[RFI] More on BPL

[Pete Smith]

There has been some concern expressed about one Commissioner's reference to 
"unsupported claims [of interference]."  Fortunately, that snippet looks a 
lot better in context.  Commissioner Adelstein said:

" While we must be mindful of harmful interference, we cannot let 
unsupported claims stand in the way of such an innovation as BPL 
systems.  Provided that the engineering bears out, I believe that we need 
to push the boundaries to accommodate new technologies.  A little noticed 
provision of the Communications Act, Section 157, reads that '[i]t shall be 
the policy of the United States to encourage the provision of new 
technologies and services to the public.'  I am fully committed to that 
mission to promote new technologies, and to provide a framework for 
innovation so they can succeed.  In order to do so, we must first resolve 
the technical interference issues addressed in this NPRM."

To me, that last sentence puts the burden of proof where it belongs.  Now 
we'll see if the FCC means it.

73, Pete N4ZR
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