[AReU] Broadband over Powerline (BPL)

[Al Sanders]

I was in Brandon today running an errand and talked to Ed, W7LGD, on the
Brandon repeater.  After catching up on things, our conversation drifted
to Broadband over Powerline (BPL) and the fact that the FCC appears to
be in favor of it.  As you may know, BPL allows the delivery of high
speed internet access over the power grid and it is being tested right
now in a number of US cities.  I saw that Tony Stone put out an e-mail
on the subject several days ago, so you may all be familiar with the
threat to amateur radio.  If you are not, the technology creates
interference or spectrum pollution in the 2 - 80 MHz range, often with
signals as strong as S9.
 
I believe this is the biggest threat to the amateur HF bands that I have
ever seen and I have been a ham for over 33 years.  I was so motivated
by this threat to our service that I donated money to the ARRL and have
written letters to both Florida U. S. Senators (Nelson and Graham) and
the US Congressman representing Charlotte County.  I encourage you to do
the same as we amateurs are up against one of the most powerful lobbies
in the county: the power generation industry.
 
I have included, below, the verbiage of the letters I sent to our
representatives in Washington, D. C.  Whether you use my words or create
your own, please send something to your elected officials today, if not
sooner!  I understand the FCC will not accept any input after August 20,
2003.  As you can see this thing is right on top of us!  Encourage your
elected officials to tell the FCC to stop BPL in its tracks.
 
Just a reminder, if you use my words, please change the greeting
(addressee) and the closing to match your situation.
 
Thanks for helping defend amateur radio!
 
Someone please post this to the BARS reflector as I seem to have
misplaced the address.  If you see fit, send it to other lists, too.
 
Al, WD4A
 
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________
 
 
Senator XXX:
 
The FCC is considering allowing the delivery of broadband internet
access over power lines (Broadband over Power Lines or BPL).  Power
lines are unshielded and will radiate considerable interference or
spectrum pollution in the frequency spectrum of  2 - 80 MHz. 
 
As an amateur radio operator of over 30 years, this causes me
considerable alarm as tests have shown the HF spectrum of amateur radio
will become almost unusable if the FCC allows this to happen.  There are
a number of other delivery methods that work just fine (cable, DSL,
wireless, satellite) and do not cause severe interference.
 
Amateur radio has long been the communication method of last resort for
natural and manmade disasters.  Now, with the focus on homeland
security, amateur radio is needed more than ever.
 
Please indicate your opposition to BPL by insisting the FCC abandon this
highly disruptive technology.  I understand the last day to have input
considered by the FCC is August 20, 2003. 
 
If you or your staff would like to discuss the matter in more detail,
please call me on my cell phone at 813-846-9085.
 
Sincerely,
 
XXXXX
Amateur Radio Operator Licensee: XXXX
 
 
 
 


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