Broadband Power Line Systems, 1360-1379 [05-246]
Download as PDF
1360
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 5 / Friday, January 7, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
VI. Congressional Review Act
The Congressional Review Act, 5
U.S.C. 801et seq., as added by the Small
Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act of 1996, generally provides
that before a rule may take effect, the
Agency promulgating the rule must
submit a rule report, which includes a
copy of the rule, to each House of the
Congress and the Comptroller General of
the United States. EPA will submit a
report containing this rule and other
required information to the U.S. Senate,
the U.S. House of Representatives, and
the Comptroller General of the United
States prior to publication of the rule in
the Federal Register. This rule is not a
‘‘major rule’’as defined by 5 U.S.C.
804(2).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
Environmental protection,
Administrative practices and
procedures, Pesticides and pests,
Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
Dated: December 29, 2004.
Betty Shackleford,
Acting Director, Registration Division, Office
of Pesticide Programs.
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is
amended as follows:
I
PART 180—[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for part 180
continues to read as follows:
I
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
2. Section 180.1071 is revised to read
as follows:
I
§ 180.1071 Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Milk,
Soybeans, Eggs, Fish, Crustacea, and
Wheat; exemption from the requirement of
a tolerance.
(a) General. Residues resulting from
the following uses of the food
commodity forms of peanuts, tree nuts,
milk, soybeans, eggs (including
putrescent eggs), fish, crustacea, and
wheat are exempted from the
requirement of a tolerance in or on all
food commodities under FFDCA section
408 (when used as either an inert or an
active ingredient in a pesticide
formulation), if such use is in
accordance with good agricultural
practices:
(1) Use in pesticide products intended
to treat seeds.
(2) Use in nursery and greenhouse
operations, as defined in 40 CFR 170.3,
which includes seeding, potting and
transplanting activities.
(3) Pre-plant and at-transplant
applications.
(4) Incorporation into seedling and
planting beds.
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:17 Jan 06, 2005
Jkt 205001
(5) Applications to cuttings and bare
roots.
(6) Applications to the field that occur
after the harvested crop has been
removed.
(7) Soil-directed applications around
and adjacent to all plants.
(8) Applications to rangelands, which
is land, mostly grasslands, whose plants
can provide food (i.e., forage) for grazing
or browsing animals.
(9) Use in chemigation and irrigation
systems (via flood, drip, or furrow
application with no overhead spray
applications).
(10) Application as part of a dry
fertilizer on which an active ingredient
is impregnated.
(11) Aerial and ground applications
that occur when no above-ground
harvestable food commodities are
present (usually pre-bloom).
(12) Application as part of an animal
feed-through product.
(13) Applications as gel and solid
(non-liquid/non-spray) crack and
crevice treatments that place the gel or
bait directly into or on top of the cracks
and crevices via a mechanism such as
a syringe.
(14) Applications to the same crop
from which the food commodity is
derived, whether the plant fraction(s)
intended for harvest are present or not,
e.g., applications of peanut meal when
applied to peanut plants.
(b) Specific chemical substances.
Residues resulting from the use of the
following substances as either an inert
or an active ingredient in a pesticide
formulation are exempted from the
requirement of a tolerance under
FFDCA section 408, if such use is in
accordance with good agricultural
practices and such use is included in
paragraph (a):
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION
47 CFR Part 15
[ET Docket No. 04–37 and ET Docket No.
03–104; FCC 04–245]
Broadband Power Line Systems
Federal Communications
Commission.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This document adopts new
requirements and measurement
guidelines for a new type of carrier
current system that provides access to
broadband services using electric utility
companies’ power lines. This new
technology offers the potential for the
establishment of a significant new
medium for extending broadband access
to American homes and businesses.
Given that power lines reach virtually
every residence and business in every
community and geographic area in this
country, Access BPL service could be
made available nearly everywhere. This
new broadband delivery medium could
also serve to introduce additional
competition to existing cable, DSL, and
other broadband services. We believe
these actions will promote the
development of BPL systems by
removing regulatory uncertainties for
BPL operators and equipment
manufacturers while ensuring that
licensed radio services are protected
from harmful interference.
DATES: Effective February 7, 2005,
except for §§ 15.615(a) through (e)
which contain information collection
requirements that are not effective until
approved by the Office of Management
and Budget. The FCC will publish a
document in the Federal Register
announcing the effective date for those
sections.
Final Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
Analysis
This document contains modified
information collection requirements.
Chemical Substance
CAS No.
The Commission, as part of its
Caseins ...........................
9000–71–9 continuing effort to reduce paperwork
burdens, invites the general public to
Caseins, ammonium
complexes ...................
9005–42–9 comment on the information collection
Caseins, hydrolyzates ....
65072–00–6 requirements contained in this R&O as
required by the Paperwork Reduction
Caseins, potassium complexes ..........................
68131–54–4 Act of 1995, Public Law 104–13. Public
and agency comments are due March 8,
Caseins, sodium complexes ..........................
9005–46–3 2005.
ADDRESSES: Comments on the
*
*
*
*
*
information collection requirements
should be addressed to the Office of the
[FR Doc. 05–344 Filed 1–6–05; 8:45 am]
Secretary, Federal Communications
BILLING CODE 6560–50–S
Commission, 445 12th Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20554. In addition to
filing comments with the Secretary, a
PO 00000
Frm 00036
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
E:\FR\FM\07JAR1.SGM
07JAR1
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 5 / Friday, January 7, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
copy should be submitted to Leslie
Smith, Federal Communications
Commission, Room 1–C804, 445 12th
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554, or
via Internet to Leslie.Smith@fcc.gov, and
to Kristy L. LaLonde, OMB Desk Officer,
10234 NEOB, 725 17th Street, NW.,
Washington, DC 20503 or via the
Internet to
Kristy_L._LaLonde@omb.eop.gov or via
fax at (202) 395–5167.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anh
Wride, Office of Engineering and
Technology, (202) 418–20577, e-mail:
Anh.Wride@fcc.gov, TTY (202) 418–
2989.
This is a
summary of the Commission’s Report
and Order, ET Docket No. 04–37 and ET
Docket No. 03–104, FCC 04–245,
adopted October 14, 2004, and released
October 28, 2004. The full text of this
document is available for inspection
and copying during normal business
hours in the FCC Reference Center
(Room CY–A257), 445 12th Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20554. The complete
text of this document also may be
purchased from the Commission’s copy
contractor, Qualex International, 445
12th Street, SW., Room CY–B402,
Washington, DC 20554. The full text
may also be downloaded at:
www.fcc.gov. Alternate formats are
available to persons with disabilities by
contacting Brian Millin at (202) 418–
7426 or TTY (202) 418–7365.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Congressional Review Act
The Commission will send a copy of
this Report & Order, in a report to be
sent to Congress and the General
Accounting Office pursuant to the
Congressional Review Act, see 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
Summary of Report and Order
1. In the Report and Order, the
Commission adopted new rules for
Access Broadband over Power Line
(Access BPL) systems, a new type of
carrier current technology that provides
access to high speed broadband services
using electric utility companies’ power
lines. This new technology offers the
potential for the establishment of a
significant new medium for extending
broadband access to American homes
and businesses. Given that power lines
reach virtually every residence and
business in every community and
geographic area in this country, Access
BPL service could be made available
nearly everywhere. This new broadband
delivery medium could also serve to
introduce additional competition to
existing cable, DSL, and other
broadband services. In addition, the
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:17 Jan 06, 2005
Jkt 205001
National Telecommunications and
Information Administration (NTIA) has
undertaken a significant effort to both
study Access BPL technology, including
its operating characteristics and
interference potential, and to make
specific recommendations to the
Commission for policies to encourage its
implementation and to manage its
interference potential. Our staff has
worked closely with NTIA on this
matter and the policy decisions and
rules we adopted reflect that
cooperation and embody many of
NTIA’s recommendations.
2. Along with NTIA, we recognize the
concerns of authorized radio service
users in both the private and
government sectors for the need to
ensure that radio frequency (RF) energy
from BPL signals on power lines does
not cause harmful interference to
licensed radio services. The record and
our investigations indicate that BPL
network systems can generally be
configured and managed to minimize
and/or eliminate this harmful
interference potential. Our goals in
developing the rules for Access BPL are
to provide a framework that will both
facilitate the rapid introduction and
development of BPL systems and
protect licensed radio services from
harmful interference. Specifically, we
adopted: new operational requirements
for Access BPL to promote avoidance
and resolution of harmful interference;
new administrative requirements to aid
in identifying Access BPL installations;
and specific measurement guidelines
and certification requirements to ensure
accurate and repeatable evaluations of
emissions from Access BPL and all
other carrier current systems. We
believe these actions will promote the
development of BPL systems by
removing regulatory uncertainties for
BPL operators and equipment
manufacturers while ensuring that
licensed radio services are protected
from harmful interference.
Part 15—Existing Rules
3. Carrier current systems use
alternating current (AC) electric power
lines to carry communications by
coupling very low power RF signals
onto the AC electric wiring.
Traditionally, these systems have
included amplitude modulated (AM)
radio systems on school campuses and
devices intended for the home, such as
intercom systems and remote controls
for electrical appliances and lamps.
Carrier current systems operate on an
unlicensed basis under part 15 of the
Commission’s rules. As a general
condition of operation, part 15 devices
may not cause harmful interference to
PO 00000
Frm 00037
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
1361
authorized radio services and must
accept any interference that they
receive.
4. The part 15 rules for carrier current
systems currently specify radiated and
conducted emission limits for devices
operating below 30 MHz and above 30
MHz. Carrier current systems operating
from 9 kHz to 30 MHz are subject to
radiated emission limits on emissions
from any part of the wiring or power
network connected to the RF power
source. For carrier current systems that
contain their fundamental emission
within the standard AM broadcast band
of 535 to 1705 kHz and are intended to
be received using standard AM
broadcast receivers, there is no limit on
conducted emissions. All other carrier
current systems operating below 30
MHz are subject to a conducted
emission limit only within the AM
broadcast band. Carrier current devices
operating above 30 MHz must meet the
radiated emission limits of § 15.109(a),
(b) or (g) for digital devices, which are
further divided into two types. Class A
equipment includes devices marketed
for use in a commercial, industrial or
business environment, excluding
devices which are marketed for use by
the general public or are intended to be
used in the home. Class B equipment
includes devices marketed for use in a
residential environment,
notwithstanding use in commercial,
business and industrial environments.
