My Concerns

I am extremely concerned about one particular elephant in our collective shacks and partiularly how much longer the amateur radio fraternity are effectively going to continue to stubbornly ignore its presence.

The particular elephant to which I refer is the offensive Broadband By Power Line technology. As you must be well aware this PLT / PLA technology has the potential to cause severe interference to the high frequency spectrum making reception completely impossible, yet many radio enthusiasts and licenced amateurs appear to be unaware or quietly ignoring the issue, perhaps hoping - in vain - that the problem will simply will go away.

I feel sure that this spectrum abuse caused by broadband via power-line systems will come to dominate the lives of radio amateurs over the coming months. I have had reports of radio amateurs reporting PLT interference to Ofcom, who have duly investigated and found the owner of the offending PLT adapter only to be told by the owner that they have no intention of rectifying the situation or replacing the device with a wired LAN connection. As far as Ofcom are then concerned that is the matter closed and the HF abuse continues unchecked.

Are Ofcom really that toothless? Can such stories be believed? Perhaps the authorities are quite content to let the situation ride. The RSGB has carried out a number of studies over recent years regarding broadband by power-line interference and has made representations to Ofcom arguing against its adoption in the UK, but obviously to no avail.

The RSGB has articles in the EMC section of the website and has published several pieces in the monthly journal Radcom, but is the message getting through to licensed amateurs and other radio users and enthusiasts?

Will those currentlt unaffected remain ignorant - until it affects them personally?

Radio amateurs are in the privileged position of being primary, and presumably protected, users of a significant number of bands within the HF spectrum, yet the RSGB appears to have been powerless to persuade Ofcom to ban these devices. PLT / PLA is an issue that has been known about for years, and even with this knowledge these devices have still been allowed to flood onto the UK’s market place.

British Telecom, under its BT Broadband brand, are now heavily marketing PLT adapters for use with its new BT Vision service. Additionally several other types of PLT adapter are now being widely marketed to the general public by many well known retailers such as Maplin, PC World and many, if not most, other computer retailers. The general public is, of course, ignorant to the facts surrounding PLT devices and entirely unaware of the spectrum abuse problems that are being unleashed, slowly but surely, across the land.

The interference from PLT devices will soon be out of control. Unless serious action is taken immediately, radio amateurs, short wave listeners and even users of citizens band radio will no longer be able to use the H.F spectrum.

As I see it, this particular elephant is not going to go away without a really serious battle.

Is this a case of the UK government and the regulator Ofcom being overruled by Brussels and simply not being in control of our own country’s affairs?

Is the RSGB and Ofcom being overpowered by bully-boy tactics from big business such as The Home Plug Alliance and are we all powerless in the face of their tactics?

Is the amateur radio fraternity going to be forced to hand over H.F. to the bully boys in big business that are promoting PLT so heavily while the RSGB and Ofcom merely sit and watch passively?

(September 2008)



My frustration has mounted as I learned more about the problems caused by PLT adapters and as I found out about amateurs suffering from PLT interference. Some appear to have had some success in resolving the problem, others appear to to.

Other radio amateurs that I have spoken have either not heard about the potential problems, which I found disturbing in itself, or if they had, appeared to be resigned to the fact that Ofcom would do absolutely nothing and that we, as a community, and the RSGB were, in reality, powerless to resolve the issue.

I am slightly more encouraged now that I have read the RSGB's explanations – but it is apparent that PLT is not going to go away. I would suggest that there might be a case for a greater P.R. effort on the matter. From my own anecdotal evidence it appears that there are far too many enthusiasts who remain unaware of the potential and severe problems. I believe that there is not only an urgent need to more effectively highlight the PLT problem itself among those that remain ignorant of the problem  –  but also to raise awareness of the work being undertaken by the RSGB in an effort to help radio amateurs.


Re: Radio Spectrum Abuse

Dear Sirs,

I have been a radio enthusiast since childhood and recently, after months of hard work, I was extremely pleased to achieve my Full Amateur Radio licence in June of this year. However after just a few months of being licensed it seems that the radio amateur fraternity is being faced with the situation whereby we and other legitimate users of the H.F. spectrum could be prevented from using the high frequency / short wave bands by spectrum abuse from Broadband By Power Line Adapters - also known as Power Line Telecom (PLT), Power Line Networking (PLN) and Power Line Communication (PLC) and marketed as ‘Home Plug’ by branding..

