Groundswell of opinion on BPL

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is now considering the 275 submissions it has received to its Broadband over Powerlines (BPL) Discussion Paper on the Management of Interference from BPL applications.

In terms of weight of numbers, the majority of submissions included concerns about the potential of BPL to cause interference, whether it be radiocommunications or cable-based telecommunications.

Telstra and Optus both had concerns that BPL could potentially interfere with their telecommunications services. Telstra has called for testing of the conduction of BPL signals into its cables.

Optus went further in urging a cautious approach be taken to protect its hybrid fibre coaxial cable network, that carries Pay-TV, data and telephony services, against BPL interference.

Telstra warned that BPL interference may severely restrict its VDSL services and threaten the viability of the a rollout of higher rate DSL services to customers.

In support of the position taken by the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA), the Telstra submission said it considers that licensed radiocommunications services should be protected from harmful interference.

A running theme among the HF user submissions was a fear that BPL interference posed a safety-to-life risk.

The BPL sector submitted mixed messages ranging from denial of the full implications of interference, through to acknowledging that BPL and amateur radio are not compatible users of the spectrum.

The largest single user of HF radio, the Department of Defence, is concerned about the potential for harmful interference.

Defence's view of current BPL trials is that they cannot and should not be interpreted as demonstrating that BPL systems do not interfere with radiocommunication services.

However, the UtiliTel consortium which consists of power companies, said although there have been examples in the past where interference has been attributed to BPL, these generally related to earlier BPL systems or site specific issues.

UtiliTel says its investigations and experience have shown that interference issues from BPL are often exaggerated, based on supposition rather than fact, or can be effectively managed to avoid interference.

Another BPL proponent, the Universal Powerlines Association (UPA) considers radio interference to be just a teething problem of the new BPL technology.

While Bytecan, involved in the Moruya trial in New South Wales confirmed that BPL and amateur radio are not compatible users of the radio spectrum.

It says while the trial was not impacted when around 40 frequencies were notched out, however the 200 channels required to avoid interference with amateur radio would render BPL useless as a commercial service.

Airservices Australia submitted there were over 4,000 Australian registered aircraft plus visiting planes that are fitted with HF radios with that form of communication having a significant role in air traffic services.

A multi-million upgrade to the HF aeronautical networks is occurring, and any additional interference could potentially compromise aviation safety.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) strongly believes Broadband over Powerlines (BPL) should not be allowed to interfere with existing and future radiocommunication services.

The ABC expressed the view that BPL interference is highly to annihilate broadcasting services likely in some circumstances.

The Radtel HF Radio Network, a commercial radio telephone service with more than 1,000 subscribers fears that BPL would wipe out its operations within about 2kms of powerlines.

HF radio supplier Codan says there are many critical safety-of-life and unique applications of HF radio. It is concerned that BPL be adequately controlled and regulated to avoid interference in Australia and elsewhere.

The St John Ambulance echoed the concern about public safety and also the role that HF radio plays in occupational health and safety for its staff and volunteers.

Among the many other submissions with concerns about BPL were those from the Australian Federal Police, WIA, amateur radio clubs, the medical alert device industry, model aircraft operators, Australian Association of CB Radio Operators and Australian National 4WD Radio Network.

The submissions can be read at: www.acma.gov.au

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