The rules require Access BPL systems to
comply with the limits for Class A or B
devices depending on whether they are
marketed for use in a commercial,
industrial or business environment on
the one hand or for use by the general
public or in the home on the other.
Under this Class A/Class B regime,
Access BPL systems that operate on
medium voltage lines external to
residential environments are considered
Class A devices. Carrier current devices
that do not operate on frequencies
below 30 MHz are subject to the general
conducted emission limits below 30
MHz. The existing part 15 rules also
address power line carrier systems,
which are low-speed carrier current
systems operating between 10 kHz and
490 kHz, used by an electric public
utility entity for protective relaying,
telemetry, etc., for general supervision
of the power system. Because of their
specialized use and operating frequency
range, power line carrier systems are not
subject to specific emission limits as are
general carrier current systems.
5. The Commission believes that the
widespread introduction of Access BPL
service would further our goals for
broadband service consistent with the
challenges indicated. This new
E:\FR\FM\07JAR1.SGM
07JAR1
1362
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 5 / Friday, January 7, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
technology offers the potential to give
rise to a major new medium for
broadband service delivery. Services
provided on Access BPL could offer
high speed Internet and data
communications that compete with,
complement, or extend the broadband
services provided on existing media.
Given the ubiquitous nature of the
electric power network, Access BPL
could conceivably also offer these
services to virtually every element of the
broadband market, including
residential, institutional, and
commercial users. In addition, it is
possible that Access BPL could provide
a means to expedite the availability of
broadband Internet service to consumers
and business in rural and other
underserved areas. We also find that
encouraging the deployment of the
technology in the United States will
support globalization of products and
services, promote continued U.S.
leadership in broadband technology,
and bring important benefits to the
American public.
6. The Commission understand the
significant concerns of licensed radio
service users about the potential for
Access BPL services to cause harmful
interference to their operations. It is our
intention to ensure that Access BPL
operations do not become a source of
harmful interference to licensed radio
services. Based on extensive research,
analyses, and practical experience, the
Commission also continues to believe
that the interference concerns of
licensed radio users can be adequately
addressed and that Access BPL systems
will be able to operate successfully on
an unlicensed, non-harmful interference
basis under the part 15 model. In this
regard, we find that the harmful
interference potential from Access BPL
systems operating in compliance with
the existing part 15 emission limits for
carrier current systems is low in
connection with the additional rules we
adopted. From the information provided
by our field tests, the tests conducted by
NTIA, theoretical predictions by NTIA
and ARRL, and experience of the several
tests of Access BPL systems, we observe
that the potential for any harmful
interference is limited to areas within a
short distance of the power lines used
by this technology. As emphasized by
NTIA’s Phase 1 study and comments,
interference can be rapidly eliminated
through various means should it occur.
We pointed out to the individual
amateurs commenting in this
proceeding that the definition of
‘‘harmful interference’’ as used in § 15.5
of the rules is set forth in § 2.1 of the
rules. We disagree with ARRL’s position
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:17 Jan 06, 2005
Jkt 205001
that there is no reason to act now in this
proceeding and that we should delay
our decision on rules for Access BPL to
provide more time to develop rules to
prevent this technology from causing
harmful interference. As indicated, the
broadband service capabilities of Access
BPL systems offer important
opportunities for establishing a new
medium for broadband access and for
introducing new competition in the
broadband market. We believe that it is
important to set forth rules that will
promote this service now, rather than
delay. In addition, the record provided
in response to the Inquiry and the
NPRM, including the extensive studies
conducted by NTIA, is more than
sufficient to assure us that the rules we
adopted will adequately protect
licensed services from harmful
interference. While some cases of
harmful interference may be possible
from Access BPL emissions at levels up
to the part 15 limits, we agree with
NTIA that the benefits of Access BPL
service warrant acceptance of a small
and manageable degree of interference
risk.
7. As stated in the NPRM, we believe
that, on balance, the benefits of Access
BPL for bringing broadband services to
the public are sufficiently important and
significant so as to outweigh the limited
potential for increased harmful
interference that may arise. Moreover,
the Commission continue to believe that
cases where interference may occur or
where its possible occurrence would
impact critical services can be
addressed through additional regulatory
measures. These additional measures
will generally require Access BPL
operators to reduce emissions or avoid
operation on certain frequencies in
order to protect licensed services, to use
equipment that can alter its operation by
changing operating frequencies to
eliminate interference, to make available
information that will assist the public in
identifying locations where Access BPL
operations are present, and to provide
notice to radio users before commencing
local BPL operations. In this way, the
new rules provide effective means for
preventing any interference and will
ensure that any instances of interference
that may occur can be quickly identified
and resolved. We emphasize that Access
BPL systems will continue be treated as
unlicensed part 15 devices and as such
will be subject to the conditions that
they not cause harmful interference and
that they cease operation if they do
cause such interference, as required by
our rules. As discussed in paragraph 50,
of the Report and Order, except for a
few specific frequencies that are
PO 00000
Frm 00038
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
reserved for international aeronautical
safety operations, we do not believe that
excluding BPL operations from
frequencies used by any specific service,
such as the low VHF TV bands, is
necessary or appropriate. Rather, we
believe requiring BPL equipment to
have the capability to avoid any locally
used frequency is the most effective
approach to ensuring that harmful
interference to licensed operations is
avoided.
8. The Commission is amending its
part 15 rules with changes intended to
facilitate the deployment of Access BPL
technology while protecting licensed
users of the spectrum. Specifically, we
are: defining Access BPL for purposes of
our rules; maintaining the existing part
15 emission limits for carrier current
systems for Access BPL; requiring that
Access BPL devices employ adaptive
interference mitigation techniques;
requiring that Access BPL system
operators provide information on the
areas where their systems are installed
and other technical parameters in a
central data base that would be
accessible by the public; and adopting
specific measurement guidelines for
both Access BPL and other carrier
current systems to ensure that
measurements are made in a consistent
manner and provide for repeatable
results in determining compliance with
our rules.
Definition of Access BPL
9. The Commission adopted a
modified version of the proposed
definition of Access BPL that includes
changes as suggested by the
commenting parties. In this regard, we
agree that the definition of Access BPL
should not include the low-speed power
line carrier systems used by electric
utilities as defined in our rules.
Transmissions on these systems have
very short duty cycles that pose very
low interference potential as opposed to
the constant operation that characterizes
Access BPL. We also agree that the
definition for Access BPL should limit
the low frequency cut-off to above 1.705
MHz, which is the upper frequency for
the AM broadcast band. We agree that
the definition for Access BPL should not
include power lines located within a
customer’s premises or within a utility’s
own premises. These lines generally
carry low voltage power, are not under
the ownership or integral control of the
power service operator, are isolated
from the medium voltage lines by a
distribution transformer such that a
bypass device must be used to reach
them with BPL signals, and pose lower
potential as sources of interference
because their emissions are attenuated
E:\FR\FM\07JAR1.SGM
07JAR1
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 5 / Friday, January 7, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
by the structure in which they are
located. We also see no need to limit
ownership or control of BPL operations
to electric utility operators. We believe
that an independent BPL provider can
take the same steps and precautions as
an electric utility operator in working
with its equipment vendor, the power
system, and licensed radio users to
ensure that an Access BPL system does
not cause harmful interference and to
resolve any interference. We also see no
need to specifically mention aerial or
underground lines in the definition.
Furthermore, we note that the record in
this proceeding only addresses Access
BPL systems operating over medium
voltage and low voltage lines. Because
the high voltage lines are located
physically higher, can carry very high
voltages, and have different
configurations as well as characteristics
with respect to potential harmful
interference, we are excluding them
from the definition for Access BPL at
this time. Access BPL systems intended
for high voltage lines can however
operate under the requirements for
experimental licensing in part 5 of the
Commission rules.
10. We therefore are amending § 15.3
of the rules to include the following
definition for Access BPL:
Access Broadband Over Power Line
(Access BPL). A carrier current system
installed and operated on an electric utility
service as an unintentional radiator that
sends radio frequency energy on frequencies
between 1.705 MHz and 80 MHz over
medium voltage lines or low voltage lines to
provide broadband communications and is
located on the supply side of the utility
service’s points of interconnection with
customer premises. Access BPL does not
include power line carrier systems as defined
in § 15.3(t) of this part or In-House BPL
systems as defined in § 15.3(gg) of this part.
11. While we are not generally
addressing rules for In-House BPL
systems, except for measurement
procedures, we do find it useful and
appropriate to set forth a definition of
such systems in the rules. As NTIA and
Southern point out, specifying a
definition of In-House BPL systems will
fully define all forms of BPL and help
to clarify the differences between
Access BPL and In-House systems. We
find that the definition of In-House BPL
suggested by NTIA properly identifies
these systems. Accordingly, we adopted
the following definition for In-House
BPL:
In-House Broadband Over Power Line (InHouse BPL). A carrier current system,
operating as an unintentional radiator, that
sends radio frequency energy to provide
broadband communications on frequencies
between 1.705 MHz and 80 MHz over low-
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:17 Jan 06, 2005
Jkt 205001
voltage electric power lines that are not
owned, operated or controlled by an electric
service provider. The electric power lines
may be aerial (overhead), underground, or
inside walls, floors or ceilings of user
premises. In-House BPL devices may
establish closed networks within a user’s
premises or provide connections to Access
BPL (as defined in § 15.3(ff) of this part)
networks, or both.
We also encourage industry efforts to
develop standards for In-House BPL
systems and devices that are
complementary to and compatible with
Access BPL operations.
