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VK3ZWI > AMRVIC 24.01.05 13:00l 67 Lines 2665 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 35114_VK3DSE
Read: GUEST
Subj: New restrictions on BPL in Australia
Path: DB0FHN<DB0MRW<DB0WUE<DK0WUE<7M3TJZ<ZL2BAU<VK3AYM<VK3DSE
Sent: 050123/0823Z @:VK3DSE.#MEL.VIC.AUS.OC #:35114 [Narre Warren] FBB7.00g25
From: VK3ZWI@VK3DSE.#MEL.VIC.AUS.OC
To : AMRVIC@WW
New restrictions on BPL in Australia
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By Jim Linton VK3PC
The Australian Communications Authority (ACA) now requires broadband over
powerlines (BPL) operators to make publicly known their intentions to trial
the technology as part of just issued restrictive guidelines.
The ACA has also reminded BPL operators that harmful interference to any
radio service is a breach of the Australian Radiocommunications Act, and
worst case situations may require the BPL equipment to be turned off.
Separate guidelines have been issued by the ACA for Access BPL, that is
public access to broadband services via powerlines, and In-house BPL
delivering services via the internal wiring of a building.
ACA acting chairman, Dr Bob Horton said the ACA is continuing to develop
Australia's regulatory approach to BPL and is monitoring developments in
Europe, America and elsewhere. It will issue a discussion paper in April to
seek industry and public comment.
Dr Horton said the ACA acknowledges it faces a challenge to establish a
regulatory regime that does not unnecessarily block the use of BPL, while
at the same time protecting radiocommunication services.
The ACA's new guidelines came after the Wireless Institute of Australia
expressed its concern about harmful interference on amateur radio bands
from a recent BPL trial. The WIA asked that the ACA take action to avoid a
repeat of that occurring.
There have been four trials of Access BPL in Australia, all using HF
frequencies, three in New South Wales and one in Hobart, Tasmania where a
further commercial trial is due soon.
The new guidelines require BPL operators to avoid specified frequencies and
bands including 12 aeronautic service bands and 27 maritime distress
frequencies.
They must also notify the licensees using those bands or frequencies who
are within one kilometre of their proposed BPL trials of the possibility of
interference, and provide them with a contact person to report interference
suspected to be associated with BPL.
Particular care must be taken to avoid interference to safety-of-life
services too. There is an overriding legal obligation on BPL operators to
mitigate harmful interference to radiocommunications services.
Both the ACA and the WIA consider that a wide-scale roll out of Access BPL
across Australia is uncertain, while it is more likely to become a "niche"
means of enabling public access to broadband services.
Amateur Radio Victoria
www.amateurradio.com.au
40G Victory Blvd.
Ashburton Victoria 3147
wiavic@wiavic.org.au
T 03 9885 9261
F 03 9885 9298
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