Not only hams will be affected. The comments about the military probably not being TOO affected are basically correct however, and as such they cannot be seen as much of an anti-BPL ally.
The majority of police do NOT use UHF trunking systems. Yes, plenty do, but not most. Still enough of them use VHF low band - that is to say the range of 30-50 MHz. And in rural areas, that spectrum is heavily used by volunteer fire and first aid units. Many volunteer units in suburban areas use it too. And this spectrum is right in the path of BPL.
Folks, a good many of us live in areas covered by such volunteer emergency response folks. Do we really want THEM to have unusable radios? Keep in mind also, most of those volunteer units cannot afford to replace radio systems en masse, and as such, suggesting a move in frequency is not practical.
Yes, as a ham for 29 years, I'm concerned. But as someone who might need an ambulance or fire company one day, I'm MORE concerned. And in the face of the facts about BPL and interference, several FCC commissioners blather on about BPL as the holy grail while the stars shine in their glossed over blinded eyes. THAT is scary.
Slashdot Mirror
Not only hams will be affected. The comments about the military probably not being TOO affected are basically correct however, and as such they cannot be seen as much of an anti-BPL ally.
The majority of police do NOT use UHF trunking systems. Yes, plenty do, but not most. Still enough of them use VHF low band - that is to say the range of 30-50 MHz. And in rural areas, that spectrum is heavily used by volunteer fire and first aid units. Many volunteer units in suburban areas use it too. And this spectrum is right in the path of BPL.
Folks, a good many of us live in areas covered by such volunteer emergency response folks. Do we really want THEM to have unusable radios? Keep in mind also, most of those volunteer units cannot afford to replace radio systems en masse, and as such, suggesting a move in frequency is not practical.
Yes, as a ham for 29 years, I'm concerned. But as someone who might need an ambulance or fire company one day, I'm MORE concerned. And in the face of the facts about BPL and interference, several FCC commissioners blather on about BPL as the holy grail while the stars shine in their glossed over blinded eyes. THAT is scary.
Chris WA2ZDY