[Lowfer] Broadband over Power Line (BPL); Filing Comments to FCC

[WA2BPE]

BPL is proposed to run (I believe) from 2 to 85 MHz and while not a threat to LF operation, it could be bad for MF through the lower TV channels and weak signal operation on six meters (my favorite band) could be disastrous.  What amazes me is that the power companies have been convinced this can work.  Right now, I am listening to an intermittent S9+20 power line
noise source.  Now add on the (generally) rotten maintenance and that altogether common problem cannot be conducive to broadband digital signals.  Add to this what other countries (e.g., Japan) have found and it is inconceivable and arrogant that the FCC is pursuing this.  Then again, the real issue is big-time $, not Physics!  The FCC's recent attitudes all seem to be
oriented this way; why confuse things with facts when one's mind is already made up.  This was seen in the past with the 220-222 MHz debacle where it was taken from the HAMs despite unproven technology and failed miserably.  Was the segment returned?  You gotta be kidding!!

Just recently, Verizon, SBC Comm., and Bellsouth agreed on standards for local broadband fiber optic systems (aka fiber to the home).  Ultimately, this is the way to go - zero EMI in and out of the distribution system; the only "problems" might be at the optical to electrical interfaces - if they aren't built right.  These would be localized, however.  Satellite folks
won't be happy, but, sorry, satellite is way too $$$ and prone to other problems.  Perhaps the telcos noticed this BPL approach and suddenly decided to get off their duffs else their ox be gored and do something. Much of the technology has been available for some time but they (obviously) want to squeeze out max return form the existing (local line) infrastructure
despite it falling apart - the old ATT life span design was for 40 years; not so any more.  There may be complaints from cable folks too as fiber could compete with them.  Some 80%+ of the US population has cable access but it is a skewed statistic.  Plot it on a map and you will see that it is urban/suburban centered.  There are huge parts of the country that don't
and never will have cable - but a telly line runs to most!

Sorry for the monologue; just irritated and frustrated.

73,

Tom - WA2BPE


Tim Brannon wrote:

> Tonight I was forwarded a post on QRZ.com about filing your comments regarding Broadband over Powerline.  In an effort to encourage everyone here to add your comments, I thought I'd share the comments I filed tonight:
>
>   "This proposal poses a grave threat to all of us who use HF radio communications, including government and public safety users. In 2003, there are multiple options for providing broadband Internet access to the vast majority of potential users with better reliability and much higher data rates than what BPL can offer. Launching BPL is a totally un-necessary risk.
>     Also, the FCC recently rejected a petition for an amateur allocation at 136 kHz on the basis that operation would risk interference to the electric utility companies relying on Power Line Communications (PLCs) for power grid-control signaling. Proceding with BPL totally contradicts this recent ruling."
>
> Hopefully I'm not just degrading the signal to "noise" ratio on this at the FCC, but I wanted to contribute something. This sounds just as ominous for us at LF as well.
>
> The link to the FCC Electronic filing system is http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs/ecfs_alt.html
>
> The original post on QRZ.com is http://www.qrz.com/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST&f=3&t=36781
>
> 73,
> Tim Brannon
> KF5CQ
>
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