The following is the proposed MABAS Wisconsin Frequency priority list. We would suggest starting at the top and working your way down the list putting as many frequencies as possible in your radios. It is not so important what channel the frequency is on as it is important to at least have the frequency in the radio. Each individual radio will dictate how many channels can be programmed. Sixteen channel radios should make every effort to include the eight MABAS Channels plus as many MARC channels as possible. Thirty two and forty eight channel radios should have no problem accomodating the entire list below. We are flexible but this makes the most sense. Fire or EMS apparatus from SE Wisconsin could travel to NW Wisconsin and have the ability to communicate with local fire departments on both mobile and hand held radios if we all at least have the MABAS and MARC frequencies programmed. The list is consistent with the SIC recommendations for what frequencies should be included in radios. Any radio equipment purchased with Office of Justice Assistance (OJA) grants must have these frequencies programmed.

MABAS Wisconsin strongly urges that all acquisitions of VHF mobile and portable radios be capable of APCO Project 25 digital programming in preparation for possible use on the Statewide VHF Interoperability Trunking System.

MABAS Wisconsin also strongly urges all Fire Departments within each Division to work cooperatively in transitioning to Narrow Band programming by 2011. The FCC deadline is 2013 however starting the planning process now affords everyone the opportunity to build radio reprogramming or upgrades into at least two budget cycles before the official deadline.

For those Counties utilizing 800 MHz radios the 800 MHz tactical frequencies are listed below. 8TACRED, 8TACWHITE, and 8TACBLUE are primarily for Fire, and 8TACBLACK, 8TACGOLD, and 8TACGRAY are primarily for Law Enforcement. These frequencies are not subject to rebanding.