[PVRCNC] BPL Press Release

[Brad Hedges]

Ms. Patterson,

I am writing to comment on the recent UPLC Press Release (http://www.uplc.org/?cbr_v=dcb&nt=true&cbr_eid=25276&p=admin&ct=contentbrowser) regarding BPL. While attempting to "set the record straight", I'm afraid the information as presented contains several flaws.

BPL has been tried by several other industrialized countries, including Austria and Japan - and been rejected. The laws of physics governing the transmission of information simply cannot be disregarded - powerlines are enormous antennae, and they radiate even weak signals very well.

During the recent BPL trials conducted in central North Carolina - my state of residence - many and varied were the occasions of overwhelming interference caused by the BPL system to licensed users of the radio spectrum. Yes, Amateur Radio (ham) operators. These "armchair amateurs" are in fact often on the cutting edge of technology, and have certainly advanced the electronic knowledge of this country and the world far more than any power company. I will not even discuss the intended slight regarding "transmitters using vacuum tubes". Such disdain is surely spiteful, and while it is true that there are more than a few amateurs who - by choice - use transmitters with tubes, it is, except in rare occasions, only as a nostalgia trip. Not dissimilar to those antique car buffs who, on weekends, drive the '55 Chevy they had when they were first married, for example.

I find the information "released" to be one more example by business to attempt to force their desires on an unaware public both distasteful and inaccurate.

Best personal regards,

Brad Hedges
Fayetteville, NC

Amateur Radio Operator Callsign: KØBHC