BPL is an enigma

Modern day users of the radio spectrum are expected to comply with various requirements. These include spectral purity of emissions, efficient use of the spectrum resource and compatibility within both the radio and electronic environments. The important issues involved with electromagnetic compatibility or EMC have gained enormous attention from regulators around the world in the past two decades and rightly so.

Powerline communications is nothing new. In its guise of Broadband over Powerlines or BPL, it has a new life that captures the imagination about its touted potential in the information age.

BPL has attracted initial financial backing to get it rolling in terms of limited trials. These are hitting numerous hurdles and in some cases result in those involved in the BPL trials giving it away as a lost cause.

BPL can be likened to putting lead in petrol - an acceptable technology once, but ultimately recognised as a totally unacceptable generator of pollution. BPL Interference is being described as pollution of the radio spectrum.

It's either a courageous venture that will find application somewhere, or a foolhardy exercise that is destined for failure. In the end it will be the regulators, politicians and hard nosed financiers that determine its future.

In the meantime, users of the HF radio spectrum are being put through a period of doubt and fear.

Jim Linton VK3PC

Source: Wireless Institute of Australia

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