Original Message:

-----------------

From: Roth, Kenneth M  (DLEG) kmroth@michigan.gov

Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2005 16:48:00 -0400

To: kc8odp@arrl.net

Subject: RE: 04-18-05 MSU Conf. on Broadband

Bruce, Thanks for your comments--I have passed them on to Comm'r

Chappelle

Kenneth M. Roth

Office of Commissioner Chappelle

Michigan Public Service Commission

(517) 241-6014

kmroth@michigan.gov

-----Original Message-----

From: kc8odp@arrl.net

Sent: Monday, April 18, 2005 4:41 PM

To: Roth, Kenneth M (DLEG)

Subject: 04-18-05 MSU Conf. on Broadband

 

 

Good afternoon Ken,

 

I just finished the first part of the conference at MSU this afternoon.  I was not surprised to see that Laura failed to recognize the down sides to BPL.  The real potential for RF interference is not taken lightly by those who rely on radio spectrum for public services, disaster response for life safety concerns and broadcast, shortwave and amateur radio for entertainment.

 

BPL offers considerable opportunities for interference to these services.  Such interference to licensed radio services is prohibited under law.  However, it seems the establishment and government would like very much to overlook these issues.  I am surprised to hear there is a possibility that tax dollars are going to support these unproven technologies.

 

To listen to Commissioner Chappelle, one would assume that all is well with BPL.  In fact, however, the world over, BPL implementations are being closed down almost daily.  The success factor for these operations is small and those that are providing minimal interference are still unable to offer their service on a fully non-interference basis.

 

As governmental and quasi-governmental representatives, it seems to me, that both the PSC and NARUC should take neutral positions and equally recognize the problems associated with BPL while encouraging the industry to cooperatively continue its development efforts.  The absence of a balanced discussion about the problems associated with BPL  technology send a poor message to the citizens of our community and to the various services using FCC licensed radio that provide protection to our citizens.

 

I am hopeful that both Commissioners Chappelle and Nelson will begin to acknowledge this concern.  The obvious absence of a balanced discussion lends strongly to conclusions that the BPL industry could have undue influence in government. 

 

In the case of Grand Ledge, two groups have completed or are nearing completion of base-line spectrum studies to be in a position to determine if interference should be received from the Shpigler

Group/Consumers Energy effort in Grand Ledge. 

 

These groups are currently awaiting notice from the technical arm of the Shpigler Group to begin joint spectrum analysis as they begin implementation of the ongoing commercial effort.  It is interesting also to note that this particular implementation was not billed as a pilot.  It is viewed as a full-fledged but somewhat staged commercial implementation.