Radio communication is essential for emergency responders, and the equipment they use is about to change for the first time in decades. Just like the digital TV transition, radio transmission will also soon go digital. It's all about making room on the already-busy airwaves, but it will also lead to clearer signals for emergency responders.  Either way, the changeover involves a lot of planning. At the Yancey County 911 center, the countdown has begun.  On January 1, 2013, all radio transmissions among emergency responders will switch over to digital frequencies, meaning new equipment will be needed. Upsides to going digital means there will be more availability of frequencies and that the use of the frequencies will be better defined. There will be less interference and although it may create some technical issues initially, in the long term it's going to solve a lot of problems. The use of popular police scanners will not be affected by the switch over to new narrow band technology. The federal government is mandating the changeover which affects all levels of responders.  "We're working with the fire departments in the county; we're working with the police departments and the emergency medical services in planning for the change because it's all or nothing. It all has to be done at one time," Yancey County Emergency Services Assistant Director Mark Thomas said.  Grants are available from the federal government to help with the equipment upgrade.