12. Access BPL Systems Above 80
MHz. We agree with Corridor that
Access BPL systems operating in higher
regions of the spectrum, such as the
Corridor Access BPL system at 5.8 GHz,
should not be subject to the rules
adopted herein for Access BPL systems
operating in the HF and low VHF
spectrum. We find that the record in
this proceeding does not provide
sufficient information regarding Access
BPL operating in spectrum above 80
MHz, hence a decision regarding this
type of Access BPL technology cannot
be effectively rendered at the present
time; however, Access BPL systems not
covered in the above definition are
subject to existing applicable part 15
rules for carrier current systems.
However, we will monitor the
development of Access BPL systems
that operate on frequencies above 80
MHz and may consider additional
requirements for Access BPL systems
operating above 80 MHz in a future
rulemaking if appropriate.
Emission Limits
13. General Emission Limits. The
Commission continues to believe that it
is appropriate to apply the existing part
15 radiated emission limits to Access
BPL systems. We are not persuaded by
the arguments of ARRL and others
representing licensed spectrum users
that the current emission limits are
insufficient to limit the general
interference potential of these systems.
The 0 dBµV/m limit suggested by the
ARRL is typically below the noise floor
in the HF and low VHF bands and
would be unnecessarily and
prohibitively restrictive for Access BPL
operators. Along with NTIA, we
conclude that the current emission
limits will restrict Access BPL systems
to very low emitted power levels in
comparison to the signals of licensed
radio operations. The effect of these
limits will be to constrain the harmful
interference potential of these systems
to relatively short distances from the
power lines that they occupy. In fact, in
most cases the level of emissions from
PO 00000
Frm 00039
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
1363
Access BPL systems will be at or close
to the noise floor at distances beyond a
hundred meters of an installed power
line. We recognize that some radio
operations in the bands being used for
Access BPL, such as those of Amateur
radio licensees, may occur at distances
sufficiently close to power lines as to
make harmful interference a possibility.
We believe that those situations can be
addressed through interference
avoidance techniques by the Access BPL
provider such as frequency band
selection, notching, or judicious device
placement; the rules we are specifying
facilitate such solutions. We do not see
evidence that BPL operation will
significantly contribute RF energy to
generally raise the background noise
level. In addition, because power lines
inherently can radiate significant noise
emissions as noted by NTIA and ARRL,
good engineering practice is to locate
sensitive receiver antennas as far as
practicable from power lines. This
practice will also help prevent
interference from Access BPL emissions.
In fact, as stated by NTIA, power line
noise emissions at frequencies up to 800
MHz may actually be reduced as Access
BPL systems are deployed. Furthermore,
we see no need to impose a strict bandpass filtering on Access BPL, and we
deny Echelon’s request in this regard.
14. Although we agree with ARRL
that Access BPL on overhead lines is not
a traditional point-source emitter, we do
not believe that Access BPL devices will
cause the power lines to act as countless
miles of transmission lines all radiating
RF energy along their full length. First,
the part 15 emission limits for carrier
current systems have proven very
effective at controlling interference from
such systems. Also, for the reasons
indicated by PPL Telcom, we believe
that the design and configuration of
Access BPL systems will be inconsistent
with the development of cumulative
emissions effects for nearby receivers.
Moreover, the NTIA Phase 1 Study and
our own field measurements of Access
BPL installations indicate that these
systems are not efficient radiators, nor
are their emissions cumulative such that
they permeate areas in which they are
located. Rather, we find that emissions
from Access BPL systems tend to
dissipate after a short distance from a
coupler along a line, and then remain
relatively the same for some distance.
Along the line there also may be
multiple points where emissions may be
relatively higher but within the part 15
limits. However, because the signal
level decreases significantly with
distance perpendicular from the line,
the potential for interference also decays
E:\FR\FM\07JAR1.SGM
07JAR1
1364
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 5 / Friday, January 7, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
rapidly with distance from the line. To
ensure that the effects of the power line
as a radiator are taken into
consideration when testing for
compliance with our part 15 rules, the
measurement procedures we adopted
for Access BPL systems, as discussed in
the Report and Order, specify that
emission measurements are to be made
at several specific distances from the
Access BPL equipment source, and that
measurements are to be taken parallel to
the power line to find the maximum
emissions from the BPL system.
15. Notwithstanding our decision on
emission limits, we do recognize that
Access BPL systems present concerns
for licensed users in the HF and low
VHF bands, given the propagation
characteristics of RF signals in the range
of frequencies being used for these
systems, the diversity of users of these
frequencies, and the fact that Access
BPL devices will be installed at many
locations in an area. While we conclude,
that the likelihood that interference
from Access BPL operations will occur
is low at the signal levels allowed under
the current part 15 emission limits, such
interference could occur in limited
situations despite the intentions of BPL
operators. Moreover, even if interference
were to occur to amateur operations at
the distances indicated by the ARRL, as
recommended by NTIA, there are
additional interference mitigation
techniques that we are requiring of BPL
providers to address such interference
potential. We believe that such steps
should be taken, particularly in those
cases where the occurrence of
interference would affect critical
services or where interference could be
anticipated to occur.
16. We find no need to subject Access
BPL equipment to a conducted emission
limit that would apply for compliance
measurement purposes before the
equipment is shipped and installed. We
note that Access BPL manufacturers
already test their equipment for the
proper power levels in a laboratory as
part of their manufacturing procedures,
and in any case, the radiated emissions
from a representative model of
equipment would be measured in-situ at
three sites as part of the equipment
authorization process. We therefore find
that requiring conducted emission tests
in the laboratory would be a redundant
and unnecessary procedure.
17. The Class A limits are appropriate
because Access BPL devices are not
marketed to the general public and
operate on the medium voltage power
lines as commercial facilities. Those
portions of Access BPL systems that
operate above 30 MHz on the lowvoltage power lines from the
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:17 Jan 06, 2005
Jkt 205001
distribution transformer to a residence
and all in-house wiring connected to a
BPL device are subject to Class B
radiated emission limits. The Class B
limits are appropriate for these
operations because they are located
within residential environments and are
marketed for use by the general public.
Although Access BPL systems are
required to comply with the less
stringent Class A limits, operators will
nonetheless have a strong incentive to
exercise the utmost caution in installing
and operating their systems to avoid
harmful interference and ensure
uninterrupted service to their
customers, given that there is significant
investment in the deployment of the
service. We do not find that a 10 dB
increase in the allowable emissions
levels is warranted or desirable for
systems that can reduce emissions by 40
dB in selected bands, as suggested by
Satius. We believe that it is important
that Access BPL systems comply with
the emission limits across their entire
operating range in order to minimize the
potential for interference in all bands,
not just those where interference may be
more likely at a particular location.
18. Other Protection Measures. We
agree with NTIA and the parties
representing public safety agencies that
critical Federal Government and other
services specified by NTIA and public
safety warrant additional protection.
These services, including national
defense, maritime distress and safety,
aeronautical navigation and
communications, emergency response,
radioastronomy, and others provide
important safety and research services
whose functions would be afforded
additional protection against possible
interference from Access BPL
operations. We agree with and adopted
NTIA’s approach for addressing
additional protection to critical Federal
Government and other radio operations.
The excluded frequency bands amount
only to a total of 1731 kHz, or 2% of the
spectrum within the 1.7–80 MHz band.
The exclusion zones are relatively few,
on only the 2173.5 to 2190.5 kHz global
maritime distress signaling band with
prohibited distances of 1 km from coast
station facilities, and 73.0–74.6 MHz
band used by the ten Very Long
Baseline Array facilities of radio
astronomy observatories with prohibited
distances of 29 km and 11 km for Access
BPL systems using overhead medium
voltage power lines and other Access
BPL implementations, respectively. We
agree with NTIA that the potential for
interference from Access BPL to the
critical services in exclusion zones is
somewhat greater for transmissions
PO 00000
Frm 00040
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
carried on overhead medium voltage
lines than other Access BPL
implementations, i.e., transmissions
carried on underground lines or low
voltage lines. In this regard, emissions
from underground power lines are
generally attenuated by the earth
materials in which they are buried,
while emissions from low voltage lines
are generally lower because such lines
are generally used only for short feeder
links from a transformer to a customer
service location and these lines are more
closely spaced with an accompanying
neutral line—and in fact are often
twisted together with the neutral line.
The close spacing—together with the
shorter length—reduces radiated RF
emissions relative to those from
overhead medium voltage lines. In
addition, the requirement to contact and
work with the Federal Government in
the 53 consultation areas is not
generally expected to result in major
impact on Access BPL operators’
flexibility to use specific frequency
bands. We therefore find that avoiding
operation on the frequencies excluded
under these restrictions and
requirements will not be burdensome
for Access BPL operators and
manufacturers in order to protect
distress and safety communications.
Indeed, several manufacturers and
Access BPL operators have indicated
that they are capable of, and already do,
notch out certain frequency bands. We
disagree with Ameren, PLCA, and
Southern that the mandatory
consultation provisions imposed on
Access BPL operators impose burdens
on Access BPL operators not borne by
other unlicensed broadband operators
without countervailing benefits. For
example, in part 76, we require that
cable operators conduct measurements
annually to ensure that signal leakage
does not create interference risks.
Moreover, the distributive nature and
other technical characteristics of Access
BPL pose somewhat higher potential for
interference than point-source wireless
broadband systems that warrant
additional protective measures. In
addition, the consultation actions will
benefit Access BPL operators by leading
them to select frequencies at the
beginning of their service so as to avoid
interference to critical services that
might have to be corrected later.
Accordingly, we adopted NTIA’s list of
consultation areas, excluded bands, and
exclusion zones to which Access BPL
equipment must adhere. For all other
radio communication operations not
addressed in these special provisions,
radio operators have the opportunity to
inform local BPL operators of the
E:\FR\FM\07JAR1.SGM
07JAR1
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 5 / Friday, January 7, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
pertinent details of their operations and
BPL operators have the opportunity to
apply that information as appropriate to
prevent interference.
