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There is an interesting
twist to this. It has been proven that perfectly legal HF (don't know about
UHF/VHF) ham radio transmissions with as little as 25 watts will play havoc on
local BPL installations. One ham transmitting 100 watts on HF was able to
cripple, as in render useless, BPL for a several block radius. You might
be able to take out a small town with the 1500 watt legal limit. Not that
I would endorse or encourage such action, of course.
Seems like no environment
is safe these days if there's a buck to be made.
73,
Bruce
N7BWB
FCC approves broadband over power line rules
The US Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) has cleared the way for
power companies to
roll out broadband over power line service by
approving a set of rules
designed to limit interference to other radio
frequency devices.
The
FCC's action on broadband over power lines (BPL) requires
providers to
employ devices that can switch frequencies if they cause
interference and
that can be shut down remotely.
Commissioners also will require a
national database of BPL installations.
Commissioner Michael Copps
criticized other commissioners for not
dealing with issues, including 911
service, access for disabled people
and whether electricity customers
should subsidize BPL roll-outs in
these rules. But he also said he supports
the roll-out of BPL as a new
option for US consumers.
The FCC rules
establish so-called "excluded frequency bands" where BPL
cannot operate
because of potential interference with aircraft
receivers. The rules also
establish "exclusion zones" in locations
close to sensitive operations such
as Coast Guard or radio astronomy
stations.
BPL providers must also
consult with public safety agencies,
aeronautical stations and other
potentially affected government groups
before rolling out BPL.
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This is a grave threat to the BCB hobby (along with the illegal IBOC
system).
73, Eric (N0UIH)
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