As you will no doubt be aware, Power Line adapters distribute broadband computer network connections via un-shielded mains wiring using the radio spectrum between 2 MHz and 30 MHz. Since the un-shielded mains wiring effectively acts as a large transmitting antenna, the signals from PLT devices can therefore be received for hundreds of metres around a property and will therefore cause severe interference to, or entirely obliterate the reception of radio services on the H.F. bands.

Since there are already existing and legitimately licensed users of the H.F. band who hold ‘Primary’ status, I can only regard the un-regulated and un-coordinated installation of PLT and similar adapters and devices in users’ properties as spectrum abuse.

It seems that the sale of these products has been quietly waved through by the authorities with few existing, licensed and legitimate users of ‘short wave’ realizing the potential and, indeed, real problems until it is too late.

Is this a case of the UK government and Ofcom being overruled by Brussels and no longer in a position to be in control of our own country’s affairs?

Is Ofcom and our own government being overpowered by bully-boy tactics from big business such as The Home Plug Alliance and are we all powerless in the face of their tactics?

PLT adapters are already being heavily marketed by what one might have otherwise considered to be responsible organizations such as British Telecom.  I find this both remarkable and very disturbing. Various PLT devices are also being widely sold, to a general public ignorant of the problems that they will be causing, by large retailers such Maplin, PC World and many, if not most, other computer retailers. The problem can only mushroom, causing the loss of HF radio reception across the land.
 
I feel sure that this spectrum abuse caused by broadband via power-line systems will come to dominate the lives of radio amateurs, and other legitimate users, over the coming months. I have had reports of radio amateurs reporting PLT interference to Ofcom, who have duly investigated and found the owner of the offending PLT adapter. However, it seems, that if the owner of the offending PLT device is unwilling to remove or replace it with a wired LAN connection Ofcom are apparently powerless to take any further action to remove the offending devices, therefore leaving the licensed primary user with unworkable amounts of broadband by power line interference.

My questions are thus:

1/ Is Ofcom actually unable or simply unwilling to take real and effective enforcement action against spectrum abuse by PLT users?

2/ If Ofcom are concerned about spectrum abuse to primary users, is the organization in a position to take action to remove these devices from sale, rather than fight a potentially expensive and time consuming rear guard action that involves investigating each and every individual case? - One primary user could potentially be surrounded by dozens of PLT users.

3/ Was Ofcom party to the decision to allow the sale of PLT and similar devices in the UK, or was this decision forced upon Ofcom and the UK by European Directive and pressure from big business, such as the Home Plug Alliance?

4/ What is the realistic future for legitimate, licensed, primary users of the HF bands?

5/ Why is it that real and long standing radio users and the UK regulator itself can be bullied large computer interests into forcing through the supply of unnecessary wireless product? Other wired and wireless networking solutions already exist.

Finally, I sincerely hope that Ofcom will be removing these disruptive and damaging appliances from sale in the very near future.

I look forward to receiving Ofcom’s considered response.

Yours Sincerely,
...

(September 2008)



Re: Radio Interference caused by British Telecom Vision “PLT” Adapters and similar “PLT” equipment.

Dear Sir,

Thank you very much for your reply of 12th November 2008. I must sincerely apologise for my delay in responding, although I do have the excuse of getting married and being on honeymoon!

May I wish you a very happy New Year.

Thank you for your reply concerning the interference to radio that is caused by BPL / PLT type adapters. I am grateful for the explanation although I remain disappointed with overall situation.

The official position that powerline technology (PLT) is “not considered as radio equipment” can only be described as confusing, at best. My own view is that this stance is impossible to understand.

I cannot see how any piece of equipment, no matter what its purpose, can cause geographically widespread and wide band radio interference, encompassing approximately 27 MHz of bandwidth, and yet comply with any sensible and properly written EMC Regulations. It is quite preposterous that a single piece of household equipment is allowed to cause such widespread interference and still be deemed acceptable.

PLT adapters must only be viewed as radio equipment since their radio energy is freely radiated from household mains wiring. Technically this is not in the least bit surprising. Mains wiring is designed to carry electricity and not route radio signals efficiently and thus, because mains wiring is not a balanced or shielded “RF feeder (in the way familiar coaxial television aerial cable is), it is absolutely inevitable that radio energy will be radiated. Not only is mains wiring entirely unsuitable as a radio frequency “feeder”, because it is un-shielded, it will inevitably act as an enormous radio antenna – effectively radiating the PLT / PLA signal across a very large area in the immediate neighbourhood around the property.

