[Elecraft] Art Bell, BPL, and all of us

[George Maier]

With regard to N3BJ's comment...

SNIP- " Criticize Art all you want, but I don't see ANY coverage of the BPL
threat on the standard media, and you have to crawl before you walk." 

Just my opinion, but I doubt that the mainstream media will ever touch this
one, and it has precious little to do with the technical side of it.  The
FCC is giving broadcasters a hard time over a growing pile of issues, so the
level of broadcast criticism directed towards the FCC is very measured.  
Only if BPL can be proven to hamper AM/ FM/ and TV off air reception, and
gets into ancillary radio services like VHF/UHF two-way, will there be any
outcry.  Oh, did I mention the amateur radio weather nets that many
broadcasters monitor for local data.  


We should take every available opportunity to engage the Commission within
the bounds allowed by their own processes.  The two relevant dockets are
03-104, which is the original NOI, and 04-37, which is the current NPRM. The
ARRL is encouraging people to add comments on both. To read what others have
said, follow this URL:
http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/comsrch_v2.cgi

Then insert either docket number in the proceedings box, and click on
"retrive document list" 

If you wish to add your own comments, follow this link:
http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/upload_v2.cgi

Insert either docket number, and follow the directions. 

Also, it would seem that now is the time to barrage your local politicians
and congressional leaders with letters and emails warning them that BPL
could conceivably cost taxpayers millions of dollars in every state in the
union to relocate and or re-equip affected state and local government radio
services to less susceptible frequencies.  It's mot just a "ham" issue.

Sorry to get on the soap-box, but this is a hot button that we should all be
sensitive to. If you've never heard what BPL can do to HF - check out the
ARRL site and do a search on BPL.  They have audio and video clips galore.
It's a life changing experience. 

Vy 73 & thanks for the bandwidth,
George - K1GXT