Developments in Band III [mobile radio]

Briefly records how, by a series of steps, one has now reached the position, at the end of 1987, where services are beginning to become available in Band III. There are still problems to overcome (for example frequency planning in the band, which is shared by TV broadcasters in other countries, has proved extremely difficult) but these will no doubt be resolved, eventually. The degree of technical sophistication required to realise networks and the flexibility offered by the standard air-interface specification lead to the new Band III networks being an exciting prospect for land mobile radio. They come at a time when users are becoming increasingly aware of the possibilities for enhanced communication services which the new technologies can offer. If these Band III networks are properly designed and constructed they should be able to support market-driven developments and help to move land mobile radio into the new communication age