Since the PLT signals are not even confined to the single property, but radiated across a neighbourhood it can surely only be considered as a radio transmission system.

As you are well aware, this signalling is not restricted to one, or even a limited number, of discrete channels or frequencies. It effectively wipes out the majority of the short wave (H.F.) band for hundreds of metres around the house.

This is why I find the comment that PLT technology is not considered as radio equipment impossible to accept.

Of course I do appreciate that PLT adapters are supposed to ‘notch out’ the amateur bands (even though experience appears to suggest that the overall level of noise (the noise floor) is still likely to be increased) and perhaps it may be the case that many licensed radio amateurs could live with a ‘notched’ adapter being nearby.

But what about other users of the short wave bands? Listeners to short wave broadcasts, for example, will not be spared their reception being obliterated by PLT adapters. This is also of great interest to me, so although I may still be able to use the amateur bands, short wave broadcast reception would be impossible. In any other circumstances this would be regarded as ‘jamming’ -  a technique employed by dictatorships and contrary to the broadcast and reception of free speech and views.

More worrying is the use of poor quality PLT adapters. It is suggested that cheap, poor quality PLT adapters do not “notch out” the amateur bands. What would happen in these cases? Do Ofcom have the power of entry into private property and confiscation of the offending adapters when such interference is caused by non compliant equipment?

I believe that this is a very important concern that also needs to be considered in detail.

I can understand that if a PLT / PLA adapter has been installed by an internet service provider such as B.T that there may be a reasonable chance of having the adapter removed by the responsible company if interference is caused. However I find it more difficult to believe that if the interference is caused by an individual who has purchased a PLT adapter independently that the chance of successful interference resolution will be as high.

Expanding on this point and deviating slightly; it is unfortunate that, taking a wider view, our society has become more selfish and lacking in respect in recent years. This lack of respect affects many areas of life, where people will simply do what they want regardless of what problems their activities will inflict on other individuals. Such attitudes will almost certainly apply to the use of PLT equipment and problems are certain to be exacerbated by the lack of any reasonable and proper regulation of BPL technologies.

I have encountered the attitude of PLT users who, because their own PLT or BT Vision connections are working to their individual satisfaction but are causing radio interference, believe that other long standing radio users, short wave listeners and radio amateurs should “find another hobby”.  Another case of ‘I’m all right Jack’.

This is one of the reasons why I strongly believe that government regulation needs to remove the interference being caused by BPL / PLT immediately: The likelihood is extremely high that when an individual has (as is the case  at present) legitimately purchased a PLT adapter from Maplin, PC World or any other computer or electrical retailer,  and is subsequently found to be causing unacceptable levels of interference to existing HF users, the chances of them seeing reason and disconnecting their recent purchase is not very high. It may be difficult if not impossible to appeal to their better nature, if they have one.

I would also doubt that even if Ofcom traced the source of HF interference from PLT users that they would have the absolute power of removal of the offending adapter. Ofcom could certainly trace the interference, but would an Ofcom officer have the power of entry into a private property in order that the adapter may be disconnected and confiscated? So if the owner of the PLT adapter refuses to stop using the equipment after a polite request, what courses of action are open to Ofcom and the person being affected by PLT interference?

If it turns out to be the case that Ofcom has no real powers of entry and confiscation of non-compliant equipment or even compliant equipment that is causing unacceptable amounts of interference to legitimate radio users, then the unsophisticated, ignorant and even arrogant users of PLT adapters will have free reign to cause uncontrolled radio frequency pollution with little or no regard for other individuals.

As an amateur, if I caused interference to just one channel and refused to rectify the problem I would have my licence revoked and possibly have my radio equipment confiscated. Yet PLT adapters can ruin hundreds of channels across an entire waveband and this is deemed as being acceptable by the same authorities that oversee that licensed radio users do not cause interference.

Here is an interesting scenario:  If, as I licensed amateur radio operator, I moved house tomorrow and found that my short wave reception was obliterated by a neighbour’s PLT network – a network that may have been in use for some time – what would Ofcom have the power to do?

