Nebraska bill would effectively prohibit BPL

Nebraska's unicameral legislature has passed a bill supported by telecommunications interests to ban agencies, political subdivisions and public power suppliers from providing any broadband, Internet, telecommunications or video services. This would include broadband over power line (BPL). The "Unicam," as it's called, approved the measure, LB 645, by a vote of 37-8-4.

"So it's time for rejoicing, ARRL Nebraska State Government Liaison Bob Mitchell, WB0RJJ," said. "BPL is dead in Nebraska for this year!"

ARRL Nebraska Section Manager Matthew Anderson, KA0BOJ, hailed the bill's passage as "great news." He also extended congratulations to the Nebraska Section team for its work in securing passage for the measure. "All of our contacts, letters, e-mails, phone calls and personal visits have paid off," he said. "This is indeed a great day for ham radio in Nebraska."

Mitchell said even if LB 645 is overturned next year, he believes BPL by then "will have been superseded by superior technology that will not pollute the RF environment." The measure now goes to Gov David Heineman for his signature. Mitchell said it's unlikely that the governor would veto the
bill.

The legislation also creates a Broadband Services Task Force to study - among other things - "The need and necessity for the provision of wholesale broadband services, Internet services, telecommunications services or video services by agencies or political subdivisions of the state an d public
power suppliers." The task force will report to the legislature, the governor and the Unicam's Natural Resources and Transportation and Telecommunications committees by December 1, 2006.

The "final reading" text of the bill is available via the Unicam's Web site

Source: ARRL Letter - courtesy of The American Radio Relay League

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