EU looking for comments on PLC (BPL)

[ei6iz]

EU looking for comments on PLC 10 days to respond act today

The EU is looking to give the PLC industry a blank cheque to pollute the shortwave with emissions from their broken legacy technology. We must respond and submit comments before October 1st.


Check here;

http://europa.eu.int/informa...._en.htm (http://europa.eu.int/information_society/topics/telecoms/regulatory/publiconsult/powerline_communications/text_en.htm)

and
http://europa.eu.int/informa...._32.pdf (http://europa.eu.int/information_society/topics/telecoms/regulatory/publiconsult/powerline_communications/documents/cocom03_32.pdf)



Notes for making a submission;

With respect (be polite NO FLAMES), you wish to point out that PLC has experienced many problems and no technical data has been presented that the PLC problems are resolved and the threats from PLC are very significant.

Introduce yourself, if you have a particular expertise tell them.

Key is to support Broadband and offer positive alternatives such as Wireless. Focus on all users of the shortwave, particularly where they have no alternative. It is easy for the PLC industry to dismiss hams but it's a bit more difficult when it comes to aeronautical radio and safety of life communications.

Applaud and support the implementation of the Broadband imitative, point out that Broadband can be delivered by many diverse means including DSL, Cable, Wireless, Satellite etc. WiMax in particular can make a significant contribution to Wireless Broadband.
http://www.wimaxforum.org

Intel has pledged to enhance WLAN standards and the technologies they encompass to such an extent that copper cabling can be eliminated as a network medium.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/69/32917.html

The shortwave spectrum is used for many diverse applications including Broadcasting, Aeronautical, Radio Astronomy, Security,Amateur Radio, most of which will have no alternative if PLC is permitted to create interference. In addition the shortwave is used for point to point links in other countries in particular the Third World and widespread use of PLC could disrupt these communications.

Interference from PLC is very difficult to trace, when a licensed radio service causes a problem it can be quickly identified and the issue addressed. In the USA a division of the FAA reported that it had to cease operations on one aeronautical band at one of its facilities due to interference from PLC products and the FCC was unable to resolve the issue.

http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod....4683399 (http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/retrieve.cgi?native_or_pdf=pdf&id_document=6514683399)

PLC systems can suffer interference from licensed radio services and strong local radio signals could also result in intermodulation signals that could cause interference to FM radio and VHF aircraft frequencies.

Japan has very extensive and inexpensive Broadband rollout and has banned PLC due to interference concerns.

Cite from the BBC reports here;
http://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/pubs/whp/whp063.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/pubs/whp/whp-pdf-files/WHP055.pdf
http://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/pubs/whp/whp012.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/pubs/whp/whp013.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/pubs/whp/whp004.html

Radiocommunications agency

http://www.npl.co.uk/electro....son.pdf (http://www.npl.co.uk/electromagnetic/rfmff/tech-transfer/freemet/meeting_4/trevor_clarkson.pdf)

Slide 15 shows a 30 db increase in the noise level due to PLC.

Good information from the ARRL here;
http://www.arrl.org/~ehare/bpl/hyperlinks.html

PLC interference complaints are listed here;
http://www.darc.de/referate/ausland/iaru/eurocom/euronews0103.pdf

Key that as many individual different submissions are made, focus on a particular issue, make it your personal call for the shortwave the commons of the radio world be preserved. Also You may like to contact your MEP and raise the issue.

Please forward this to anyone who can help, in particular other European countries.

[W9WHE]

Contact the ARRL. Ask for a copy of Ed Hare's BPL (PLC) video showing high levels of interference. Submit a copy and ask...:if this is what the regulators are prepared to deal with.

[K2WH]

Ya know, this BPL stuff is getting really scary. I filed comments with FCC along with thousands of other hams and other communication organizations.

However, just type in "Broadband over Power Lines" in a Google search and see what we are up against. There are literally 10's if not hundreds of big money supporters for this BPL stuff and the FCC chairman (a total politician), is considering modifying the rules to allow it! What an idiot.

Like I said, scary stuff.

