-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Turner
On Fri, 30 Apr 2004 13:04:41 -0500, EDWARDS, EDDIE J wrote:
>Everything you said about the Satellite bands also applies to the HF/VHF
>bands as well.
One huge difference is our HF bands have little or no commercial value,
just the opposite of the UHF/SHF bands.
Bill, No offense meant, but what the heck are you smoking? As long as
hams are using these freqs there is no commercial value, but if the FCC
lets BPL use them (and for FREE) they would have tremendous value! Both
economic and social. If there wasn't any commercial value no one would be
attempting BPL. Even utilities that cannot get into BPL directly, like the
one I work for, is looking at leasing the bandwidth out to BPL ISPs. Why?
Because there's no commercial value? Nope, guess again. Because it is a
potential source of revenue. That's the bottom line.
You're only correct that as long as long as hams get to keep the freqs
there is no commercial value. I wonder how long that will last once the
money starts pouring in. I can also see if BPL catches on and hams are
seen as "causing" interference to BPL, the FCC might push for "quiet hours"
just like in pre-cable TV days when RFI-susceptible TV sets picked up
interference from the ham. The reason they don't do this anymore is
because TVI is less common and affects fewer numbers of TV viewers. That
won't be the case with BPL if it catches on. The numbers will be on their
side again.
Unlike many sky-is-falling hams, I see BPL as a non-issue for two
reasons:
1. FCC rules say we are absolutely protected from interference from
BPL.
2. Wireless in the GHz region is going to become the dominant mode
within a few years. Large amounts of $$$ are being poured into
developing WiMax and other systems and I believe they will totally
replace BPL.
I do have some hope that your #2 does happen. But your first assertion is
a pipe dream, and that is nothing to do with the sky. The FCC has told me
numerous times from various levels that they DO NOT ENFORCE Part 15 at all.
I've been told they have no power to do anything about Part 15 devices.
All they can do is send a letter ASKING for the owner/operator of
offending equipment to cease operation until the device is repaired or made
to comply. I'm pretty sure the FCC has never taken any action against any
Part 15 violator. They do write some good letters to utilities regarding
powerline noise. But to my knowledge, not a single Part 15 enforcement
action as ever been taken by the FCC. (Mr. Hare-RFI would know for sure).
Some hams have put up with noise for several years only to be told that
they'll get to it someday. It's very tough to keep this secret from my
management.
The FCC is not even willing to enforce Part 90 rules (or whatever SMRs fall
under) on interference between Nextel and Land Mobile public safety (LIFE &
DEATH) users. They've let Nextel go on causing interference at 800Mhz for
several years now, and is now considering FORCING Public Safety users to
MOVE probably at their own expense or very with little financial help.
In the end, no one, not even public safety users, are protected against
interference even though the rules say they are. That's today's reality at
the FCC as I see it.
73,
de ed -K0iL
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