Frequency Band Advantages/D isadvantages

BAND
VHF
Low

ADV ANTAGE S

DIS ADV ANTAGE S

1. Longer range than other bands.

1. Skip interference.

2. Greater mobile-to-mobile range than

other bands.

2. Fewer channels to choose from.

3. Least foliage attenuation.

4. Noise interference.

3. No frequency coordination.
5. Very crowded in some regions.
6. No repeaters except in market
applications.
7. Long mobile whip antenna.

VHF
High

1. Better audio quality than low band.

1. Few channels to choose from.

2. Lowest priced equipment.

2. No frequency coordination.

3. Good range characteristics.

3. Very crowded in most regions.

4. Shorter antenna -- typically only 18

inches.

4. No repeaters except in market

applications.

5. Less skip than low band.

5. Less mobile-to-mobile coverage than low

band.

6. Less noise interference than low band.

7. Low foliage attenuation.
UHF

1. Many channels to choose from.

1. Less range than low or high bands.

2. Frequency coordination.

2. Some co-channel interference.

3. Nearest other system will be 25 miles

away in rural applications or 10 miles away
in urban areas.

3. Somewhat higher in cost.

4. High foliage attenuation.

4. Very clear audio.

5. Short antenna -- typically 6-8 inches.
6. Limited skip interference.
7. Repeaters available.
8. Good building penetration.
800/900
MHz

1. Trunked system types available.

1. Highest priced equipment.

2. Almost no skip interference.

2. Shortest range.

3. Very little noise.

3. All systems are repeaters.

4. Complete frequency coordination.

4. Highest foliage attenuation.

5. Short antenna.
6. All systems are repeaters.
7. Many channels to choose from.
8. Good fill in and around buildings in urban
areas.

Range and Coverage

Final Version

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