K2WH

[kb0ixm]

This is Amatuer Radio's biggest threat and yet many hams seem to be oblivious to the problem. The bottom line is the money is going to be what makes this happen, the money the power companies are going to make and the backroom deals that politicians are famous for making. Politics and money two bedfellows that could mean the end of Amatuer Radio as we know it. I hate to see the day when this comes to pass but I think the sunset for HF is coming soon unless some common sense in Washington takes over and common sense and Washington are not bedfellows but complete strangers. I hope I'm wrong about this but I don't think so, I've already sold some HF gear, why have it if all its going to be is a talking piece (and I'm not talking about on the air) or just another boat anchor. Hey if anyone can tell me why I am wrong please step up, I'd like to see some good news on this but like another previous post said, just type in the bpl on any search engine and then tell me I'm wrong! What a shame it will be if it does happen though. Here's one time I really hope I'm wrong!!! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

[K0ZZE]

THIS IS SCARY STUFF INDEED. HOW DO WE STOP THEM WHEN WE ARE THE FEW AND THE CONSUMER THAT REALY DOESNT GIVE A RATT'S BUTT IS THE MANY WITH LOTS OF BULGEING POCKETS? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (kb0ixm @ Sep. 22 2003,16:36)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">...but I think the sunset for HF is coming soon unless some common sense in Washington takes over and common sense...[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
In another thread about code vs. no-code, I joked about us amateurs deserving BPL.

Here is the big picture.

Commercial, government, and military radio are moving up frequency using digital technology with repeaters and satellites. They still have some back-up presence on HF but in most cases it is secondary.

Many in the amateur community ostricize anyone not using HF. Then when they want HF priviledges, we put up the morse code barrier to keep them out. This in spite of the fact the every other radio service has abandoned code. We take the "high ground" that CW will get through when nothing else will. If even this were true, no one can come up with an emergency case in the last many decades in which code was the only way to get the message.

Now for the other side.

The Internet is becoming an indespesible part of our daily life. We get our news from it. We communicate through it. We check our finances and pay our bills through it. We make purchasing decisions and then consumate the order through it. Etc. I am just touching the tip of the iceberg.

No wonder, most commercial enities are willing to sacrifice HF for broadband.

Hope it never happens but if it does, we are partially to blame for living in the past and not expanding our licensed base.

,

[WD8OQX]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

Did any of you read Dilbert when they were trying to set up broadband on the sewer system? This makes about as much sense.

And it smells about the same! #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif


WD8OQX

(www.dilbert.com - look in past strips - 9/8, 9/9)

[n0klu]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (ac33ac @ Sep. 22 2003,19:51)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">................snip....snip............

No wonder, most commercial enities are willing to sacrifice HF for broadband.

Hope it never happens but if it does, we are partially to blame for living in the past and not expanding our licensed base.

,[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Very Good, My thoughts exactly.

I know I'm not very popular here on the QRZ. But I speak my mind without flinching. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

Anyway I agree with your assessment about BPL.

[K2WH]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (ac33ac @ Sep. 21 2003,18:51)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (kb0ixm @ Sep. 22 2003,16:36)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">...but I think the sunset for HF is coming soon unless some common sense in Washington takes over and common sense...[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
In another thread about code vs. no-code, I joked about us amateurs deserving BPL.

Here is the big picture.

Commercial, government, and military radio are moving up frequency using digital technology with repeaters and satellites. They still have some back-up presence on HF but in most cases it is secondary.

Many in the amateur community ostricize anyone not using HF. Then when they want HF priviledges, we put up the morse code barrier to keep them out. This in spite of the fact the every other radio service has abandoned code. We take the "high ground" that CW will get through when nothing else will. If even this were true, no one can come up with an emergency case in the last many decades in which code was the only way to get the message.

Now for the other side.

The Internet is becoming an indespesible part of our daily life. We get our news from it. We communicate through it. We check our finances and pay our bills through it. We make purchasing decisions and then consumate the order through it. Etc. I am just touching the tip of the iceberg.

No wonder, most commercial enities are willing to sacrifice HF for broadband.

Hope it never happens but if it does, we are partially to blame for living in the past and not expanding our licensed base.

,[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
I don't think ham radio is living in the past. We are actively practicing communications using physics as it is known to work but without wires and without the speed that everyone covets.

Ham radio is a living entity now, this day and in the future. Ham radio will always be here as long as the bug is alive in someone or some group.