I can concede that a PLT adapter can help form a convenient network connection in some circumstances – but they are not necessary for such connection. If PLT adapters were removed from sale tomorrow there remain various alternatives, and arguably better methods; 2.4 GHz wireless routers are widely available and additionally the familiar 100MB and 1000MB wired LAN connections make for far more secure and reliable network connections, quite fast enough for multi-media distribution.

The truth is PLT is unnecessary. There are cheaper better alternatives that also happen to cause no problems to other people.

Removing PLT adapters for sale today would in no way affect the rollout of faster internet or digital radio or television. PLT / PLA / BPL adapters are not necessary for anything – merely a convenience that potentially prevents the use of an entire radio band – not one individual station or channel, but an entire band.

Thank you again for your attention.

Yours Sincerely,
...

(January 2009)

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Re: Radio Spectrum Abuse Caused By ‘Broadband By Power Line Adapters’

Dear Sirs,

As you will be well aware, I am sure, a new technology known as PowerLine Telecoms or Broadband by Power Line (PLT Home Plug adapters), is causing chaos for pre-existing, legitimate and licensed Primary users of the H.F., short wave, bands. The H.F. radio band has been used for nearly one hundred years by, for example, licensed Amateur Radio operators who have Primary Status on many of the individually defined H.F. bands; International Radio broadcasting; Aircraft Communications; Citizens Band radio and Military Communications.

Various manifestations of PLT adapter are being widely sold, to a general public completely ignorant of the problems that they will be causing, by large electrical retailers such as Maplin, PC World and many, if not most, other computer retailers. What I find most amazing and, indeed deeply disturbing, is that BPL Home Plug Adapters are also being heavily marketed by British Telecom itself.

British Telecom used to hold the position of the enforcers of the radio spectrum's use and as such would remove sources of interference. It now seems that the tables have been completely turned and that BT is now the spectrum abuser - their own home plug adapters are the cause of severe and unworkable levels of radio interference. This cannot be right.

Considering that the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the World Administrative Radio Conferences (WARC) carefully plan the use of the radio bands, why and how is it that manufacturers of BPL / Home Plug Adapters, including British Telecom itself, can suddenly dictate that their devices will use the whole of the H.F. spectrum from 2MHz to 30MHz causing severe wide band interference to any nearby radio users?

It should be noted that licensed radio amateurs must use the radio spectrum responsibly and with due regard to other users and their neighbours so as not to cause interference. This is a responsibility that forms part of the licence conditions and has to be taken seriously.
This is patently not the case with PLT HomePlug manufacturers, suppliers or users and as such is to be regarded as very serious spectrum abuse and is surely an entirely unacceptable situation.

Finally, I would like to request that British Telecom review this matter and withdraw these disruptive devices from sale and I would greatly appreciate your comments on the subject.

Thank you for your time.

Yours Sincerely,
...

(September 2008)


Manufacturers are hardly likely to advise BT or any other customers of the obvious problems with the equipment!!

Reply to BT

Dear Sir,

Thank you for your reply concerning the interference to radio that is caused by PLT type adapters. I am grateful for the explanation although I remain disappointed with overall situation, although I can appreciate that BT is only following the EU guidelines that you highlighted. However I strongly believe that this does not make the guidelines themselves right and fit for the purpose of protecting the radio spectrum.

I appreciate that, as far as BT is concerned, PLT adapters offer an easy escape from undertaking a proper installation. I would point out that until now, everyone seemed perfectly happy with the installation of a TV aerial cable or satellite dish cable in order to watch television. A LAN cable delivering TV services from a router is little different.

Of course I do appreciate that PLT adapters are supposed to ‘notch out’ the amateur bands (even though experience appears to suggest that the overall level of noise (the noise floor) is still likely to be increased) and perhaps it may be the case that some licensed radio amateurs could live with a properly ‘notched’ adapter being nearby.

But what about other users of the short wave bands? Listeners to short wave broadcasts, for example, will not be spared their reception being obliterated by PLT adapters. This is also of great interest to me, so although I may still be able to use the amateur bands, short wave broadcast reception would be impossible. In any other circumstances this would be regarded as ‘jamming’, a technique employed by dictatorships and contrary to the broadcast and reception of free speech and views.

