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VK3ZWI > AMRVIC 29.04.05 13:34l 103 Lines 4658 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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Subj: ACA discussion paper raises options for BPL
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From: VK3ZWI@VK3DSE.#MEL.VIC.AUS.OC
To : AMRVIC@WW
ACA discussion paper raises options for BPL
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The Australian Communications Authority (ACA) has issued a discussion paper
on the management of interference from Broadband over Powerlines (BPL).
The ACA is seeking comment on its paper from BPL, radio spectrum and other
stakeholders as it continues to consider regulatory options for the
technology while monitoring developments overseas.
It recognises BPL as an emerging technology that could provide a cost
effective means of supplying access to broadband, and assistance in the
management and efficiency of power distribution.
On the other hand leakage of the BPL signal occurs as radio frequency
electromagnetic emission with the potential to cause interference to
radiocommunication services.
The challenge for the ACA is to develop regulatory arrangements that do not
unnecessarily inhibit BPL deployments, while at the same time provide
protection to radiocommunications services from harmful interference.
It said, "…BPL is still an emerging technology and setting the regulatory
regime now is likely to suffer from lack of knowledge about how and where
the technology might be deployed and what affect it might have on
radiocommunications equipment."
There have been four trials of access BPL in Australia. The ACA recognises
that BPL radiation has the potential to affect not only services in its
immediate location (it has conducted onsite measurements of a trial), but
could also affect aircraft communication systems and through ionospheric
propagation, distant receivers.
The elimination of all interference is nearly impossible, said the ACA,
and the cost of interference needs to be taken into account when considering
the costs and benefits of BPL.
"For example if BPL affected a television channel or a defence security
system then the cost to the community could be significant," said the ACA.
"If it just affected one household cordless telephone or one amateur radio
operator then the cost to the community might be small."
BPL operations, said the ACA, may also cause interference to
telecommunications services which are delivered over twisted copper pair
lines, disrupting both voice and data services. Devices connected to the
power mains could also be affected..
Analogue cordless telephones, auditory assistance devices, alarms systems
including those for personal safety and media emergencies, and remove
control devices could all potential experience interference.
The ACA seeks comments on whether there should be "obligations placed on
BPL operators to alert consumers to possible disturbance to consumer
devices prior to deployment of BPL systems" and what form these obligations
might take.
BPL technologies fall outside the definition of a 'radio transmitter' under
the Radiocommunications Act and therefore cannot be licensed.
However the Radiocommunications Act does protect radio services from
harmful interference from BPL signals.
"In-house BPL", the ACA notes has had products available locally for three
years but they have yet to become commonplace items.
"Uptake of the (in-house) technology appears to be slow," said the ACA.
"For those products in use, the ACA has received no reports of interference
to radiocommunications reception."
The ACA has in place "interim regulatory arrangements" that require who
intending to trial access BPL equipment. This includes:
* avoidance of special frequencies including aeronautical, broadcast,
maritme distress and safety communications
* analysis of the radiocommunications licence register to identify stations
within one kilometre of a trial and write to them advising of the
possibility of interference
* make public any intended access BPL trial
* undertaken action to mitigate harmful interference
Another set of guidelines cover the deployment of in-house BPL technologies.
The ACA said it seeks comments on the "adequacy and appropriateness" of the
interim guidelines. It advises that "stakeholders should be aware that these
guidelines may be used as a model for future arrangements."
The discussion paper also canvasses a number of options ranging from
standards, guidelines, licensing through to reliance on BPL industry
imposing self-regulation under a voluntary code.
The ACA is seeking reasoned submissions responding to the points it raises
in the paper, which should reach it by 24 June, 2005.
A copy of the discussion paper can be downloaded at:
http://internet.aca.gov.au/ACAINTER.65650:STANDARD:1015363634:pc=PC_2845
- Amateur Radio Victoria
www.amateurradio.com.au
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