And another thing, this myth use it or lose it is really getting tired. I don't think the powers that be are watching to see if ham radio operators fall below a certain level and then jump in to take frequencies.

I don't think it as cut and dry as that. Theres a lot more involved in these decisions to take frequencies then simple activity levels.

K2WH

[k7fd]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (ac33ac @ Sep. 22 2003,17:51)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">The Internet is becoming an indespesible part of our daily life. We get our news from it. We communicate through it. We check our finances and pay our bills through it. We make purchasing decisions and then consumate the order through it. Etc. I am just touching the tip of the iceberg.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Yes, we are indeed becoming very dependent upon something that is very fragile. And when this wired wonder starts to unravel, it makes you wonder who they're gonna call - ghostbusters?

Hams have served the country time and time again. For that, it appears we're going to get crapped on. No one's looking at our numbers, track record, or years of service. We do NOT have ourselves to blame; we have big money, greed, and attorney's to blame.

73 John K7FD

[k7fd]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (ac33ac @ Sep. 22 2003,17:51)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Many in the amateur community ostricize anyone not using HF. Then when they want HF priviledges, we put up the morse code barrier to keep them out.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
A barrier? I always looked at it as a bridge! Gee, you mean all I have to do is learn cw and earn my way to HF? WOWEE!! Let me at it! What an opportunity the code is for someone willing to put in minimum effort...

73 John K7FD

[N1OL]

If the time and effort spent debating the CW issue was focused on protecting our hobby from greed and theft. We would have no cause for concern.

Think it is time to put aside the CW debate until BPL means Brass Pounders League again and the Utility companies are 100% focused on keeping the lights on.

73s

David

[AC7KH]

We should all be very concerned with the BPL issue in Europe. European governments are very well known for taking action without talking to their citizens because they "know what is best." An example of this is that only the UK, Norway and Sweden have allowed their citizens to vote on the acceptance of the Euro, the rest of Europe forced it upon their citizens. A appropiate place to express our concerns may lie with the IATU and the UN

Robert
ON9CKH/AC7KH

BPL is serious business folks! I live in a city where the power company PSE&G (a big monoply btw) refuses to admit they even know what BPL is!!
80-10 meters has a constant noise level in excess of s9
and at times exceeds 30 over. I have an inverted vee and am 150 feet from the power lines. Friends of mine have beams, quads, etc. on top of high rises and they get it even worse.
This crap has made hf completely unusable for me except sometimes in the middle of the night when it goes off. Bottom line is the utilities have a much bigger lobby and more money than ALL the hams put together will ever think of having!! Another thing..you folks with underground electric lines will get it too because it will be fed into your homes like it or not.
I see some dimwits trying to turn THIS thread into a code/no code issue already...enough!! If BPL becomes a full blown reality it won't matter what test you take or what mode you operate on HF...they all will become useless and by hook or crook all of us will have only no code tech privileges and internet/telephones to play with.
I wonder if hams run high power on HF if it will cause some sort of interferene to the BPL?...just a thought.
Get on the band wagon and write, call, emai, snail mail who ever you can to stop this NOW!!!!

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (JUSTAHAM @ Sep. 23 2003,03:12)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I see some dimwits trying to turn THIS thread into a code/no code issue already...enough!! #If BPL becomes a full blown reality it won't matter what test you take or what mode you operate on HF...they all will become useless and by hook or crook all of us will have only no code tech privileges and internet/telephones to play with.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Thats my whole point.

We are dividing ourselves into two groups and fighting about an issue without substance while (mostly) ignoring the outside threat.

BPL will bury us; most of the population could care less; and we are partly to blame.

BTW
There was a time when amateur radio led other radio services. Today we are nothing but followers who refuse to take the lead from the other services.

[n8ary]

I saw some BPL Modems on clearance at Radio Shack a few weeks back. That was scary.

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif0--></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (K2WH @ Sep. 22 2003,16http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif0)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">just type in "Broadband over Power Lines" in a Google search and see what we are up against.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
I took your advice and did a search. What was scary to me was that their wasn't a single story (except Ham links) that mentioned that there might be a problem with HF interference. In fact there was no mention of any kind of interference problems.

