FCC invites comments on BPL database manager proposal
The FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) is seeking comments on a proposal by the United
Telecom Council (UTC) to serve as the Access Broadband over Power Line (BPL) database manager.
When the FCC adopted new Part 15 October 14, 2004, in a Report and Order in ET Docket 04-37, it
included a requirement to provide a centralized publicly accessible BPL database. Comments are due by
June 27. Reply comments are due by July 5. According to an FCC, the BPL database manager must
maintain complete, accurate and timely records of FCC-mandated information that Access BPL operators
must provide. The database should include the name of the Access BPL provider, frequencies of operation,
the postal ZIP codes the BPL operation serves, equipment manufacturer and type, a point of contact for
interference inquiries and resolution, and the proposed or actual date of Access BPL operation. The BPL
database manager must provide the National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA), the
Commission and any member of the public access to the database free of charge at all times.
Acknowledging that BPL technology "raises concerns of potential interference with incumbent users of the
spectrum, and heightens the need for agile and timely interference mitigation techniques," the FCC
stipulated establishment of the national BPL database. UTC told the FCC on May 17 that it has designed
and implemented a database that will enable Access BPL operators to comply with the notification
requirements of the new Part 15 BPL rules, the FCC said. Comments may be filed using the FCC's
Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS), and all comments will be available for public inspection.--FCC
Hams Encouraged by NEW Motorola BPL Technology
ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio, announced today that "The ARRL is pleased to hear Motorola's announcement of its Powerline LV system. This is the first Access Broadband over Power Line (BPL) system that has been designed from the start with radio interference concerns in mind."
Motorola's Powerline LV system avoids using the medium-voltage (MV) power lines and introduces broadband signals only on the low-voltage (LV) side of the power transformer. This greatly reduces the potential for interference to and from radio users, especially radio amateurs. ARRL Chief Executive Officer David Sumner commented, "We know that medium-voltage (MV) power lines are no place for broadband energy, since there is overwhelming technical evidence that radio interference from BPL is unavoidable if MV lines are used. By confining their Access BPL system to LV lines and by adding hardware notch filters for additional protection to amateur radio frequency allocations, Motorola has addressed our interference concerns."
While sometimes pictured by BPL proponents as opposing all BPL implementation, the ARRL has always maintained that radio amateur "hams" are not interested in blocking new technology but are justifiably concerned about pollution of the radio spectrum. Significant interference has been documented at numerous sites where other BPL systems are being tested, and other BPL developers have been unwilling to share information about their systems. By contrast, Motorola invited ARRL's suggestions and welcomed its input during product development.
Sumner concluded, "We look forward to seeing the first Powerline LV system in operation, and to continuing to work with Motorola to ensure that their new product is indeed the first BPL system that is a solution, not a problem."
There are approximately 670,000 Amateur Radio operators in the United States. Many other countries are watching events unfold in the US as they plan their own BPL systems. There are approximately 2.5 million Amateur Radio operators around the world. If the new Motorola system lives up to its initial promise in actual deployment, this new "shortwave-friendly" system will have many advocates.
ARRL to Sponsor Affinity Credit Card
The League unveiled its new ARRL VisaŽ Card--an affinity credit card with U.S. Bank--this week at Dayton Hamvention, which is playing host to the ARRL 2005 National Convention. U.S. Bank personnel will be on
hand for the launch, Friday, May 20, at the ARRL EXPO 2005 exhibit area with applications for radio
amateurs attending the convention who want to be among the first to apply. The no-annual-fee card is
available to ARRL members and nonmembers.
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