[NJARC] Broadband delivered over power lines

[njarc@mailman.qth.net]

In a message dated 2/27/04 12:38:36 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
amagoun@davidsarnoff.org writes:

> Does anyone have any hard data on interference, or is like those 
> audiophiles
> pushing monster cable without double-blind testing?
> 

Go to ARRL.ORG and see the voluminous, scientific testing they have performed 
to date. In addition the ARRL has commissioned a 3rd party lab report as 
well.

FYI there is no doubt of the fact of very substantial interference from these 
BPL systems - the FCC record is replete with replies and comments from 
various government, private and commericial entities and the most fervent proponents 
of BPL do not deny the interference -- they just believe if can be dealt with 
in some way which they don't specify.  In Europe BPL has been deployed and 
with the same specifically negative impact on short wave radio operation - 
whether military or amateur.

Finally, FCC is prepared to allow it but only under Part 15 rules which will 
require the operator to cease and desist if any interference is manifested. 
That amounts to a several commericial restriction for the operators who would 
risk considerable capital investment in a business enterprise which could be 
taken on in one fell administrative and regulatory swoop.  Hence the reason the 
Utils are asking FCC for less restrictive rules.

The only advantage BPL could have would be to provide broadband access in 
rural areas, however, without FCC Part 15 control, the costs would be cheap 
enough to launch a service in suburban areas and any money which comes in becomes th
e proverbial "gravy".  There is no economic or functional case for BPL other 
than rural areas and given the low subscriber density in those areas my 
guessis the Utils will abandon BPL unless they can cream skim fromt he higher 
suburban subscriber bases and are immune from virtually wasting the short wave 
spectrum in those areas for any other uses..  

Capitalism and corporate enterprise at it's cynical worst.


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