Internet over power lines a reality

TalkBack 1 of 8:: Next »

Thread View
Flat View

Internet over power line interferes with others: Internet over power lines, commonly called Broadband over Power Lines or BPL is one of those ideas that sounds really good if you say it fast. By its very nature it is likely to interfere with many nearby radio services in the 1.7 MHz to 80 MHz spectrum. Power lines are not designed to carry signals in that range. They are not shielded nor are they designed to prevent radiation. In nearly every community trial there has been interference with radio services.

The Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) has been following the development of BPL very closely. Radio amateurs have donated countless hours of their time to monitor radio interference and help with the testing of BPL. All too often the ARRL has been ignored because, after all, they are just amateurs. The power companies and the companies developing BPL have sometimes been less that truthful about the results of their tests.

Why should you be concerned about Amateur Radio in America? During hurricanes Katrina and Rita, amateur radio operators were on the job providing emergency communications for FEMA, the Red Cross, and other emergency responders. Amateur Radio works when nothing else does. When the cell towers are overloaded or down, when the new digital police and fire rescue radio networks are down, Amateur Radio still works. Thousands of amateur radio operators are on the scene with their own radios, batteries, generators, food and water giving up their vacation time to help as needed.

When not needed for emergencies they keep up their skills by providing communications for walk-a-thons, bike rides, parades and soccer tournaments. If interference from BPL destroys Amateur Radio in America it will be a great loss for us all.; Posted by: Allen_z Posted on: 10/07/05 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use