FCC: Investigate BPL interference
By JACLYN PITTS
jpitts@potomacnews.com
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
After more than two years and several complaints to the Federal Communications Commission, local amateur radio operators feel that the FCC is finally listening to them.
Manassas-area amateur radio operators have battled with alleged interference from broadband over powerline technology in the city since fall 2003, when Manassas first implemented the system.
The FCC has requested that Manassas and its BPL system operator Communication Technologies Inc. (COMTek) investigate these allegations and take steps to eliminate "harmful interference."
The FCC also requested that the city report plans it has, if any, for upgrading the BPL equipment.
The city has 30 days from March 7 to report its findings back to the FCC.
Manassas became the first American locality to implement the technology citywide in 2003.
By plugging a modem into any city electrical outlet, subscribers can get high-speed Internet access for about $29 per month, approximately half of what cable and DSL providers charge.
Many short wave radio users, including amateur radio users, or "hams," have opposed this technology for its interference.
BPL radiates off power lines and can make certain short-wave radio frequencies inaudible.
George Tarnovsky, vice president for Ole Virginia Hams, a local ham radio group, thinks BPL interference is undeniable.
Tarnovsky and his group have collected interference data throughout the city several times over the past two years.
Tarnovsky and his colleagues feel that none of the interference has been corrected.
"We're not against technology," Tarnovsky said. "But we're against interfering technology."
The frequencies used by hams in Manassas have been "notched," or removed from use by BPL.
COMTek announced in January it had completed notching about 600 BPL devices in Manassas and that there is no more "documented basis for further ham radio operator concerns," according to a press release.
Scott Stapf, COMTek spokesman, said the company has an "ongoing commitment" to use the most up-to-date equipment and that BPL equipment will be updated as new technology emerges.
As for interference allegations, Stapf said COMTek has worked with the city in "an extraordinary way to go far above and beyond" FCC standards.
Stapf also pointed out that COMTek has met with local amateur radio operators at least three times to address their concerns, "all of which has been done on a volunteer basis," he added.
Stapf said COMTek has approximately 1,000 BPL subscribers in Manassas and doesn't see the FCC request as a roadblock for the company.
In fact, he said COMTek wasn't surprised the FCC requested the investigation, which involves taking readings throughout the city to look for interference.
"It's just another step in the road," Stapf said. "[The request] creates no discomfort at all."
Manassas is in a franchise agreement with COMTek, and the service runs through the city's power grid.
Utilities Director John Hewa said the city gets a portion of COMTek's subscriber revenue for maintenance costs.
Hewa said the interference readings will take place over the next few weeks in accordance with FCC guidelines.
Staff writer Jaclyn Pitts can be reached at (703) 369-5607.
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Tuesday, March 14, 2006
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