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FCC Acts on BPL Pollution
Warns Manassas deployment it may be shut down

For some time now, hams have been complaining about a broadband over powerline deployment in Manassas, Virginia, that locals say has been poorly implemented and pollutes the local radio spectrum. Comtek, the company that deployed the technology, decided to take aggressive PR measures against the hams instead of resolving the problems. Comtek insisted the hams were engaged in a "campaign to turn back the clock on broadband in the United States," and, despite repeated evidence to the contrary, stated all interference concerns were resolved.

The FCC apparently doesn't agree.

David95037 writes in: "The FCC has written to the operator of the Manassas BPL System giving them 20 days to fix the pollution. In addition, the FCC has asked Manassas “the specific steps you will take to inform customers of a cessation of service in the event you are directed to cease operations, either in part or system-wide." More information is available here at the ARRL website.

Most recommended from 85 comments



Fatal Vector
join:2005-11-26

4 recommendations

Fatal Vector

Member

Ahem...



Federal law, in the form of FCC regulations, make "ham" radio (otherwise known as the "Amateur Radio Service) a Primary radio service on most of the frequencies that "hams" are licensed to operate on.

A BPL installation (part 15 of the rules governing unlicensed low power transmissions) cannot cause interference on these frequencies. If it does, the FCC first expects the operators of the BPL system to take whatever steps are required to end the interference and, if they cant, they will be forced to cease operation. This is the law and the public safety and business band users have the same rights as primary users of their licensed frequencies.

You can make dumbassed comments about geek speak if you like, but that just shows your ignorance about a subject you shouldn't be popping off about to begin with and you should be embarrassed.

Comes the time YOU have a tornado, disaster, earthquake, etc and your local government is paralyzed because their multi million dollar trunked system that they made you pay for (never mind that they had a perfectly useable and dependable VHF system), fails.

Then you'll be damn glad that the "Hams" are around, because they will be the only ones who can get you help or info. This is why Congress has mandated the FCC to treat Amateur Radio as a Homeland Security resource.

And, the "Hams" VOLUNTEER to do this. It's one thing to be ignorant and babble, it's quite another to take the time to know what you are talking about and get off your ass and help when the chips are down.