>> Well, now they are working to use power lines to bring in broadband
>> service, so consumers will eventually have a third independent choice
>> of communications providers.
> Have you been hiding under a rock? This activity has been hotly
> debated for a couple of years at least.
> The fact is that power lines are not designed to conduct high
> frequency signals, so they work more as antennas than as conductors.
> The result of broadband over power lines (BPL) is to create a high
> level of pollution of the high frequency radio spectrum. Radio
> amateurs have made the most noise about this, since they stand to lose
> the use of the HF spectrum; but shortwave radio listeners and business
> and government users of the spectrum are also complaining. The FCC
> seems to be taking a position that it is OK to foster the growth of a
> new business rather than to protect the existing radio users. Field
> trials have been done here and there and have shown that the radio
> interference potential of this activity is serious. There is also the
> possibility that nearby radio transmitters will disrupt operation of > the BPL system.
> It's not something you want to invest your savings in.
> jhhaynes at earthlink dot net
And if I'm correct, BPL will be a part 15 service while amateur radio is a part 97 service.
Part 15 services have to accept interference. So get ready for the fun.