[TenTec] Anti-BPL Campaign

[John Rippey]

I'm afraid the last-ditch effort to derail the Bush campaign's promises 
regarding broadband services via BPL will be of no avail. By now, it seems 
obvious that FCC Chairman Powell got the bright idea months ago that this 
technology could be a plus for a President (remember his 2000 rival 
"invented" the Internet) not known for his technological orientation. 
Someone at the White House bought into it, and it seems set in concrete. 
(Last week was not the first time the subject has come up in a Bush 
campaign speech.)

The NTIA report appears to say there are problems, perhaps even serious 
ones, but that they can be dealt with. At any rate, between now and 
November it's doubtful whether anyone at the White House will pay much 
attention to objections, nuanced or otherwise, to the spread of this 
technology. After the elections, it could be a different story. One can 
always hope.

About a year ago eHam.net posted an article of mine arguing that the ARRL 
needs more members. The onslaught of anti-ARRL sentiment this article 
generated was sobering. So I would have to say that in a hotly competitive 
world, the amateur radio service is going into battle against BPL with its 
lobbying arm woefully underfunded and undermanned for what may be a true 
watershed for the hobby. You're not going to find Tommy Boggs, Timmons & 
Co., or Covington & Burling on the ARRL's payroll, for example. You're 
talking millions of dollars, money the ARRL doesn't have.

My experience with writing the eHam.net article has led me to conclude that 
as much of the blame for the current crisis lies within as it does without.

73,
John, W3ULS