Most of the stories focused on cost, feasibility, and regulatory concerns. Interesting enough was that the only regulatory concerns were BPL impact on other broadband carriers.

Scary stuff indeed!

I am not so convinced that BPL will "wipe out" everything and everyone... While I would rather not see it implimented, and I do see some interference happening with it, particularly in the big cities, I believe HF will still operate... Granted there will be many who will not be able to operate HF at all, but there will also be many who will not be affected (or affected very little)... I also believe it will only be a matter of time before someone develops a filter for BPL....

On another note: The more BPL interferes with HF comms, the more radio services will abandon HF leaving that much more spectrum for us hams to go after... It's a double edged sword....

[aa1mn]

K7FD,

John, maybe I misunderstood your post but for the life of me I can not see why you refer to the Internet as being "very fragile" or becoming "unraveled".

It is the internet and not amateur radio that you were refering to isn't it when making those comments?

If so, could you please justify why the internet is "fragile" and how it will "unravel"?

If anything, wouldn't it be more likely, what with all the bickering between hams and, in addition, with all the advantages that the Internet has over amateur radio -- not needing a license, ease of world wide communications, and so on -- wouldn't it seem that it would be amateur radio that would crumble first?

c u on the web,

AA1MN

[k7fd]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (aa1mn @ Sep. 23 2003,17:48)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">John, maybe I misunderstood your post but for the life of me I can not see why you refer to the Internet as being "very fragile" or becoming "unraveled".[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
The fragile internet is in the news just about everyday!

Our own Homeland Security is justifiably concerned about attacks on the internet...a massive interruption would isolate 'the way we do business' in a jiffy. To think the internet's not fragile is to be wearing blinders!

What's the backup plan when a room full of fiber and copper turns into spaghetti? Think any terrorists might make a key installation a target? Even a lowly worm can bring a vital network to its knees...

Squabbling Amateurs can still rise to the occasion quickly; a pile of twisted wires and black boxes cannot.

73 John K7FD

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (NJ1K @ Sep. 23 2003,13:41)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I am not so convinced that BPL will "wipe out" everything and everyone... While I would rather not see it implimented, and I do see some interference happening with it, particularly in the big cities, I believe HF will still operate... Granted there will be many who will not be able to operate HF at all, but there will also be many who will not be affected (or affected very little)... I also believe it will only be a matter of time before someone develops a filter for BPL....

On another note: The more BPL interferes with HF comms, the more radio services will abandon HF leaving that much more spectrum for us hams to go after... It's a double edged sword....[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Nice to see NO INTEREST in this thread...not. Nineteen posts in 3 days..that shows how uninformed people are. Until 3 months ago I didn't even know what BPL/PLC was. It is 0510 local time here and I am on 30 meters...
half an hour ago the noise level was s0..now it is s9 as of 0500 when the bpl came back on for the day for their "testing".
This will affect EVERY home in every country where the technology is deployed. So, just because one lives in the boonies they will be affected as well. This is not just a big city thing it is UNIVERSAL. The phone companies. cable tv companies, data transfer companies love the idea because they will no longer have the massive expense to install their plants or repair them.(plants being the cables, wires and electronic infrastructures used to deliver the various services) The power companies in return will "rent" space to these providers on their plants and charge them for it and pass it on to the consumers who use them.
They could care less about a very small minority, HAMS, who will be inconvienced by the interference. We now are dealing with the mucho moola lobby boys from the power companies, ma bell, internet providers, etc. The 50 grand or so that ARRL has collected for the "defense" fund wouldn't pay the bill for even a half baked lawyer for a week.
No filter could be designed to stop it either. Even a very small signal on a millions of miles of wire will radiate and don't forget....it will propagate too.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

[aa1mn]

K7FD,

John, one important point is being overlooked when making statements that the Internet is doomed to fall apart and that amateurs will rise to the occassion.

The Internet has been operating quite effectively going on three decades now and has faced the worst and survived -- indeed thrived -- in the face of adversity.

Yet the amateur community has little to its credit for overcoming emergency situations ... yes, hams have assisted in such affairs but for the most part it is the emergency officials who have the training and resources that have provided the requisite aid.

Then again, John, keep in mind those men in the white jackets are your friend, they're not there to hurt you ...

