and leads. Ability to successfully work cross-functionally within every level of an organization. Strong focus on innovative marketing solutions. Outstanding client relationship building and strategic account management support. Thrives in fast-paced environments with multiple deliverables. Podcast host and content creator.

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