Access Broadband over Power Line Promoted by FCC

Last week the FCC upheld the rules for Access Broadband over Power Line, or Access BPL, systems. The guidelines maintain safeguards relating to the current radio services in existence.

Basically, regarding Access with Broadband over Power Line, if their is an interference deemed harmful, action will be taken.

In their Memorandum Opinion and Order they offer the following regarding Access BPL,

• ‘Affirms its rules regarding emission limits for BPL, including its determination that the reduction of emissions to 20 dB below the normal Part 15 emissions limits will constitute adequate interference protection for mobile operations
• Denies the request by the amateur radio community to prohibit BPL operations pending further study and to exclude BPL from frequencies used for amateur radio operations
• Denies the request by the television industry to exclude BPL from frequencies above 50 MHz
• Affirms the July 7, 2006 deadline for requiring certification for any equipment manufactured, imported or installed on BPL systems, with the proviso that uncertified equipment already in inventory can be used for replacing defective units or to supplement equipment on existing systems for one year within areas already in operation
• Affirms the requirement that information regarding BPL deployment must be provided in a public database at least 30 days prior to the deployment of that equipment
• Adopts changes regarding protection of radio astronomy stations by requiring a new exclusion zone and amending consultation requirements for these stations
• Adopts changes to provide for continuing protection for aeronautical stations that are relocated
• Denies the request by the aeronautical industry to exclude BPL operating on low-voltage lines from frequencies reserved for certain aeronautical operations
• Denies the request by the gas and petroleum industry to be considered as public-safety entities.’

The complete Memorandum Opinion and Order dealing with Access Broadband over Power Line can be obtained here.

This is a blow to the Amateur Radio operators opposing BPL. With areas like Texas scheduled to test Broadband over Power Line, and this affirmation by the FCC, the momentum is beginning to roll.