The FCC adopted rules to encourage the development of Access Broadband over Power Line (Access BPL) while safeguarding existing licensed radio services against harmful interference. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the FCC have concluded that the interference concerns of licensed radio users can be adequately addressed under the Part 15 model. Specifically, the new order adopted by the Commission:
- sets forth rules imposing new technical requirements on BPL devices, such as the capability to avoid using any specific frequency and to remotely adjust or shut down any unit;
- establishes “excluded frequency bands” within which BPL must avoid operating entirely to protect aeronautical and aircraft receivers communications; and establishes “exclusion zones” in locations close to sensitive operations, such as coast guard or radio astronomy stations, within which BPL must avoid operating on certain frequencies;
- establishes consultation requirements with public safety agencies, federal government sensitive stations, and aeronautical stations.
- establishes a publicly available Access BPL notification database to facilitate an organized approach to identification and resolution of harmful interference.
- changes the equipment authorization for Access BPL systems from verification to certification; and
- improves measurement procedures for all equipment that use RF energy to communicate over power lines.
The FCC and FERC believe that BPL provides an opportunity to increase the competitive broadband choices that are available to customers. They also expect Access BPL to facilitate the ability of electric utilities to dynamically manage the power grid itself, increasing network reliability by remote diagnosis of electrical system failures. http://www.fcc.gov
