Technical Topics, November 2004
FCC Approves BPL Rules
On October 14, 2004 the FCC voted unanimously to issue rules to govern the deployment and operation of broadband power line (BPL) transmission systems. Even though those rules are as yet to be finalized and published, the FCC plunged ahead in their relentless campaign to see to it that BPL is given a firm nudge by the government in spite of many demonstrations that BPL technology will disrupt reception of shortwave broadcasting and amateur radio services.
The FCC said to their engineering folks that they trusted the final rules would provide a viable mechanism for resolving interference complaints from radio amateurs. Nothing was said about protecting the rights of citizens and visitors to access foreign broadcasts beamed to the USA.
We haven’t seen a railroad operation like this since the great golden spike was plunged into the sands of Utah a century and a half ago. The FCC cheerleaders were not deterred by over six thousand comments filed in opposition to the concept.
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