[CoARES-D10] broadband internet interference to amateur radio

[Randy Long]

Sorry to those that'll get this as a duplicate to the origional - but it 
*is* important enough to risk ruffleing a few feathers by duplicating:


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==>ARRL URGES INFORMED COMMENTS IN FCC BPL INQUIRY



The ARRL is urging amateurs to file well-thought-out, informed comments
when responding to the FCC's Broadband Over Power Line (BPL) Notice of
Inquiry (ET Docket 03-104). The FCC published its NOI on May 23. The NOI
asks how the FCC should regulate the delivery of broadband services to
homes and businesses using electrical wiring to conduct high-speed
digital signals. While the FCC has dubbed this technology Broadband over
Power Line, it's more commonly known as Power Line Carrier or PLC.



BPL would use building and/or overhead power lines to conduct HF and
low-VHF digital signals to network computers. The FCC has expressed its
unabashed enthusiasm for BPL, which it views as a competitive Internet
access point. Utilities consider BPL as another means to use existing
infrastructure to generate additional revenue.



The NOI is not asking if BPL technology should be permitted. Under
existing FCC rules, BPL systems may be built and used in the US right
now. The FCC is asking how the rules might be changed "to promote and
encourage new BPL technology," in the words of the NOI.



Present FCC Part 15 rules say that carrier-current systems--including
BPL/PLC--need to meet the general radiated emission limits for
unlicensed "intentional emitters." While the rules permit BPL at
significant power levels, utilities would prefer that the FCC authorize
even higher power levels. BPL systems under development and in field
trials use spectrum between 1.7 and 80 MHz, but the NOI also asks
whether BPL should operate on other parts of the spectrum as well.



As of mid-June, nearly 1000 comments already had been filed in the
proceeding. The ARRL has urged amateurs who comment to outline the
important uses they make of Amateur Radio and the impact strong
interference from BPL could have at HF and low-VHF amateur
frequencies.



Electric utility companies will operate many, if not most, BPL systems.
ARRL members who have had experience dealing with power line
interference and utilities' responses to complaints also may want to
describe those experiences in their comments to the Commission.



Amateurs filing comments to the FCC NOI might want to consider these
topics and points:



* Amateur Radio is a valuable resource that must be protected.



* Describe the uses you make of Amateur Radio, especially those with a
public service or emergency communication aspect.



* The present FCC Part 15 limits for this technology already can result
in substantial interference potential to amateur frequencies.



* BPL systems that radiate on wide swaths of spectrum and occupy entire
neighborhoods have greater interference potential than localized
systems, such as switching power supplies or electric motors.



* The FCC has promised to protect licensed users of the spectrum. We
must hold them to that promise.



For more information, see "Understanding the FCC's Broadband Over Power
Line (BPL) Notice of Inquiry"
< http://www.arrl.org/news/features/2003/06/19/2/>. An ARRL white paper,
"Calculated Impact of PLC on Stations Operating in the Amateur Radio
Service" < http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/HTML/plc/files/C63NovPLC.pdf>

provides technical details. The ARRL's Broadband Over Power Line
resource page contains links to worldwide studies and other resources.



The ARRL has initiated an important Spectrum Defense Fund campaign to
support activities to educate government officials on the potential
threat that BPL poses to Amateur Radio. To find out more, or to support
ARRL's efforts in this area, visit the ARRL's secure BPL Web site
< https://www.arrl.org/forms/development/donations/bpl/>



The complete NOI is available on the FCC Web site
< http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-03-100A1.doc>.



Comments are due on or before July 7, 2003. Reply comments are due on or
before August 6, 2003. Interested parties may submit electronically
filed comments via the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS)
< http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs/>. Under ECFS Main Links, click on "Submit
a Filing." In the "Proceeding" field, enter "03-104" and complete the
required field. Comments may be typed into a form or you may attach a
file containing your comments. Comments also may be submitted via
e-mail, per instructions on the ECFS page.

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ARRL Rocky Mountain Division
Director: Walton Stinson, W0CP
w0cp@arrl.org