PLC action now required

With growing media attention for the claimed success of the PLC (also known in some countries as BPL) trial in Tshwane, it is now time to go into action mode.

From interference to HF communication point of view, the trial is a miserable failure. The interference is severe in the township and some distances around the area.

On media enquiries ICASA says they don't see a problem as no one has complained about inference. As far as can be established, there are no radio amateurs or shortwave listeners in the Rooiwal Township. PLC is however also affecting mobile stations that may be in the area from time to time, and they have an equal right to inference-free HF communication.

Last week there were media statements that GTS and its ISP are targeting the suburban areas east of Pretoria including Woodhill using municipal powerline infrastructure. This has to be stopped before it kills all HF communication in the area.

To prove to ICASA that there is major interference associated with the PLC installation in Rooiwal, the SARL encourages amateurs with mobile stations to travel in and around Rooiwal and attempt to make contacts on 80, 40, 20 and 15 metres.

If you experience interference, write a complaint and mail it to plc@sarl.org.za and the SARL will submit the complaints to ICASA for investigation.

Please submit a comprehensive report including date, time, station worked, and frequency and extent of the interference. Please do it in the next few days as the SARL would like to submit interference complaints as early as Monday or Tuesday.

If you are able to make recordings please include MP3 files in your complaint. A special website will be set up to highlight PLC and its problem for HF communication. Keep an eye on www.sarl.org.za for the link.

Source: The South African Radio League

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