19. With regard to the consultation
areas, we will require Access BPL
operators to provide notification to the
parties listed as Federal Government
contact points, as designated in the
rules, for the area in which their
systems will operate at least 30 days
prior to initiation of service. The
notification shall include: the name of
the Access BPL provider; the
frequencies of the Access BPL
operation; the postal zip codes served
by the Access BPL operation; the
manufacturer of and type of Access BPL
equipment being deployed (i.e., FCC
ID); point of contact information (both
telephone and e-mail address); and the
proposed or actual date of initiation of
Access BPL operation. We will also
require that systems located in
consultation areas that were in
operation prior to the effective date of
these rules provide this notice to the
appropriate contact point within 45
days of that date. NTIA has indicated
that it plans to arrange to have
information made available to BPL
operators on Federal Government
operations. We expect parties to consult
in good faith to ensure that no harmful
interference is caused to licensed
operations and that any constraints on
BPL deployments are minimized to
those necessary to avoid harmful
interference.
20. As indicated in the NPRM, we
believe that the risk of harmful
interference to State and local public
safety services, i.e., EMS, fire, law
enforcement, and emergency
management agencies from Access BPL
operations is essentially low. In general,
we believe that a properly designed and
operated Access BPL system will pose
little interference hazard to services
such as aeronautical, maritime and
public safety that are designed to
operate with relatively high signal-tonoise ratios. In analyzing the potential
for harmful interference to public safety
systems, we took into account the fact
that low-level part 15 signals from
Access BPL devices attenuate rapidly as
the distance from the power line
increases; and that most public safety
systems are designed so that mobile and
portable units receive a signal level
significantly above the noise floor. From
an interference analysis standpoint, this
latter characteristic distinguishes public
safety systems from amateur radio
stations using high-sensitivity receivers
to receive signals from transmitters
often thousands of miles away.
However, it is foreseeable that under
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:17 Jan 06, 2005
Jkt 205001
certain rare circumstances a public
safety unit could: (a) Operate in close
proximity to a power line carrying
Access BPL transmissions at a location
where field strength is near the part 15
limit; (b) be tuned to a frequency
radiated by an Access BPL device; and
(c) be receiving a weak signal from a
distant, or obstructed, public safety base
station. In general, potential harmful
interference under these conditions
would be limited to public safety units
operating on systems using low-band
VHF channels (25–50 MHz). We
therefore conclude that the interference
protections set forth will be adequate to
foreclose harmful interference to public
safety systems except perhaps under
such unusual circumstances.
21. However, we also conclude that
public safety systems merit additional
protection because of the often critical
and/or safety-of-life nature of the
communications they provide. Given
the importance and nature of public
safety communications, we believe it is
necessary to require Access BPL systems
to notify the public safety agencies in
their local areas, i.e., State and local
police, fire, emergency medical, any
special emergency coordinators, call box
operators, and other entities that are
eligible for public safety licenses under
§ 90.20 of the rules. This advance
notification will provide public safety
operators with an opportunity to assess
whether there are portions of its
geographic area of responsibility about
which it should make special
arrangements with the Access BPL
operator in order to avoid interference.
Consistent with our decision on
notifications for Federal Government
consultation areas, we will require that
this notification be provided to local
public safety agencies at least 30 days
prior to a system’s initial operation, the
activation of any major extensions of the
system, or any changes in its operating
characteristics, i.e., transmitting
frequencies. The notification shall
include: (1) The name of the Access BPL
provider, (2) the frequencies of the
Access BPL operation, (3) the postal zip
codes served by the Access BPL
operation, (4) the manufacturer of and
type of Access BPL equipment being
deployed (i.e., FCC ID), (5) point of
contact information (both telephone and
e-mail address), and (6) the proposed or
actual date of initiation of Access BPL
operation. We will also require that
systems in operation prior to the
effective date of these rules provide this
notice to local public safety agencies
within 45 days of that date.
22. We do not see a need to establish
Access BPL-free zones around airports,
military bases, hospitals, police stations
PO 00000
Frm 00041
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
1365
and fire stations, as requested by NAC/
Amherst. To the extent that these
services warrant special protection, they
will be afforded protection through the
excluded bands, exclusion zones and
consultation areas specified by NTIA.
We similarly do not find that amateur
radio frequencies warrant the special
protection afforded frequencies reserved
for international aeronautical and
maritime safety operations. We note that
in many instances amateur frequencies
are used for routine communications
and hobby activities. While we
recognize that amateurs may on
occasion assist in providing emergency
communications, we believe that the
general part 15 provisions and the
specific provisions being adopted for
Access BPL operations are sufficient to
protect these amateur operations.
Interference Mitigation
23. We continue to believe that it is
important that Access BPL systems
include capabilities that allow them to
modify their operations to mitigate or
avoid instances of harmful interference
that may arise. These capabilities will
allow Access BPL system operators to
resolve interference found to occur at
specific locations or in specific areas of
their plant in an expeditious manner
and without disrupting service to their
broadband service subscribers. We agree
with NTIA that Access BPL operators
would have strong incentives to
voluntarily implement such equipment
and operating practices. We also agree
with NTIA that, notwithstanding these
incentives, it is necessary that we adopt
requirements for interference mitigation
capabilities to ensure that any
interference can be resolved quickly
without the need to address the tension
that might arise over the possible
disruption of service to BPL subscribers
if mitigation capabilities were not
available. The concerns of those
commenting parties who argue that the
mitigation requirements would not be
sufficient to protect their operations
from interference by BPL operations are
misplaced. That protection will be
provided by: (1) The emissions limits
for Access BPL systems; (2) the
provisions for consultation areas,
excluded bands, and exclusion zones;
and (3) the requirement that Access BPL
systems not cause interference, as set
forth above. The mitigation
requirements are intended to ensure that
Access BPL systems are designed with
features that support interference
mitigation, both during initial
installation, if sensitive local
communications systems are identified
in advance, and after installation, when
the newly required operational
E:\FR\FM\07JAR1.SGM
07JAR1
1366
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 5 / Friday, January 7, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
capabilities will allow Access BPL
system operators to expeditiously
resolve any instances of interference
that may occur, without the need to
cease operations and thereby disrupt the
broadband data services they provide to
their subscribers.
24. Accordingly, we have adopted
requirements that Access BPL systems
incorporate capabilities to modify their
systems’ operations and performance to
mitigate or avoid potential harmful
interference to radio services and to
deactivate specific units found to
actually cause harmful interference that
cannot be remedied through
modification of their operations as
proposed, but with certain
modifications. Our approach in
specifying these requirements is to
provide Access BPL equipment
manufacturers and operators with
flexibility to design and implement a
broad range of products and system
designs to meet particular service and
operational needs while ensuring that
systems have the capabilities to make
operational changes to avoid any
interference that may arise. The specific
provisions of the mitigation
requirements and the comments that
concern them are addressed below. We
also see no basis for subjecting Access
BPL systems to requirements for
addressing interference complaints that
are different and more stringent than
our procedures for addressing
interference from other types of
unlicensed devices. In this regard, we
will continue to subject Access BPL
systems to the procedures of § 15.5(c) of
the rules. Under this rule, parties who
believe they are experiencing
interference from an unlicensed device
are first expected to bring the matter to
the attention of the operator of the
unlicensed device. If that action does
not resolve the interference, the party
may then seek intervention by the
Commission.
25. To be more specific, in the event
a BPL interference complaint is filed by
a licensee with the Commission, the
Commission will contact the
complainant and/or the BPL provider to
determine if they have first attempted to
resolve the interference complaint
among themselves. If they have not
made such an attempt, the complaint
will be forwarded to the BPL provider
for action and the complainant notified
that they will be contacted by the BPL
provider concerning their interference
complaint. The Commission may
periodically monitor the resolution
process to ensure that the parties are
working in good faith and making
appropriate progress in resolving the
interference complaint. If the parties
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:17 Jan 06, 2005
Jkt 205001
have attempted to address the complaint
but the matter remains unresolved, the
Commission, through its Enforcement
Bureau with assistance from the Office
of Engineering and Technology will
review the complaint and take
appropriate action. In general, the
Commission will contact the BPL
operator and request information on
what steps they have taken to address
the licensee’s complaint. If these actions
are deemed insufficient to resolve the
interference complaint, the Commission
will instruct the BPL operator to take
immediate remedial actions, such as
‘‘notching’’ or avoiding specific
frequencies, or ceasing operations. In
specific instances, the Commission may
undertake field testing and
measurements to address interference
complaints and determine the most
appropriate remedial action.
26. Frequency Avoidance. We
conclude that the most appropriate
approach regarding mitigation
techniques that involve altering system
operation is to require that Access BPL
systems incorporate the capability to
avoid the use of specific frequency
bands. The ability to alter a system’s
operation to notch-out transmissions
from specific frequencies where
interference is occurring is a necessary
feature for resolving interference
without disrupting service to BPL
subscribers. While other mitigation
capabilities, such as adaptive or
commanded power control, are
desirable system features that can serve
to reduce interference potential, they
generally would provide a much lower
degree of benefit in eliminating
interference than frequency avoidance.
Limiting the requirement for operational
modification capabilities to frequency
avoidance is also consistent with our
intent to minimize the impact of these
requirements on manufacturers and
system operators so as preserve their
flexibility to design products and
systems that will best meet the needs of
Access BPL subscribers.
27. In considering specifications for
the notching requirement, we find that
the most important consideration is to
ensure that the notch provides enough
filtering to effectively reduce the
potential for interference. Our
experience in examining the field
performance of various Access BPL
operations indicates that at frequencies
below 30 MHz, a notching capability
that provides at least a 20 dB reduction
of Access BPL emissions below the
current applicable part 15 emission
limits is adequate to resolve interference
occurrences that might result to mobile
reception from such operations. In this
regard, we will generally assume that a
PO 00000
Frm 00042
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
20 dB notch is sufficient to resolve any
harmful interference that might occur to
mobile operations, given the low signal
levels allowed under the part 15
emission limits and the fact that a
mobile transceiver can readily be repositioned to provide some separation
from the Access BPL operation. The
interference potential from emissions at
this low level would be limited to a very
short range from an Access BPL device
or a power line on which Access BPL
transmissions are carried. We also
believe that notching at this level with
some distance separation will generally
avoid interference to fixed operations,
including those that use more sensitive
receivers. Above 30 MHz we believe
that a notching capability of at least 10
dB is sufficient to provide the same
level of protection, given the more
stringent part 15 emission limits that
apply to Access BPL transmissions
above 30 MHz and the increased
attenuation of emissions that occurs
from propagation losses as the
frequency of operation increases. With
regard to NAS/CORF’s requests for
protection of radioastronomy, we note
that special protections are provided for
radioastronomy in the exclusion zones
and consultation requirements for
Access BPL.