These adapters may well help to form a convenient network connection in some circumstances – but they are not necessary for such connection - merely a convenience that potentially prevents the use of an entire radio band – not one individual station or channel, or even a small a limited number of frequencies or channels, but virtually an entire band from2 to 30 MHz.  I find this to be an entirely unacceptable and indefensible situation.
Therefore I am bound to remain of the opinion that BPL adapters do indeed abuse the radio spectrum. I cannot accept that any piece of equipment, no matter what its purpose, can cause geographically widespread and wide band radio interference, encompassing approximately 27 MHz of bandwidth, and yet comply with any sensible and properly written EMC Regulations. In fact it is quite preposterous that one single piece of household equipment is allowed to cause such widespread interference and still be deemed acceptable.

A BT installed adapter may differ from other privately installed devices in that BT will to deal with issues as they arise, whereas those private individuals who install disruptive adapters will have little or no regard for such issues and no incentive to remove their offending devices.

The general and widespread promotion of spectrum abusing devices can only be regarded as irresponsible.

BT may comply with the regulations – but the regulations are plainly wrong. I know that poorly written regulation is not really your fault, but as a, presumably, responsible corporation and at one time part of the former regulator of the radio bands, I would hope that BT would lead the way by rejecting this obviously flawed and disruptive technology.

Perhaps ‘seeing the light’ and leading the way in this respect is the responsible position that you and the company might consider?

Thank you again for your reply and your time.

With very best wishes,
...

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Re: Radio Interference Caused By ‘Broadband By Power Line Adapters’

Dear Sir,

I write to you with regard to what might seem a relatively trivial matter in light of the prevailing economic and political climate. None the less it is a matter that is causing great personal concern as a licensed radio amateur.

I have been a radio enthusiast since childhood and recently, after months of hard work, I was extremely pleased to achieve my Full Amateur Radio licence in June of this year. However after just a few months of being licensed I discovered that the amateur radio fraternity is being faced with the situation whereby the amateur radio fraternity and other legitimate users could be forced off the high frequency (short wave) radio band, favoured for amateur radio communication, due to severe interference being caused by PowerLineTelecoms / Broadband By Power Line Adapters - PLT / PLA.

This technology is also known as Power Line Telecom (PLT), Power Line Networking (PLN) and Power Line Communication (PLC). It is marketed as ‘Home Plug’ by branding. PLA - Power Line Adapter.

Such Broadband by Power Line devices distribute broadband internet network connections via un-shielded mains wiring using a broad range of the radio spectrum between approximately  2 MHz to 30 MHz. This is the H.F. “short wave” band. The use of un-shielded household mains wiring to distribute these BPL signals effectively allows it to act as a large radio transmitting aerial. The signals from PLT devices can therefore be received for hundreds of metres around a property and will therefore cause severe interference to, or entirely obliterate the reception of radio services on the H.F. band to legitimate and licensed users.

Radio Amateurs have been in our culture for nearly one hundred years and are allocated a number of smaller discrete bands within the larger H.F. (short wave) band itself between 2 MHz and 30 MHz. As licensed radio amateurs we must use the radio spectrum responsibly and with due regard to other users so as not to cause interference. This is a responsibility that forms part of the licence conditions and has to be taken seriously.

However the users of PLT devices have no licence requirements imposed on them and therefore no regard or consideration for other radio spectrum users. The continued unregulated use of PLT HomePlug Adapters will almost certainly lead to the complete obliterateration of radio reception on these bands:

While radio amateurs, as with other radio users, use spot - narrow bandwidth – frequencies and must avoid interference to other users, PLT devices and similar Power Line Technologies use large blocks of bandwidth across the entire H.F. / short wave band.

If one looks at some of the specifications for PLT adapters they should not, by internal programming & design, produce signals on those parts of the H.F. band that are allocated to radio amateurs. However from the evidence so far this does not always appear to be the case, with reports of radio amateurs having their reception obliterated by home owners installing PLT adapters in nearby homes. It also seems that even if Ofcom are informed of interference and they investigate and find the cause, if the owner of the PLT device refuses to remove the offending PLT device then Ofcom appear to be powerless or perhaps unwilling to take further action to remedy the problem – leaving the licensed user with the continuing interference.

PLT adapters are already being heavily marketed by what one might have otherwise considered to be responsible organizations such as British Telecom.  I find this both remarkable and very disturbing. Various other PLT devices are also being widely sold, to a general public completely ignorant of the problems that they will be causing, by large retailers such as Maplin, PC World and many, if not most, other computer retailers. The PLT interference problem can only ‘mushroom’, causing the loss of HF radio reception to legitimate and licensed radio users across the land.

