Federal regulators on Thursday released technical rules overseeing a technology they hope will serve as the third wire into the home used to deliver high-speed Internet access: broadband service over the power lines.
Regulators have expressed optimism broadband over power line communications (BPL) will become a viable competitor to the two broadband technologies that currently pervade the consumer market: cable modem and DSL.
The FCC adopted rules establishing specific technical and administrative requirements for broadband powerline equipment and operators to prevent interference with other services. Among other rules, the order establishes frequency bands where the technology must avoid operating to protect aeronautical and aircraft receivers communications; creates consultation requirements with public safety agencies, federal sensitive stations and aeronautical stations; and establishes a notification database to help identify and resolve harmful interference.
FCC commissioners said Thursday they support establishing minimal rules to help advance broadband services while recognizing the need to protect current licensed services from interference.
“By crafting a minimal regulatory framework for BPL we are advancing Congress’s goal of creating a pro-competitive, deregulatory framework, and the commission’s goal of deploying broadband to every American,” FCC Chairman Michael Powell and FCC commissioner Kathleen Abernathy said in a joint statement. “Because BPL is a nascent technology and the broadband market has no dominant incumbent service provider, only minimal regulations are appropriate.”