28. We do not believe it is necessary
to specify the bandwidth over which the
notching capability must function.
Rather, we will adopt the more general
requirement that Access BPL systems
must be capable of avoiding
transmissions in any frequency band or
bands in order to eliminate any
instances of interference with the
operations of licensed radio services.
We therefore are amending our rules to
require that Access BPL devices have
the capability to reduce emissions by at
least 20 dB below the part 15 emission
limits in frequency bands below 30 MHz
and 10 dB below those limits in
frequency bands 30 MHz and above. We
believe that these provisions adequately
set forth the structure of the required
capabilities for modifying the operation
of an Access BPL system. We are not
specifying requirements for use of the
frequency avoidance capabilities.
Rather, we believe that system operators
should have the discretion to use this
capability or any other alternative
available to them as they might deem
appropriate to resolve specific situations
involving interference that they may
encounter in the course of their
operations.
29. We do not find any justification
for a requirement that Access BPL
operators notch the frequencies of any
or all of those services that use
frequencies in the HF and low VHF
E:\FR\FM\07JAR1.SGM
07JAR1
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 5 / Friday, January 7, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
bands. We believe that the emission
limits, consultation areas, excluded
bands, exclusion zones, and the
requirement that Access BPL systems
not cause interference, are generally
sufficient to control the interference
potential of these systems. The required
notching capability will enable a system
operator to address any specific
instances of interference that might
otherwise arise. We also decline to
adopt a rule requiring transmission of
identification codes. As NTIA states,
such codes could increase the potential
for interference from Access BPL
operations. We also do not believe that
it would be practicable for ARINC or
any other operator to identify an Access
BPL system as the source of interference
and contact its operator on a real time
basis to resolve the interference. As
NTIA indicates in its letter of September
24, 2004, no practical method has been
identified for Access BPL systems to
transmit an identifying code. We believe
that the Access BPL notification
requirements will provide sufficient
information to locate and mitigate
interference.
30. Shut Down Requirement. We
continue to believe that Access BPL
equipment and systems should have the
capability to deactivate individual
system components. This feature will
allow systems to deactivate limited
portions of their plant so that localized
interference problems can be addressed
without affecting service to all of their
subscribers. As a secondary benefit, the
shut-down feature will allow system
operators to rapidly diagnose whether
their operations are causing reported
interference. We are also requiring that
the shut-down feature in individual
devices be remote-controllable from the
central system operations facility or
other appropriate location. This will
allow rapid response to resolve
interference in any emergency or other
urgent situation that might arise. We
also agree with Progress Energy the
required shut-down capability should
be manually controlled. Moreover, we
have no record on which to base a
decision on the conditions under which
an automated capability would be
activated. We also recognize that,
depending on how it would be
triggered, an automated shut-down
capability could unnecessarily have
detrimental effects on a power utility
service’s operations in addition to
disrupting broadband service to its
Access BPL customers.
31. It is not our intention that a
service shut-down be the first step in a
system operator’s response to a valid
interference complaint. As suggested by
several of the commenting parties, we
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:17 Jan 06, 2005
Jkt 205001
would anticipate that shut-down would
be a last resort when all other efforts to
satisfactorily reduce interference have
failed. We disagree with Ameren that
the shut-down requirement will add
unnecessary costs and complexity to
Access BPL equipment. As NTIA and
our own field testing indicate, most
Access BPL systems and equipment
already include the capability to shut
down specific components of their
operation. Accordingly, we are requiring
that Access BPL systems incorporate
features that will allow the deactivation
of individual components on a remotecontrolled basis, to be implemented. We
reiterate, however, that the Commission,
through a duly authorized
representative, is the sole authority that
may direct an Access BPL operator to
cease operating any of its devices to
eliminate interference.
Access BPL Notification and Database
Requirements
32. We believe that the Access BPL
notification and database requirements
proposed in the NPRM are appropriate
and sufficient to ensure that any
potential interference to licensed
services from BPL operations can be
adequately identified and quickly
addressed. The primary intent of our
notification and database requirements
is to ensure that licensed users of the
spectrum have a publicly accessible and
centralized source of information on
BPL operations to determine whether
there may be Access BPL operations on
particular frequencies within their local
area so that any incident of harmful
interference can be resolved should it
occur. The information contained in the
notification database need only be
sufficient to determine whether there
may be a BPL operation in the local
area, the nature of the BPL operations,
whether the BPL system is operating on
frequencies that could potentially be a
source of harmful interference to the
licensed user and to identify an
appropriate contact person who can
work directly with the complainant to
resolve the harmful interference if it is
determined to be caused by the local
BPL operations. Additional or more
detailed relevant information needed by
a radio operator could be requested via
the contact person indicated in the data
base, as appropriate.
33. We therefore are adopting rules
that will require the BPL industry to
establish within July 6, 2005, a
centralized publicly accessible Access
BPL notification database. We note that
two organizations have indicated their
willingness to perform this task and that
the issue of ‘‘independence’’ of the
database manager has been raised by
PO 00000
Frm 00043
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
1367
some of the commenting parties. The
responsibilities and duties of the
database manager are to maintain
complete, accurate and timely records of
FCC-mandated information. We are not
requiring, as some parties have
suggested, that the database manager be
involved in, monitor, or manage the
interference resolution process. The
party responsible for avoiding
interference is clearly the Access BPL
operator and his responsibilities are
clearly set forth in the existing
procedures under § 15.5(c) of the
Commission rules. We therefore do not
find that the database manager need be
an ‘‘independent’’ third-party with no
relationship to the BPL or utility
industry and are not adopting such a
requirement.
34. With regard to the information to
be included in the database, we adopted
rules that will require the Access BPL
operator to provide the BPL industry
designated database manager with the
following information 30 days prior to
initiation of any operation or service: (1)
The name of the Access BPL provider;
(2) the frequencies of the Access BPL
operation; (3) the postal zip codes
served by the specific Access BPL
operation; (4) the manufacturer and type
of Access BPL equipment being
deployed (i.e., FCC ID); (5) point of
contact information (both telephone and
e-mail address) for interference
inquiries and resolution; and (6) the
proposed/or actual date of Access BPL
operation. The database manager shall
be required to enter this information
into the publicly accessible database
within 3 business days of receipt. This
will allow some period of time for the
database manager and BPL provider to
address any questions with regard to
information submitted and to ensure
that information entered into the
database is correct. We believe that the
above information provides sufficient
specificity for identifying potential
interference while at the same time
avoiding valid concerns that sensitive
information on critical infrastructure
not be revealed.
35. We believe that using zip codes,
as suggested by Southern, would
sufficiently identify the area of Access
BPL deployment without revealing
specific sensitive information and
would facilitate a more organized
approach to identification and
resolution of harmful interference. We
note that zip codes are easily
understood and can be identified by
both licensees and BPL operators. With
regard to those parties that request more
comprehensive information, we do not
find that benefits of providing such
information in the database would
E:\FR\FM\07JAR1.SGM
07JAR1
1368
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 5 / Friday, January 7, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
outweigh the substantial cost of
collecting and reporting this additional
information. We note, for example, that
NTIA’s proposals to require information
on modulation types, number of
carriers, range of transmission duty
cycle, minimum and maximum carrier
spacing, symbol rates per carrier, etc.,
would provide little additional guidance
on whether interference were being
caused in a particular instance as
compared to the more simple
requirement of identifying BPL
operating frequencies. In addition, we
are requiring that BPL equipment must
be certified and therefore more detailed
technical information will be available
through our equipment authorization
files for those parties desiring such
information. We also are not requiring
Access BPL operators to have multilingual contact persons. We believe that
requiring both telephone and e-mail
contact information is sufficient to
address interference inquiries. We are
also not requiring that telephone contact
positions be staffed 24 hours per day
and seven days a week. We believe that
our emission requirements and other
mitigation rules will ensure that
interference is generally avoided. We
believe that telephone contact staffing
during normal business hours is
sufficient and also note that e-mail
would generally allow interference
reports to be filed at any time.
36. We expect the Access BPL
operators and licensees to cooperate in
good faith to identify and resolve
instances of harmful interference. We
require the notification database for
Access BPL operators to notify the
operation of its devices and systems to
facilitate the speedy resolution of
interference. Speedy resolution of
interference will not result if the
database information on Access BPL
deployments is abused and the BPL
operators are deluged with frivolous
interference complaints. We expect the
Access BPL operators to take every
complaint of interference seriously and
to diagnose the possible cause of
interference quickly. At the same time,
we expect the complainant to have first
taken reasonable steps to confirm that
interference rather than a receiver
system malfunction is occurring and, to
the extent practicable, to determine that
the interference source is located
outside the complainant’s premises. We
expect both parties to cooperate to
determine a mutually acceptable
schedule to diagnose and resolve the
interference complaint, recognizing that
the Access BPL operator may have to
prioritize any complaints of interference
that it receives (e.g., from a public safety
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:17 Jan 06, 2005
Jkt 205001
agency). With regard to public safety
operations, however, we will require
that the BPL operator respond to
complaints of harmful interference from
public safety users within 24 hours; the
BPL provider shall be required to
immediately cease the operations
causing the public safety complaint if it
fails to respond to such complaint
within 24 hours. Any complaints of
interference that are not resolved in
accordance with the mutually agreed
schedule may be filed with the
Commission along with the particulars
of the interference case. Upon receipt of
the interference complaint, the
Commission will investigate the
complaint and take action against the
Access BPL operator if it is found to be
causing harmful interference. If, on the
other hand the Commission uses its
resources to investigate an interference
complaint that is found to be frivolous,
the Commission will impose
appropriate sanctions for abuse of its
administrative process.
