The following is an URGENT plea to all shortwave radio listeners,
    ham radio operators and anyone that has an interest in the shortwave
radio spectrum.
BPL - Broadband Over Power Line is a new form of broadband internet
service being deployed by Electric Utilities around the world. BPL
uses the shortwave radio spectrum to deliver internet service over
their power lines to the home. In field trials thus far conducted
around the world, BPL causes severe interference to shortwave radio
reception. Japan and The Netherlands have concluded that BPL is too
great a threat to the shortwave radio spectrum and have banned its
deployment. The electric utilities deny that this service causes
interference to shortwave radio reception.
A typical scenario just to give you an idea of how much a threat BPL
is - Part 15 governs BPL deployment and Part 15 does not adequately
address our concerns for the prevention of interference. Part 15
states that the hard limit is 30uv/meter at 30 meters (98.4 feet).
According to W1RFI, this type of signal at 3.5 MHz will produce a S-
meter reading of S9 +16 when using a dipole antenna. Clearly, an
issue for most shortwave radio spectrum users that live close to
power lines in their neighborhood.
You must investigate the following links:
ARRL Power line Communications information page
http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/HTML/plc/
W1RFI's excellent technical presentation on BPL
http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/HTML/plc/BPL_Presentation.htm
Observe this threat for yourself and then file your comments on FCC
Notice of proposed rulemaking for Dockets 03-104 and 04-37. The
comment filing window is only 45 days and is already ticking away.
File your comments now.
Downloadable copy of FCC Notice of proposed rulemaking
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-04-29A1.doc
Please understand that your comments made on this NPRM must
demonstrate to the FCC that BPL must avoid using the shortwave radio
spectrum. It is very easy to file comments online.
Follow Broadband Over Power Line (BPL) - Docket 04-37
http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/ecfs/Upload/
Comments from individuals are needed to let the FCC understand there
are lots of shortwave enthusiasts out there who choose to listen to
HF broadcasts without interference from BPL.
Please forward this email message on to inform others of this
impending threat.
Stephanie WX3K
"BPL - Broadband Over Power Line, is a dire threat to the shortwave
radio spectrum. "