The end of analogue PMR 446?

It looks like the end of the road for Analogue PMR 446 is in sight. The European Radiocommunications Office have published their decision on the new Digital PMR 446

The document can be seen at:
http://www.ero.dk/documentation/docs/doc98/official/Word/ECCDEC0512.DOC?frames=0

The new digital service will use the existing analogue 446.0 - 446.1 MHz band and also 446.1 - 446.2 MHz although that section is not currently available in all European countries.

Two digital standards have been specified one for 12.5 kHz channel spacing the other for 6.25 kHz spacing.

It is envisaged that 16 digital channels will be provided and the new service will feature auto timeout of the transmitter if you talk for more than 3 minutes and auto power reduction.

The latter facility will permit lower battery consumption for very short range communications but for distances in excess of half a kilometer, the battery consumption of the digital service will be higher that that of analogue FM.

Innovative features in the new service including built in SMS style text messaging and the ability to use repeaters.

Analogue FM PMR 446 sets can be bought for as little at £19:99 a pair, however, is likely that when the first of the digital handsets hit the market they will be priced at many times that.

73 Trevor M5AKA