Measurement Guidelines
Access BPL Systems
37. We find the extensive
measurement and modeling efforts
presented in the NTIA Phase 1 Study
and the Technical Appendix to NTIA’s
comments to be highly useful in our
efforts to develop appropriate
measurement procedures for Access
BPL. The scientific engineering in those
submissions clarifies the interference
potential of Access BPL on radio
reception and the recommended
techniques for measurement of Access
BPL emissions provide us with a well
thought-out plan on which to base our
decisions on measurement issues. Our
decision, takes into account NTIA’s
research and adopts a modified version
of its recommendations.
38. We find that our proposed
measurement procedure for testing
Access BPL systems including the
presence and testing of all of their
electronic components to be reasonable
as each component is part of the Access
system of that installation. We do not
agree with Southern that the testing
should be limited to three representative
signal injection points. Southern
believes that the highest levels of
emissions on overhead systems are
found at the signal injection point, and
it states that the biggest variable
affecting emissions is impedance
mismatch between the signal injection
system and the power system at the
point of injection, which could be a
coupler or a repeater. We agree with
Southern that each injection point
affects the radiated emissions. However,
PO 00000
Frm 00044
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Southern’s suggestion of selecting only
representative signal injection points
precludes the presence of other
components, e.g., booster, concentrator,
extractor, etc. if they should be together
at an installation to make up the
complete Access BPL system. Our
requirement for a typical installation
takes into account the topology of the
power lines and of all Access BPL
devices at that installation, thus
choosing only representative injection
points, as Southern recommends, does
not cover the installation as a whole.
Accordingly, we will keep our proposed
in-situ requirements for including and
testing all components of an Access BPL
system. We also find that our
measurement procedure for testing
Access BPL systems in-situ at three
typical underground locations along a
number of radials consistent with
testing other part 15 carrier current
devices. The selection of three typical
underground installations is a
streamlined procedure, compared to
testing each and every installation, as
recommended by some parties; therefore
we do not agree with Main.Net that only
one underground location should be
tested. We discuss below the issues with
respect to measuring radiated emissions
from Access BPL systems on overhead
power lines.
39. Measurement Distance. Despite
the stated aversion of NTIA and ARRL
to distance extrapolation, we recognize
that at many in-situ test locations, it
may not be possible or practicable to
measure at the proposed fixed distances
of 10 and 3 meters. If a 10-meter
distance places the measurement
antenna on a roadway, safety may
dictate increasing the distance to, e.g.,
14 meters in order to position the testers
out of harm’s way. Hence, we expect
that distance extrapolation will be
necessary for in-situ testing. We note
that NTIA’s latest computer modeling
results show that the variation of field
strength with distance is consistent with
the existing part 15 distance
extrapolation when used with the slant
range distance to the power line as was
proposed in Appendix C of the NPRM.
We also note that although the ARRL
and ARINC recommend the use of a 20
dB per decade extrapolation factor
rather than the existing 40 dB per
decade in part 15 for frequencies below
30 MHz, Ameren states that it has
determined the characteristics of the
fields near the line support the case for
assuming a 40 dB per decade decay rate
of the field away from the line and
recommends the use of the existing 40
dB per decade extrapolation factor.
Given the lack of conclusive
E:\FR\FM\07JAR1.SGM
07JAR1
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 5 / Friday, January 7, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
experimental data pending large scale
Access BPL deployments, we will
continue the use of the existing part 15
distance extrapolation factors in our
rules, but with the slant range rather
than horizontal distance. If new
information becomes available that
alternative emission limit/distance
standards or extrapolation factors would
be more appropriate, we will revisit this
issue at another time.
40. Receive Antenna Height and
Correction Factor. NTIA expresses a
possible need for ‘‘adjustments’’ to
measured data due to three factors: (1)
Effect of antenna height, (2) effect of
distance (extrapolation methods), and
(3) effect of using an H-field sensing
antenna to predict E-fields in the nearfield region. However, NTIA initially
provided a specific recommendation
regarding only one of these issues—
correction for the effect of antenna
height. Our modeling suggests that there
is a linkage between these factors. We
believe that all three areas must be
considered together in order to develop
appropriate measurement procedures.
Furthermore, NTIA’s recommendation
for a 5 dB correction factor is based on
a constant measurement antenna height
of 1 meter. On the other hand, for
frequencies above 30 MHz, our current
measurement guidelines require varying
the receive antenna height from 1 to 4
meters, hence higher peaks at a higher
antenna height would be found with our
test procedure, obviating the need for a
height correction factor at those
frequencies. However, we recognize that
NTIA’s method of keeping the antenna
height constant and applying a height
correction factor is aimed at simplifying
the measurement procedure; hence, this
might be an alternative testing
procedure that BPL providers may
actually prefer. The Commission’s rules
have historically allowed the use of
alternative methods for compliance
measurements, based on good
engineering practices. In deference to
NTIA’s extensive work culminating in
the NTIA recommendations in this
proceeding, we will adopt NTIA’s
recommendations for antenna height
and correction factor as an alternative
method within the measurement
guidelines of Appendix C of the Report
and Order. We note however that the
methods are mutually exclusive, i.e., the
BPL tester must choose either the NTIA
alternative method or the FCC method,
and cannot mix and match the two.
41. Type of Antenna Used for Testing.
Given NTIA’s concurrence with the use
of a magnetic loop antenna for emission
measurements below 30 MHz and
electric field sensing antennas above 30
MHz, we are adopting our proposal to
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:17 Jan 06, 2005
Jkt 205001
use these antenna types in Access BPL
emission measurements. This decision
is consistent with the use of such
antennas for testing other types of part
15 devices.
42. Effects of Power Lines on the
Radiated Emissions of a BPL Device. We
are concerned that NTIA’s
recommendation for performing field
strength measurements all along a 1200meter section of the connected power
line wiring would be difficult and
burdensome for Access BPL system
operation. In this regard, we note that
such a process could be time-consuming
and would require many individual
measurements, when power wiring may
be many miles long, and the interval
between measurements may have to be
a small fraction of a wavelength in order
to ensure that the true peak is captured.
It is clear from the modeling results
presented by NTIA that the maximum
emission from the system often occurs
further down-line from the coupler than
the one-wavelength maximum distance
proposed in Appendix C of the NPRM.
However, it is also clear from the NTIA
data that the true maximum is not
significantly larger than the maximum
that would be found over the limited
search space that we proposed. We
understand the concerns of Ameren,
Southern, and other BPL providers
regarding an overly large number of
necessary measurements, which could
increase the costs of compliance testing.
We therefore believe that the approach
in our proposed measurement
guidelines strikes an appropriate
balance in avoiding a potentially very
large number of measurements by
allowing the use of the mid-band
frequency in determining measurement
distances down-line for a given
frequency band of operation. We also
note that, at each of the five specified
down-line points, measurements must
be made at all operating frequencies of
the Access BPL device, in order to find
the peaks.
43. We concur with NTIA’s
recommendation that measurements be
made sequentially with the Access BPL
devices operating at all frequencies at
which they are capable. This is
consistent with existing part 15
requirements, and with our proposed
measurement guidelines. It is important
that radiated emissions be measured at
all operating frequencies to find the
peaks. We also concur with NTIA’s
recommendation that measurements be
made using the maximum possible BPL
device output power and operational
duty factor. We disagree with Progress
Energy that emission measurements
should be performed with the Access
BPL equipment power levels set for
PO 00000
Frm 00045
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
1369
normal operations at that site, and not
at the maximum levels. Testing at the
BPL maximum output power and
operational duty factor is necessary to
ensure identification of the maximum
field strength that the device is capable
of generating. The measurement report
and operating instructions must clearly
state the maximum output power and
duty factor settings necessary to certify
that the installed device will comply
with our limits. However, because the
same device might be used on either
overhead or underground power lines
having different radiating properties, we
are not requiring that the device be
modified to prevent operation at higher
power levels and duty cycle settings.
Furthermore, Access BPL devices must
comply with our limits upon power-up
following a fault condition, or during a
start-up operation after a shut-off
procedure, by the use of a non-volatile
memory, or some other method, to
immediately restore previous settings
with programmed notches and excluded
bands. This is necessary to avoid the
situation where programmed protection
schemes, such as excluded bands and
notches, have to be restored manually,
thus leaving protected licensed services
vulnerable during the time delay caused
by a manual re-programming procedure.
44. Based on the foregoing, we believe
that our proposed measurement
guidelines that require selection of
fractional wavelengths based on midband frequency for down-line
measurements strike an appropriate
balance between the need to ensure
compliance with the rules and practical
considerations of the burden and degree
of measurement difficulty placed on
system operators, and that our
requirements for testing at maximum
output power and operational duty
factor and requirement for clear
identification of maximum compliant
operating levels will ensure that devices
comply under all conditions.
Accordingly, we are adopting the
measurement guidelines in Appendix C
of the NPRM, modified to incorporate
some of NTIA’s recommendations, as
discussed in the Report and Order.
45. Selection of Representative
Installations. Although we concur with
NTIA that the selection of typical
Access BPL installations for in-situ
measurements must be made in a
careful manner, taking into account the
various configurations of the power
lines to select a typical, representative
installation, we will not require specific
criteria for site selection process,
because this may limit the number of
test sites which may actually be more
typical in a specific provider’s service
area than those recommended by NTIA.
E:\FR\FM\07JAR1.SGM
07JAR1
1370
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 5 / Friday, January 7, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
We find that our proposed guidelines
for three typical overhead installations
and three typical underground
installations are reasonable to cover a
number of test sites in deployment. We
also find that by requiring Access BPL
devices to be certified by the equipment
manufacturer, the concerns of Progress
Energy regarding Access BPL
installation sites with multiple vendors’
equipment no longer exist because the
responsibility for site selection to test
for equipment certification purposes
rests with the Access BPL manufacturer
and not with the utility. We are however
recommending that the utility operator
verify that each representative Access
BPL site complies following the
installation of a separately certified
Access BPL equipment. In such cases,
the selection of the test site should be
based on the characteristics of the
installation and not on vendor’s
equipment types. Additionally, we
concur with Southern and UPLC that
NTIA’s recommendation in the NTIA
Phase 1 Study of requiring a
representative power line of 600 meters
devoid of discontinuities is impractical,
because of the difficulty of finding such
a line. Accordingly, in the absence of
more specific input, we will not require
the selection of such a specific type of
power line.
