[RFI] BSL with "WiFi" last-mile connection

[Tom Cox]

The idea of passing BSL over high voltage distribution lines and then 
sending it to subscribers via 2.4 GHz digital radios is interesting. 
This connection method uses two Part 15 (unlicensed) media, niether of 
which has any regulatory protection against interference from licensed 
or unlicensed users. 2.4 GHz is the most heavily used part of the 
unlicensed wireless networking spectrum (802.11, 802.11b and 802.11g 
equipment all use it), and already this gear is subject to interference 
from microwave ovens, 2.4 GHz cordless phones, and wireless audio/video 
distribution systems, as well as other networking equipment.

Reliable, enterprise-class wireless networking equipment is not cheap, 
and SOHO-class gear will probably not stand up to the kinds of usage and 
environmental stresses of being sited in close proximity to power lines.

Let's see -- BSL is vulnerable to disruption from nearby HF or low-VHF 
transmitters (assuming the signals can be heard over the utilities' own 
line noise).  2.4 GHz wireless is crowded and subject to its own host of 
interference problems, including power restrictions and many users in a 
small slice of spectrum.

If this is the hand the power companies are betting on, I wouldn't want 
to be a stockholder when customers start cancelling and moving to DSL or 
cable modems. If my power utility goes to the state wanting to raise 
rates to pay for a bad investment, the Public Utilities Commission will 
be hearing from me. A lot.

73,
Tom, KT9OM