Buffalo 420MHz channels

[kb1hwh-2]

I can't seem to find an answer via Google on this one

Why does the Buffalo area use 420MHz channels for public safety?
What was the reasoning behind this unusual allocation. It's not in the T Band.

 

[jpryor]

The 420 MHz band is used in place of the UHF T Band surrounding three Canadian border cities (Buffalo, Cleveland and Detroit).

Refer to the following per NTIA (http://www.ntia.doc.gov/osmhome/alloctbl/alloctbl.html):

US230--Non-government land mobile service is allocated on a primary basis in the bands 422.1875-425.4875 and 427.1875-429.9875 MHz within 80 kilometers (50 statute miles) of Detroit, MI, and Cleveland, OH, and in the bands 423.8125-425.4875 and 428.8125-429.9875 MHz within 80 kilometers (50 statute miles) of Buffalo, NY.

Essentially Canadian broadcast TV stations are using frequencies within the UHF T Band (470-512 MHz). The 420 MHz spectrum is what was selected as the next best option for these higher population areas.

 

[Grog]

Plus as long as they are analog, it gives a use for all the almost worthless 403-433 motorola radios that have been surplussed over the years

 

[studgeman]

The other part is, besides canadian broadcasters in T-band is 420-430 is a Land Mobile Allocation in Canada and not available for Amateur use, so we might as well use it for Land Mobile in the US too!