AA1MN

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif YUK YUK

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (k7fd @ Sep. 23 2003,21:10)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (aa1mn @ Sep. 23 2003,17:48)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">John, maybe I misunderstood your post but for the life of me I can not see why you refer to the Internet as being "very fragile" or becoming "unraveled".[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
The fragile internet is in the news just about everyday!

Our own Homeland Security is justifiably concerned about attacks on the internet...a massive interruption would isolate 'the way we do business' in a jiffy. To think the internet's not fragile is to be wearing blinders!

What's the backup plan when a room full of fiber and copper turns into spaghetti? Think any terrorists might make a key installation a target? Even a lowly worm can bring a vital network to its knees...

Squabbling Amateurs can still rise to the occasion quickly; a pile of twisted wires and black boxes cannot.

73 John K7FD[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
So, what good if HF ham radio if you can't hear anything?? Better get used to ECHOLINK and all the other "wired services" unless you want to talk to the vhf cb'ers in your neighborhood all the time! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (JUSTAHAM @ Sep. 24 2003,02:29)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">It is 0510 local time here and I am on 30 meters...
half an hour ago the noise level was s0..now it is s9 as of 0500 when the bpl came back on for the day for their "testing".
This will affect EVERY home in every country where the technology is deployed. #So, just because one lives in the boonies they will be affected as well.
[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Yep, we're done. #Not only does that small amount of RF affect local antennas it also will propagate around the world to countries that don't even have modern means to deliver electricity.

I was going to buy a nice new shiny Kenwood TS-2000 and QROTec HF-2500DX but not now. #Why bother when it will wind up being completely useless? #Lots of good equipment will be for sale cheap in a year or two but too bad it will be worthless after BPL is kicked in.

Too bad for the people and companies whose business is the design, manufacture and/or sale of equipment for use by Amateurs. #They're out of business and don't know it.

[k7fd]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (aa1mn @ Sep. 24 2003,06:38)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Then again, John, keep in mind those men in the white jackets are your friend, they're not there to hurt you ...

AA1MN[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
...you're a real comedian #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Seriously, if you're comparing today's dependence on the internet to years ago, you're a bit out of touch ol' chap!

Since we're somewhat OT from the original posted article, I'll keep it short and then bow out of here. Do bring yourself up to date by reading QST, CQ, etc; you'll find it well documented that Amateurs continue to be first responders during large scale emergencies. Most 'officials' praise hams efforts in those initial hours...

To sum it up, you're barking up the wrong tree and quite misinformed.

73 John K7FD

[aa1mn]

John, you're just jealous 'cause the voices in my head only talk to me.

Yes, amatuers may respond and assist in emergencies, which is commendable, but the last reported instance of hams actually resolving such emergencies in lieu of the athorities was, well, never -- it's a matter of amateurs attempting to justify running around playing hero when, in reality, at most we may assist but more often get in the way of those better qualified and better trained to handle crisises better than most hams are.

That said, I'll just keep barking up the wrong tree and remain uniformed ... all the while having a much more "informed" access to the web than the amateur airwaves will ever be capable of doing.

AA1MN

[B][I]SO MUCH FOR BPL...GUESS EVERYBODY THINKS IT STILL STANDS FOR BRASS POUNDERS LEAGUE.

[n0axk]

You should check out the crazy comments that FCC commissioner Abernathy made recently,declaring that BPL is a step towards "Broadband Nirvana". I don't know,but I think Abernathy was either drunk or doing many lines of cocaine to make such assenine statements!I guess she would rather sell out to the big companies and let those bastards ruin the HF spectrum instead of doing what she is supposed to do, protect the radio spectrum for all licensed users. I am not against technological advances,but I believe in "doing no harm" in the process. I guess this dingbat Abernathy is just another dumb "soccer mom", I think she should be FIRED.O.B.T.W. you can read her speech on www.arrl.com or the FCC webpage.