46. Other requirements. We find that
NTIA’s recommendations regarding the
various reporting requirements for the
test report are satisfied by our adoption
of the certification procedure for Access
BPL equipment authorization.
Information regarding the test
conditions, spectrum distribution and
other relevant technical specifications
will be required in the certification
report for the equipment, which will be
accessible through our equipment
authorization database. We further find
that NTIA’s recommendation to embody
requirements such as measurement
distance, measurement bandwidth, etc.
directly into the rules and not merely as
guidelines, would not be consistent
with our current practice of including
measurement specifications in a
separate guideline.
In-House Carrier Current Systems
47. We note that although CISPR is
continuing to work on addressing
emission issues that will apply to InHouse BPL, no final recommendation
has been adopted. We also note that
most commenters in this proceeding
address Access BPL, and not In-House
BPL, issues. Measurements along the
service wire leading to the house have
been proposed because this wire can be
one of the conduits for radiation coming
from In-House BPL devices. We are
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:17 Jan 06, 2005
Jkt 205001
sympathetic to HomePlug’s concerns,
however. To address HomePlug’s
concerns, we will allow measurements
to be made at three different points
along the wire, where the highest
radiated emissions are found; these
points would not need to be associated
with specific wavelengths of the
device’s operating frequencies, if the
installation under test does not include
a service wire with a sufficient length
for the required measurements.
Moreover, testing is required on only
one side of the service wire because
radiation is nearly symmetrical on
either side of the wire. The test report
must provide documentation explaining
the test configuration. As for the
required clear space along the service
wire, the guidelines do allow the test to
be performed at 3 meters with a distance
extrapolation factor when a 10-meter
clearance is not available, hence we
would expect that most residence
configurations would not pose any
clearance problem. Accordingly, we
partially grant HomePlug’s request and
hereby adopt the guidelines for InHouse BPL and all other in-house types
of carrier current systems in Appendix
C of this Report and Order.
Equipment Authorization
48. Upon careful consideration of the
record, we find that Access BPL systems
are not typical unintentional radiators,
and that emission measurements for
such systems in-situ are critical in
determining their interference potential.
We are persuaded by NTIA that the
newness of the Access BPL
measurement procedures warrants
review of measurement reports. We
therefore conclude that the Certification
procedure is appropriate for this new
technology to allow us to maintain
oversight until additional operational
experience is obtained from its wide
deployment. While we appreciate
NTIA’s concerns for assigning
responsibility with respect to Access
BPL compliance, we do not find that the
operator, rather than the Access BPL
equipment manufacturer, should bear
the burden of the certification
requirement. Since a system operator
does not control the manufacture of the
equipment, it will not be in a position
to control production to ensure that
each unit marketed conforms to the unit
tested for compliance. We believe that
the legal and business relationship
between the system operator and the
BPL manufacturer will be sufficient to
ensure that Access BPL equipment
installed on a power line be in
compliance with our rules. We do,
however, strongly recommend that
operators perform initial installation
PO 00000
Frm 00046
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
and subsequent periodic testing on their
systems in order to ensure that the
systems maintain compliance with our
emission limits.
49. Based on the foregoing, we are
subjecting Access BPL to the
certification procedure to be carried out
by the equipment manufacturer. We are
also clarifying that we are retaining the
verification procedure for all carrier
current systems other than Access BPL,
because the verification procedure has
been adequate to ensure that other types
of carrier current systems comply with
the part 15 rules.
50. We also specify that Access BPL
certification will be initially performed
by the Commission. In General Docket
No. 98–68, we established the
requirements for Telecommunication
Certification Bodies (TCBs) that are
allowed to approve equipment in the
same manner as the Commission. In that
proceeding, we stated that while we
intended to use TCBs to certify a broad
range of equipment, we found that
certain functions should continue to be
performed by the Commission. The
functions included certifying new or
unique equipment for which the rules or
requirements do not exist or for which
the application of the rules is not clear.
Because Access BPL is a new
technology and many questions about
the application of the rules may arise,
we believe that TCBs should not be
permitted to certify Access BPL systems
or approve permissive changes to
Access BPL systems until the Chief of
the Office of Engineering and
Technology acting under the existing
delegated authority announces that
TCBs may certify Access BPL systems.
Miscellaneous
51. Transition Period and
Grandfathering of Existing Access BPL
Equipment. We note that the major
differences between the existing part 15
rules for carrier current systems and the
newly adopted rules in subpart G for
Access BPL are (1) the type of
equipment authorization procedure—
Verification for existing carrier current
systems, Certification for Access BPL
systems; (2) the requirement for
interference mitigation techniques and
avoidance of excluded bands and
exclusion zones for Access BPL systems;
and (3) the requirement for an Access
BPL database concurrent with
consultation with licensed spectrum
users. Insofar as existing deployed
Access BPL systems can satisfy (2) and
(3) by working with licensed spectrum
users to avoid co-channel operations,
and by being listed in the Access BPL
database, the requirements of (1) can be
satisfied by having compliance test data
E:\FR\FM\07JAR1.SGM
07JAR1
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 5 / Friday, January 7, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
available for inspection during the
transition period. We clarify that after
the transition period, all Access BPL
devices that are manufactured,
imported, marketed or installed shall
comply with the requirements specified
in subpart G of part 15, including
certification of the equipment.
52. We believe that it would be an
undue burden on those operators who
have deployed Access BPL systems to
require their systems to come into
compliance with the rules adopted
herein, as long as the deployed
equipment does not cause harmful
interference and the operator takes the
necessary steps to eliminate occurrences
of harmful interference. We agree with
Progress Energy that once a system has
been installed and is operating within
the limits and requirements in place
when it was installed, the system
should be allowed to remain in
operation. We will, of course, require
that all Access BPL systems and
equipment comply with the noninterference rule of part 15, that is, there
is not transition period for compliance
with the emission limits, which we are
not changing. We find that Access BPL
equipment should be allowed a
transition period for compliance with
new rules, in the manner that we
typically provide for other part 15
devices. This will minimize economic
hardships on manufacturers by allowing
them, during the transition period, to
continue producing and selling existing
equipment while modifying their
products to meet the new requirements.
If an Access BPL device does not cause
harmful interference, it can continue to
operate until its natural replacement,
unless the equipment is subsequently
modified, at which time it must be
brought into compliance with the new
rules. We believe that a transition time
frame of 18 months is adequate as this
represents the typical high tech
equipment life cycle. Accordingly, we
are adopting a cut-off date of 18 months
from the date of publication of this
Report and Order. All Access BPL
devices that are manufactured,
imported, marketed or installed July 7,
2006 shall comply with the
requirements specified in subpart G of
this part, including certification of the
equipment. Access BPL equipment
manufactured, imported, marketed and
installed prior to this date shall comply
with the requirements that were in
effect immediately prior to the effective
date of this Report and Order.
53. Separate Rule Part for Access BPL
Systems. NTIA and IEEE 802.18
advocate the creation of a new,
dedicated rule part or a separate subpart
of part 15 for Access BPL systems,
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:17 Jan 06, 2005
Jkt 205001
because many of the adopted rules will
be unique to Access BPL. We find that
the complete separation of the rules for
Access BPL equipment from part 15
inadvisable due to possible confusion
and repetition of requirements in two
places, as Access BPL equipment must
comply with the general requirements
for unlicensed devices of subparts A–C
of the existing part 15 rules. We do,
however, find that requirements specific
to Access BPL equipment warrant the
creation of a separate subpart of part 15.
Accordingly, we are adding subpart G to
part 15 of our rules which will contain
unique requirements for Access BPL
equipment, with cross reference to other
applicable subparts.
54. Motions and Requests. We have
received several motions and requests
for additional extensions of time and for
reiteration of proposals to take into
account information added to the record
since the NPRM. We are generally
considering the substance of these
motions and requests as filed comments,
and denying the specific procedural
remedies requested, as they offer no
new information or arguments sufficient
to justify procedural delays, nor do they
raise issues beyond those already
explicitly or implicitly included in the
record and capable of full consideration
in this Order.
Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
55. As required by the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (‘‘RFA’’),1 an Initial
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
(‘‘IRFA’’) was incorporated in the Notice
of Proposed Rule Making (‘‘NPRM’’) in
this proceeding, ET Docket Nos. 04–37
& 03–104. The Commission sought
written public comment on the
proposals in the NPRM, including
comment on the IRFA. This Final
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
(‘‘FRFA’’) conforms to the RFA.2
A. Need for, and Objectives of, the
Report and Order
56. By this action, the Commission
amends part 15 of the rules for radio
frequency (RF) devices regarding Access
Broadband over Power Line (Access
BPL), a new type of carrier current
system that operates on an unlicensed
basis under part 15. Access BPL systems
use existing electrical power lines as a
transmission medium to provide highspeed communications capabilities by
coupling RF energy onto the power line.
Given that power lines reach virtually
1 See 5 U.S.C. 603. The RFA, see 5 U.S.C. 601–
612, has been amended by the Small Business
Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996
(SBREFA), Pub. L. 104–121, Title II, 110 Stat. 857
(1996).
