UK regulator talks frankly about BPL

February 3, 2009 by Arvadmin

United Kingdom communications regulator Ofcom has not experienced any significant amount of interference so far from broadband over powerline (BPL/PLT) devices.

In a meeting with BPL action group UKQRM which is concerned about the impact of BPL RF pollution on HF radio communications, Ofcom said some 70 interference cases had been reported to it and all were from ‘radio enthusiasts’.

It added that efforts are continuing to resolve about ten complaints. The regulator also agrees that people have a right to use HF radio without undue interference.

Ofcom told UKQRM during their recent meeting that the number of complaints had to be put into context that there’s evidence of half a million BPL devices in use in the UK.

Ofcom stated that on legal advice, the Wireless Telegraphy Act (WTA) 2006 does not apply to BPL as it is not wireless telegraphy equipment. If it was classed as being radio equipment then Ofcom would approach it differently.

But its legal team is looking at if it’s possible to implement regulations under the WTA to cover BPL, while also needing to bear in mind the European Community directives on BPL.

Ofcom is looking at the broader picture of benefit to the public from broadband enabling technology and its use of the spectrum.

A question and answer style report of the two hour meeting, complied by attending UKQRM representatives makes informative reading and can be found at:

http://www.mikeandsniffy.co.uk/UKQRM/UKQRM_meets_Ofcom.htm

UKQRM’s website is at: http://www.mikeandsniffy.co.uk/UKQRM/