It seems that broadband by power line devices have been forced upon the UK market place by big business pressure groups such as The Home Plug Alliance: How could the UK government and Ofcom consider encouraging their adoption? Were these regulators unaware of the interference that will be caused to the existing and licensed users of the H.F spectrum such a radio amateurs, international broadcasters, aircraft communications, citizens band radio users and military communications?

Perhaps it is the case that the UK authorities have been unable to control and prohibit the sale of ‘Home Plug’ devices - due to their being waved through by Brussels. Could this be a case of the UK government and Ofcom being overruled by Brussels and no longer in a position to be in control of our country’s own affairs?

Why have we as a nation, and Ofcom as the spectrum regulator, allowed ourselves to be bullied into forcing through the supply of an unnecessarily disruptive product by large computer company interests?

Other non disruptive networking solutions are available.

My personal feeling is that PLT technology is Radio Spectrum Abuse, particularly as it is affecting primary users. Ofcom, as the regulator, should be concerned about spectrum abuse to primary users and as such the organization should also be in a position to take action to remove these devices from sale and from use. This would seem to make more sense than fighting a potentially expensive and time consuming rear guard action that involves investigating each and every individual case?  -  One legitimately licensed radio user could potentially be surrounded by dozens of PLT / HomePlug users.

I should also point out that the H.F. / short wave band in question is not only used by licensed radio amateurs, but it is also used for other services such as aircraft communications, the M.O.D’s military communications and international broadcasting stations such as the BBC World Service.

My understanding is that Ofcom is supposed to eliminate spectrum abuse – but this does not appear to be the case when considering this particular problem, so what is the realistic future for legitimate, licensed, primary users of the HF bands?

The only cure for this wide band interference problem that I can see is that Ofcom /our own UK government should remove these disruptive and damaging appliances from sale and band their use.

I write from the perspective of being part of the amateur radio culture and a user of the HF bands but, as I have mentioned, there are many other pre-existing legitimate and licensed users of the HF band that stand to lose out due to the general, un coordinated and unregulated installation of these Broadband By Power Line / HomePlug devices that are already causing widespread disruption and interference to the radio spectrum.

Your comments and assistance will be greatly appreciated.

Yours Sincerely,
..

Enc:
Amateur Radio Band Plan
Diagram showing position of H.F. band in the general radio spectrum

Reference web sites:
Radio Society of Great Britain Electromagnetic Compatibility page:
http://www.rsgb.org/emc/

A group on Yahoo forums explaining the interference problems of BPL / PLT:
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ukqrm/

BPL / PLT / Home Plug large industry pressure group:
http://www.homeplug.org/home

(September 2008)



Re: Radio Interference caused by British Telecom Vision “BPL” Adapters and similar “PLT” equipment.

Dear Sir,

Thank you very much for your reply of December 2008. While I am very grateful for your reply, I am somewhat disappointed with the response.

You state that this “powerline technology (PLT) does not use radio in the true sense.”, and that any interference caused to the reception of broadcast radio and other radio use is due to the fact that “..some of the radio energy leaks from the mains cable and is radiated.”

Technically it is not in the least bit surprising that radio energy “leaks” from household mains wiring. Mains wiring is designed to carry electricity and not to route radio waves efficiently and thus, because it is not balanced or shielded “RF feeder (in the way familiar coaxial television aerial cable is), it is absolutely inevitable that radio energy will “leak” from the mains wiring. Not only is mains wiring entirely unsuitable as a radio frequency “feeder”, because it is un-shielded, it will inevitably act as an enormous radio antenna – effectively radiating the PLT signals across a very large area outside the property.

This interference is not restricted to one, or even a limited number, of discrete channels or frequencies (which might be bad enough). It effectively wipes out the majority of the short wave (H.F.) band for hundreds of metres around the house.

So I find the comment that the department does not regard PLT technology as radio “in the true sense” impossible to understand. The system is effectively using a very large radio aerial (the household mains wiring) to broadcast very wide band interference to the neighbourhood.

