About Interoperability Channels

Interoperability channels as designated by the FCC, are by definition intended to be used for “two or more different entities to interact with one another and to exchange information…” (FCC 90.7 – Definitions for “Interoperability”). As a result, normal frequency coordination to prevent interference is not necessary. To help promote the use of the FCC-designated interoperability channels, APCO has exclusive coordination fees for these channels.

Special Fees for Interoperability Channels

If submitted on an application combined with other chargeable non-interoperability items. No charge.
(See AFC Coordination Fees page for New Station/Major Modifications fees).
If submitted alone as a new license application. $150 minimum per application

(Same fee as Minor Modifications.  See AFC Coordination Fees page. Applies ONLY if the application is submitted via SpectrumWatch.)

Nationwide Interoperability/Mutual Aid Channels

Per 90.20(i), the nationwide interoperability and mutual aid channels are listed below for the VHF, (including 220-222 MHz), UHF, 700 MHz and 800 MHz bands. (See §§90.20(d)(80), 90.531(b)(1), 90.617(a)(1) and 90.720). Any Part 90 public safety eligible entity holding a Part 90 license may operate handheld and vehicular mobile units on these channels without needing a separate authorization. Base stations or control stations operating on these channels must be licensed separately. Encryption may not be used on any of the interoperability or mutual aid calling channels.

VHF interoperability channel (MHz) Purpose
151.1375 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
154.4525 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
155.7525 MHz (base/mobile) Calling.
158.7375 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
159.4725 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
VHF mutual aid channel (MHz) Purpose
220.8025 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
220.8075 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
220.8125 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
220.8175 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
220.8225 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
220.8275 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
220.8325 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
220.8375 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
220.8425 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
220.8475 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
UHF interoperability channel (MHz) Purpose
453.2125 MHz (base/mobile) Calling.
458.2125 MHz (mobile)
453.4625 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
458.4625 MHz (mobile)
453.7125 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
458.7125 MHz (mobile)
453.8625 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
458.8625 MHz (mobile)
700 MHz interoperability channel (MHz) Purpose
769.14375 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
799.14375 MHz (mobile)
769.24375 MHz (base/mobile) Calling.
799.24375 MHz (mobile)
769.39375 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
799.39375 MHz (mobile)
769.49375 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
799.49375 MHz (mobile)
769.64375 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
799.64375 MHz (mobile)
769.74375 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
799.74375 MHz (mobile)
769.89375 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
799.89375 MHz (mobile)
769.99375 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
799.99375 MHz (mobile)
770.14375 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
800.14375 MHz (mobile)
770.24375 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
800.24375 MHz (mobile)
770.39375 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
800.39375 MHz (mobile)
770.49375 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
800.49375 MHz (mobile)
770.64375 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
800.64375 MHz (mobile)
770.74375 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
800.74375 MHz (mobile)
770.89375 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
800.89375 MHz (mobile)
770.99375 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
800.99375 MHz (mobile)
773.00625 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
803.00625 MHz (mobile)
773.10625 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
803.10625 MHz (mobile)
773.25625 MHz (base/mobile) Calling.
803.25625 MHz (mobile)
773.35625 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
803.35625 MHz (mobile)
773.50625 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
803.50625 MHz (mobile)
773.60625 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
803.60625 MHz (mobile)
773.75625 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
803.75625 MHz (mobile)
773.85625 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
803.85625 MHz (mobile)
774.00625 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
804.00625 MHz (mobile)
774.10625 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
804.10625 MHz (mobile)
774.25625 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
804.25625 MHz (mobile)
774.35625 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
804.35625 MHz (mobile)
774.50625 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
804.50625 MHz (mobile)
774.60625 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
804.60625 MHz (mobile)
774.75625 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
804.75625 MHz (mobile)
774.85625 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
804.85625 MHz (mobile)
800 MHz mutual aid channel (MHz) Purpose
851.0125 MHz (base/mobile) Calling.
806.0125 MHz (mobile)
851.5125 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
806.5125 MHz (mobile)
852.0125 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
807.0125 MHz (mobile)
852.5125 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
807.0125 MHz (mobile)
853.0125 MHz (base/mobile) Tactical.
808.0125 MHz (mobile)

Federal Interoperability Channels

Per 90.25, the Commission may authorize non-Federal licensees to operate mobile and portable radio units on the frequencies listed below in Tables 1 and 2, provided the applicant includes with its application to the Commission, written concurrence from the Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC) or state appointed official stating that the application conforms to the agreement with a federal agency with a valid assignment from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

Table 1 – Law Enforcement Plans (MHz)

LE VHF plan   LE UHF plan
Identifier Mobile
transmit
Mobile
receive
Identifier Mobile
transmit
Mobile
receive
LEA 167.0875 (S) 167.0875 LEB 414.0375 (S) 414.0375
LE1 162.0875 167.0875 LE10 418.9875 409.9875
LE2 162.2625 167.2500 LE11 419.1875 410.1875
LE3 162.8375 167.7500 LE12 419.6125 410.6125
LE4 163.2875 168.1125 LE13 414.0625 (S) 414.0625
LE5 163.4250 168.4625 LE14 414.3125 (S) 414.3125
LE6 167.2500 (S) 167.2500 LE15 414.3375 (S) 414.3375
LE7 167.7500 (S) 167.7500 LE16 409.9875 (S) 409.9875
LE8 168.1125 (S) 168.1125 LE17 410.1875 (S) 410.1875
LE9 168.4625 (S) 168.4625 LE18 410.6125 (S) 410.6125

(S)—Simplex.

Table 2 – Incident Response Plans (MHz)

LE VHF Plan   LE UHF Plan
Identifier Mobile
transmit
Mobile
receive
Identifier Mobile
transmit
Mobile
receive
NC1 Calling 164.7125 169.5375 NC2 Calling 419.2375 410.2375
IR1 165.2500 170.0125 IR10 419.4375 410.4375
IR2 165.9625 170.4125 IR11 419.6375 410.6375
IR3 166.5750 170.6875 IR12 419.8375 410.8375
IR4 167.3250 173.0375 IR13 413.1875 (S) 413.1875
IR5 169.5375 (S) 169.5375 IR14 413.2125 (S) 413.2125
IR6 170.0125 (S) 170.0125 IR15 410.2375 (S) 410.2375
IR7 170.4125 (S) 170.4125 IR16 410.4375 (S) 410.4375
IR8 170.6875 (S) 170.6875 IR17 410.6375 (S) 410.6375
IR9 173.0375 (S) 173.0375 IR18 410.8375 (S) 410.8375