[Lowfer] UTC: PLC Amateur Radio Application - APPROVED

[John Andrews]

Mark,

The applicable regulation is from 97.303(g):

"(g) In the 2200 m and 630 m bands:

(1) Amateur stations in the 135.7-137.8 kHz (2200 m) and 472-479 kHz 
(630 m) bands shall only operate at fixed locations. Amateur stations 
shall not operate within a horizontal distance of one kilometer from a 
transmission line that conducts a power line carrier (PLC) signal in the 
135.7-137.8 kHz or 472-479 kHz bands. Horizontal distance is measured 
from the station's antenna to the closest point on the transmission line.

(2) Prior to commencement of operations in the 135.7-137.8 kHz (2200 m) 
and/or 472-479 kHz (630 m) bands, amateur operators shall notify the 
Utilities Telecom Council (UTC) of their intent to operate by submitting 
their call signs, intended band or bands of operation, and the 
coordinates of their antenna's fixed location. Amateur stations will be 
permitted to commence operations after the 30-day period unless UTC 
notifies the station that its fixed location is located within one 
kilometer of PLC systems operating in the same or overlapping frequencies."

It would seem to me that the UTC could have worded it better, but I 
guess "deny" is what effectively happens when they inform you that you 
are within 1 km of a PLC system in that frequency range. But they 
certainly aren't able to "permit" or "approve" anything. I do worry that 
over time they will be taking something upon themselves that was not 
originally intended by the FCC.

But unless they specifically "deny" operation on one of the things you 
applied for, you are clear to go after 30 days. It would seem to me if 
they undertake to "approve" a band at your QTH, it doesn't mean that you 
have to ask about the other one you applied for. Silence is OK.

In my case, they "denied" both bands, but encouraged me to re-submit for 
630m. I think that's equivalent to saying, "we don't want you to have 
any idea where these PLC frequencies are." I'm playing nicely with them 
at this point, and have re-applied separately for 630m.

My guess is that they are working through these submissions on the basis 
of distance from any PLC-carrying power line. Then they look at the PLC 
frequencies. It may be that internally they decided to "approve" 
submissions that were within the 1km distance of a PLC operation, but 
where the frequencies did not overlap. Dunno.

John, W1TAG

On 10/18/2017 10:45 AM, lmlangenfeld wrote:
> John:
> Interesting that an objection is framed as a "denial." Not sure the UTC has standing to do anything more than object, but I need to revisit the new rules for clarity (if, indeed, there is any to be found there). I don't recall any provision for an appeal mechanism either, but it sure seems to me that you -- if anybody -- have grounds for one.
> 73 es GL,
> Mark -- WA9ETW
> 
> 
> Sent from my U.S. Cellular® Smartphone
> -------- Original message --------From: John Andrews <w1tag at charter.net> Date: 10/18/17  9:03 AM  (GMT-06:00) To: lowfer at mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Lowfer] UTC: PLC Amateur Radio Application - APPROVED
> David,
> 
> No objection in 30 days - you are clear to go. Why they are bothering
> with issuing "approvals" is beyond me. Perhaps they are trying to stake
> out some turf that wasn't established by the FCC. In any case, the OK =
> nothing in 30 days is still the regulation.
> 
> John, W1TAG
> 
> On 10/18/2017 8:22 AM, David Stinson wrote:
>> I was told that we register and if we didn't hear
>> back
>> in 30 days, we could go forward.  I registered on
>> the
>> first day and have heard nothing.  What's the
>> "real" situation?
>>
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