You also state that “In particular, good quality PLT adapters notch out the amateur bands.” This is of course true, but experience suggests that the overall level of noise (the noise floor) is still likely to be increased. Even so I think many radio amateurs could live with this and therefore I do appreciate that if these “good quality” notched PLT adapters are used then radio amateurs should be spared from a good deal of the interference from PLT.

But what about other users of the short wave bands? Listeners to short wave broadcasts, for example, will not be spared. This is also of great interest to me, so although I might still be able to use the amateur bands, short wave broadcast reception would be obliterated.

In any other circumstances this would be regarded as ‘jamming’, a technique employed by dictatorships and contrary to the broadcast and reception of free speech and views.

Of particular concern is the use of poor quality PLT adapters. It is suggested that cheap, poor quality PLT adapters do not  “notch out” the amateur bands. What would happen in these cases? Do Ofcom have the power of confiscation when such interference is caused by non compliant equipment?

I believe that this is a very important concern that also needs to be considered in detail.

In another comment you state that “...many people use PLT in their home without any problem”. This is not surprising since what will concern the typical PLT user the most will be whether their own computer network is functioning properly - they will not be concerned with other legitimate users of the short wave radio bands. So if it works for their own use there will be no perceived problem for them – although the activity may well be severely affecting others.

I understand that if a PLT adapter has been installed by an internet service provider such as B.T. that there may be a reasonable chance of having the adapter removed by the responsible company if interference is caused. However I do not believe that such action would be so easy if the interference is caused by an individual who has purchased a PLT adapter independently that the chance of successful interference resolution will be as high.

Expanding on this point, and deviating slightly; it is unfortunate that, taking a wider view, our society has become more selfish and lacking in respect in recent years. This lack of respect affects many areas of life, where people will simply do what they want regardless of what problems their activities will inflict on other individuals. Such attitudes will almost certainly apply to the use of BPL equipment and problems are certain to be exacerbated by the lack of any reasonable and proper regulation of PLT technologies.

I have encountered the attitude of PLT users who, because their own PLT or BT Vision connections are working to their individual satisfaction but are causing radio interference, believe that other long standing radio users, short wave listeners and radio amateurs should “find another hobby”.  Another case of  ‘I’m all right Jack’.

This is one of the reasons why I strongly believe that government regulation needs to remove the interference being caused by PLT immediately: The likelihood is extremely high that when an individual has (as is the case  at present) legitimately bought a PLT adapter from PC World, Maplin or wherever, and is subsequently found to be causing unacceptable levels of interference to existing HF users, the chances of them seeing reason and disconnecting their recent purchase is not very high. It may be difficult if not impossible to appeal to their better nature, if they have one.

I would also doubt that even if Ofcom traced the source of HF interference from PLT users that they would have absolute power of removal of the offending adapter. Ofcom could certainly trace the interference, but would an Ofcom officer have the power of entry into a private property in order that the adapter may be disconnected and confiscated?

If Ofcom have no real powers of entry and confiscation then the unsophisticated and ignorant users of BPL adapters will have free reign to cause uncontrolled radio frequency pollution with little or no regard for other individuals.

As an amateur, if I caused interference to just one channel and refused to rectify the problem I would have my licence revoked and possibly have my equipment confiscated. Yet PLT adapters can ruin hundreds of channels across an entire waveband and this is deemed as being acceptable by the same authorities that oversee that licensed radio users do not cause interference.

Mr Carter also mentions that Digital Switchover is a current concern. I find the reference to Digital Switchover and Digital Britain rather erroneous. If PLT adapters were banned tomorrow it would have no effect on the use of digital television, internet, home computer networks or digital radio – or anything else digital. PLT adapters are simply not required for anything digital in Britain or anywhere else.

I will concede that a PLT adapter can help form a convenient network connection in some circumstances – but they are not necessary for such connection. If PLT adapters were removed from sale tomorrow there remain alternative, and arguably better methods; 2.4 GHz wireless routers are widely available and additionally the familiar 100MB and 1000MB wired LAN connections make for far more secure and reliable network connections.

The truth is PLT / BPL / PLA is unnecessary. There are cheaper better alternatives that also happen to cause no problems to other people.

Removing PLT / PLA / BPL adapters for sale today would in no way affect the rollout of faster internet or digital radio or television.

Thank you for taking the time to pursue this subject for me and for taking the time to read my reply.

With very best wishes,
...


[My Member of Parilament has been extremely helpful in assisting me persue this matter.]