Ham radio operators go to court to stop BPL

Following a what seems to be a recurring theme, the analog crowd is having convulsions over digital encroachment into their spaces. Radio amateurs or ham radio operators are not a technically un-savvy crowd by any means. In fact many were also the first to embrace the idea of a personal computer and lend their technical skills to its development. The personal computer, however, did not make use of the RF frequencies that the Hams have so passionately defended as their private playground for so many years.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia heard arguments from attorneys for the Federal Communications Commission and the American Radio Relay League, which represents amateur radio operators, about FCC rules aimed at allowing BPL services to flourish.

Therein lies the dispute: The FCC says its rules, which date back to 2004, have struck the right balance between encouraging unlicensed BPL deployment and protecting existing licensed devices–including those run by public safety workers, TV broadcasters and amateur radio operators–from harmful interference on those airwaves.

The ARRL, however, contends the FCC’s rules are inconsistent with federal law and aren’t strict enough to prevent BPL signals from disrupting its members’ communications. (from News.com)

This is really disappointing. I have know many Hams, and was even a dabbler in the hobby myself at one time. I’m aware many instances of interference generated by Hams’ transmissions disrupted various devices in neighboring residences, and were usually resolved in a friendly, neighborly fashion. In fact, if the ARRL’s members were ever put under the same scrutiny that they are asking to be applied to the BPL industry, there would be no Hams operating today. Also consider the fact that devices like Wifi routers coexist peacefully with cordless phones, wireless microphones, and remote controls and there is no feuding . To my ham friends, I apologize, but BPL is an infant industry that can delivery many benefits. You need to work with them in a tolerant fashion just like the general public has tolerated the goofs you guys have made occasionally. Today’s Tin Foil Hat award goes to the ARRL.