400 MHz changes benefit UHF CB users

Owners of UHF CB radios will now have access to more channels in the 400 MHz band, following a three-year ACMA review and release of its time frames and plans to restructure the band.

Despite some incorrect media reports that users will have less radiofrequency spectrum as a result of the changes to the band, the ACMA’s consultation process means the UHF CB band has been restructured into 80 individual 12.5 kHz-wide channels.

This is changed from the existing 40 individual 25 kHz-wide channels.

This restructure means the following changes to channelling arrangements in the UHF citizen band:

• The UHF citizen band radio service will be extended upwards by 6.25 kHz to accommodate an additional 12.5 kHz channel;
• All voice channels will move to 12.5 kHz bandwidth;
• Existing repeater channels will move to 12.5 kHz bandwidth with new repeater channels created in the space between the existing channels.

There is a planned phase-in period for the new arrangements. Retailers will be able to supply 25 kHz equipment for about 18 months to clear existing stock, while radio owners will be able to keep using their current 25 kHz radios for six years.

The previous technical standard, which specified the technical performance limits and test methods for 25 kHz equipment, has been revised to accommodate the new channel arrangements.

Before new devices can be supplied to the market, the revised standard must be incorporated into the ACMA’s equipment regulations and the Radiocommunications (Citizen Band Radio Stations) Class Licence 2002 must be updated to reflect the new channel arrangements.

The consultation process on the changes to the class licence closed in March this year.

After submissions have been reviewed, the revision of the class licence was submitted to the ACMA for consideration which was expected to occur before June 2011.

The ACMA has no plans to return to a system of individual CB operating licences, as claimed in some reports.

Further information on the changes to UHF CB is available on the ACMA website at www.acma.gov.au