FCC in a Renewed Push for Broadband over Power Lines

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently affirmed its rules for Access Broadband over Power Lines (Access BPL), with the goal of facilitating the take-off of the so-called "third pipe" for broadband Internet access in many remote areas unable to be reached by cable or DSL. Emphasizing the FCC's contention that BPL would not interfere with licensed radio services, the FCC has denied the requests of amateur radio, aviation and emergency services and broadcast television for an outright prohibition of the use of their frequencies for BPL. Instead, the FCC has ruled that if harmful interference occurs, it will take appropriate action to remedy the situation. BPL users will connect to the Internet through existing electrical outlets, which also facilitates networking within the building served by the power lines. In announcing the decision, the FCC said that as a result of BPL availability markets which are dominated by cable and DSL Internet services should be forced to lower consumers' bills. For more on News.com, see: http://makeashorterlink.com/?T1F73209D For an article on the Government Technology web site, visit: http://www.govtech.net/magazine/channel_story.php/100447 Summary by: Nyall Engfield