[k4kyv]

Addressing the United Powerline Council's annual conference September 22 in Arlington, Virginia, FCC Commissioner Kathleen Q. Abernathy expressed unabashed enthusiasm for BPL and recommended a combination of regulatory restraint and the elimination or substantial modification of existing rules as steps along the "path to Enlightenment." Here is the complete text, form the FCC Digest of 22SE03:

Reaching Broadband Nirvana
United PowerLine Council Annual Conference Remarks of Commissioner
Kathleen Q. Abernathy
September 22, 2003 (As prepared for delivery)


Thank you very much for inviting me to speak with you. I am very
excited about broadband-over-powerline technology. I
have seen it in action, and I believe it has a very bright future. It
is a real honor to be your keynote speaker at this
important juncture for BPL.

As a regulator, I am keenly interested in BPL technology for a number
of reasons. One of my central objectives as an FCC commissioner is to
facilitate the deployment of broadband services to all Americans. I
also fundamentally believe that the FCC can best promote consumer
welfare by relying on market forces, rather than heavy-handed
regulation. The development of BPL networks will serve both of these
key goals. It will not only bring broadband to previously unserved
communities, but the introduction of a new broadband pipeline into the
home will foster the kind of competitive marketplace that will
eventually enable the Commission to let go of the regulatory reins. I
want consumers to have a choice of multiple, facilities-based
providers, including not only cable and DSL, but also powerline,
wireless, and satellite services. Such a robustly competitive and
diversified marketplace is something I would call broadband Nirvana.
We will not get there overnight, but the continuing development of BPL
technology is a major step forward.

While the long-term objective is a robustly competitive marketplace
that is free of regulatory distortions, a more immediate question is:
What should the FCC do to help foster such an environment? Sticking
with my Nirvana metaphor, I guess the question would be, what is the
path to enlightenment?

I believe the answer, in short, is regulatory restraint. It is
tempting for regulators to take every new technology or service that
comes along and apply the same rules that govern incumbent services.
After all, regulatory parity and a level playing field are
intuitively appealing concepts. But I believe that it would be a huge
mistake to carry forward legacy regulations whenever new technology
platforms are established. Many of our regulations are premised on
the absence of competition, and when that rationale is eroded, we
must not reflexively hold on to regulations that no longer serve
their intended purpose. In fact, many of our old rules not only become
unnecessary as markets evolve, but they can be fatal to new services
that need room to breathe.

The Nascent Services Doctrine applying more stringent regulations to
wireline providers at a minimum must be reconsidered. As other
platforms, including BPL and wireless, become more widely available,
that will further undermine the justification for regulating
incumbent LECs broadband services as if they were the only available
offerings. When the Commission completes this rulemaking, I expect
that we will eliminate many existing rules and substantially modify
others; the central question is the degree of regulation that will
remain during the transition to a more robustly competitive market.

Finally, it is important to recognize that although the emergence of
new platforms like BPL will eliminate the need for many
competition-related regulations, other types of regulation may well
remain necessary. For example, the FCC must implement public policy
goals unrelated to competition, or even at odds with competition.
Universal service and access for persons with disabilities are
examples of this kind of regulation. These public policy goals
generally should be applied to all service providers, to the extent
permitted by the Communications Act. The FCC also must intervene to
prevent competitors from imposing externalities on one another and to
protect consumers where market failures are identified. Although, as
I have noted, the Commission was right to refrain from imposing
heavy-handed price and service-quality regulations on PCS services
when the were introduced, it was also right to adopt strict
interference rules to prevent competitors from externalizing their
costs. The same principle will apply to BPL. They key point is that,
while some degree of regulation is both inevitable and desirable, we
should ensure that it is narrowly tailored to the particular
governmental interests at stake. I appreciate the opportunity to
share these thoughts with you, and I would be happy to answer a few
questions if we have time.


YOU CAN EMAIL MISS ABERNATHY AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS AND I URGE EVERYONE TO DO SO.

kabernat@fcc.gov

-Don K4KYV

Just another government drone getting her pockets, and probably other things yukyuk, lined by the big money lobby folks. Wish they would pump some BPL into Hollingsworths' neighborhood while he's on 75 meter AM! [B]

[k7fd]

FCC works in mysterious ways:

http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/ticker....US:ABTG (http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/ticker/article.asp?Feed=BW&Date=20030923&ID=2889747&Symbol=US:ABTG)

Sounds like BPL is soon to become a household word!

73 John K7FD

Hell, that testing in Chile sounds good to me. I thought down there they were like us in the N.E. where the power companies have trouble with the PPL scheme at times![B]