2 See 5 U.S.C. 604.
PO 00000
Frm 00047
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
1371
every residence and business in every
community and geographic area in this
country, Access BPL service could be
made available nearly everywhere. This
new broadband delivery medium could
also serve to introduce additional
competition to existing cable, DSL, and
other broadband services. At the same
time, we recognize the concerns of
authorized radio services in both the
private and government sectors for the
need to ensure that RF energy from BPL
signals on power lines does not cause
harmful interference to licensed radio
services. Our goals in developing the
rules for Access BPL therefore are to
provide a framework that will both
facilitate the rapid introduction and
development of BPL systems and
protect licensed radio services from
harmful interference. Specifically, we
adopted in the Report and Order: (1)
New operational requirements for
Access BPL to promote avoidance and
resolution of harmful interference, (2)
new administrative requirements to aid
in identifying Access BPL installations;
and (3) specific measurement guidelines
and certification requirements to allow
accurate and repeatable evaluations of
emissions from Access BPL and all
other carrier current systems. These
actions will further the development of
BPL systems by removing regulatory
uncertainties for BPL operators and
equipment manufacturers and facilitate
the continued deployment of these new
broadband networks while ensuring that
licensed radio services are protected
from harmful interference. The record
and our investigations indicate that BPL
network systems can generally be
configured and managed to minimize
and/or eliminate this interference
potential.
B. Summary of Significant Issues Raised
by Public Comments in Response to the
IRFA
57. No comments were filed in
response to the IRFA.
C. Description and Estimate of the
Number of Small Entities to Which the
Rules Will Apply
58. The RFA directs agencies to
provide a description of, and, where
feasible, an estimate of, the number of
small entities that may be affected by
the rules adopted herein.3 The RFA
generally defines the term ‘‘small
entity’’ as having the same meaning as
the terms ‘‘small business,’’ ‘‘small
organization,’’ and ‘‘small governmental
jurisdiction.’’ 4 In addition, the term
35
45
E:\FR\FM\07JAR1.SGM
U.S.C. 604(a)(3).
U.S.C. 601(6).
07JAR1
1372
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 5 / Friday, January 7, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
‘‘small business’’ has the same meaning
as the term ‘‘small business concern’’
under the Small Business Act.5 A
‘‘small business concern’’ is one which:
(1) Is independently owned and
operated; (2) is not dominant in its field
of operation; and (3) satisfies any
additional criteria established by the
Small Business Administration (SBA).6
59. The rules adopted in the Report
and Order pertain to manufacturers of
unlicensed communications devices.
The appropriate small business size
standard is that which the SBA has
established for radio and television
broadcasting and wireless
communications equipment
manufacturing. This category
encompasses entities that primarily
manufacture radio, television, and
wireless communications equipment.7
Under this standard, firms are
considered small if they have 750 or
fewer employees.8 Census Bureau data
for 1997 indicate that, for that year,
there were a total of 1,215
establishments 9 in this category.10 Of
those, there were 1,150 that had
employment under 500, and an
additional 37 that had employment of
500 to 999. The percentage of wireless
equipment manufacturers in this
category is approximately 61.35%,11 so
the Commission estimates that the
number of wireless equipment
manufacturers with employment under
500 was actually closer to 706, with an
additional 23 establishments having
employment of between 500 and 999.
Given the above, the Commission
5 5 U.S.C. 601(3) (incorporating by reference the
definition of ‘‘small-business concern’’ in the Small
Business Act, 15 U.S.C. 632). Pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
601(3), the statutory definition of a small business
applies ‘‘unless an agency, after consultation with
the Office of Advocacy of the Small Business
Administration and after opportunity for public
comment, establishes one or more definitions of
such term which are appropriate to the activities of
the agency and publishes such definition(s) in the
Federal Register.’’
6 15 U.S.C. 632.
7 NAICS code 334220.
8 Id.
9 The number of ‘‘establishments’’ is a less
helpful indicator of small business prevalence in
this context than would be the number of ‘‘firms’’
or ‘‘companies,’’ because the latter take into account
the concept of common ownership or control. Any
single physical location for any entity is an
establishment, even though that location may be
owned by a different establishment. Thus, the
numbers given may reflect inflated numbers of
businesses in this category, including the numbers
of small businesses. In this category, the Census
breaks-out data for firms or companies only to give
the total number of such entities for 1997, which
was 1,089.
10 U.S. Census Bureau, 1997 Economic Census,
Industry Series: Manufacturing, ‘‘Industry Statistics
by Employment Size,’’ Table 4, NAICS code 334220
(issued August 1999).
11 Id. Table 5, ‘‘Industry Statistics by Industry and
Primary Product Class Specialization: 1997.’’
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:17 Jan 06, 2005
Jkt 205001
estimates that the great majority of
wireless communications equipment
manufacturers are small businesses.
D. Description of Projected Reporting,
Recordkeeping, and Other Compliance
Requirements
60. Although a large number of part
15 radio frequency devices are already
required to be authorized under the
Commission’s Certification, Declaration
of Conformity, or Verification
procedures as a prerequisite to
marketing and importation, the adopted
rules add a slight amount of new testing
and reporting requirements, to ensure
protection of licensed spectrum users
from harmful interference. These
requirements include the proposed
technical requirement for adaptive
interference mitigation capabilities and
the proposed notification of Access BPL
systems in a database similar to the one
required for existing Power Line Carrier
systems. The major differences between
the existing part 15 rules for carrier
current systems and the newly adopted
rules in subpart G for Access BPL are (1)
the type of equipment authorization
procedure,—Verification for existing
carrier current systems, Certification for
Access BPL systems; (2) the requirement
for interference mitigation techniques
and avoidance of excluded bands and
exclusion zones for Access BPL systems;
and (3) the requirement for an Access
BPL database concurrent with
consultation with licensed spectrum
users. Because Access BPL systems
operate in the High Frequency (HF) and
in the low Very High Frequency (VHF)
of the spectrum, they must co-exist with
numerous private and governmental
authorized radio services. As such, they
present concerns for these licensed
users, given the propagation
characteristics of radio frequency
signals in these ranges of frequencies,
the diversity of users of these
frequencies, and the fact that Access
BPL devices will be installed at many
locations in an area, primarily over
unshielded power lines. However, the
record and our own investigations
indicate that BPL network systems can
generally be configured and managed to
minimize and/or eliminate this
interference potential, through the use
of consultation with licensed services
and identification of installed Access
BPL equipment in a database, as well as
the adoption of precise measurement
procedures. The adopted certification
procedure for Access BPL systems will
therefore help provide a more detailed
record of their characteristics toward
this objective.
61. Although the adopted rules do
somewhat increase the reporting and
PO 00000
Frm 00048
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
recordkeeping requirements for Access
BPL systems, the benefit of ensuring
protection to critical systems operated
by law enforcement groups, government
users and emergency operations
outweighs this small cost that will
permit the growth of Access BPL in the
shared spectrum.
E. Steps Taken To Minimize Significant
Economic Impact on Small Entities, and
Significant Alternatives Considered
62. The RFA requires an agency to
describe any significant alternatives that
it has considered in reaching its
proposed approach, which may include
the following four alternatives: (1) The
establishment of differing compliance or
reporting requirements or timetables
that take into account the resources
available to small entities; (2) the
clarification, consolidation, or
simplification of compliance or
reporting requirements under the rule
for small entities; (3) the use of
performance, rather than design
standards; and (4) an exemption from
coverage of the rule, or any part thereof,
for small entities.
63. In the Report and Order, we
maintained the existing part 15
emission limits, which are applicable to
all part 15 devices, including BPL. We
have adopted new measurement
guidelines for BPL and existing carrier
current systems, to assist manufacturers
and testing entities to follow clearer and
more precise measurement procedures
in the testing of BPL and carrier current
systems (CCS), which will help in
eliminating confusion and repetitive
and costly compliance testing. Although
we changed the equipment
authorization procedure from
Verification to Certification for Access
BPL systems, this is because Access BPL
systems operate in a different
environment than other unlicensed part
15 devices and to avoid overburdening
the information that would otherwise be
required to be submitted into the Access
BPL database. We have adopted a
simple Access BPL database format for
the notification of Access BPL systems,
rather than a complex one with allinclusive and more comprehensive
information. We have narrowed down
the list of absolutely necessary licensed
entities that Access BPL providers must
consult with prior to operating in their
bands, as well as the list of exclusion
zones and excluded frequency bands in
which Access BPL are prohibited from
operating. We have provided a generous
time frame for a transition period, thus
allowing existing systems to continue to
operate, as long as they do not cause
harmful interference to other authorized
radio services. Finally, the rules will
E:\FR\FM\07JAR1.SGM
07JAR1
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 5 / Friday, January 7, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
apply equally to large and small entities.
Therefore, there is no inequitable
impact on small entities.
64. We believe that the rules adopted
are equitable, balancing the critical
needs of licensed radio users for
protection against harmful interference,
with facilitating the development of
Access BPL by removing regulatory
uncertainties. For the reasons stated we
find that the rule changes contained in
this Report and Order will not present
a significant economic burden to small
entities.
Report to Congress
65. The Commission will send a copy
of the Report and Order, including this
FRFA, in a report to Congress pursuant
to the Congressional Review Act.12 In
addition, the Commission will send a
copy of the Report and Order, including
the FRFA, to the Chief Counsel for
Advocacy of the SBA.13
Ordering Clauses
66. Pursuant to the authority
contained in Sections 4(i), 301, 302,
303(e), 303(f), and 303(r) of the
Communications Act of 1934, as
amended, 47 U.S.C. Sections 154(i), 301,
302, 303(e), 303(f), and 303(r), part 15 of
the Commission’s Rules are amended,
as specified in Appendix B in the
Report and Order, effective 30 days after
Federal Register publication, except for
§§ 15.615(a) through (e) which contains
information collection requirements that
are not effective until approved by the
Office of Management and Budget. The
FCC will publish a document in the
Federal Register announcing the
effective date for those sections.
67. The Commission’s Consumer and
Governmental Affairs Bureau, Reference
Information Center, shall send a copy of
this Report and Order, including the
Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis, to
the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the
Small Business Administration.
List of Subjects in 47 CFR Part 15
Communications equipment, Radio.
Federal Communications Commission.
William F. Caton,
Deputy Secretary.
Rule Changes
For the reasons set forth in the
preamble, the Federal Communications
I
Commission amends 47 CFR part 15 as
follows:
PART 15—RADIO FREQUENCY
DEVICES
1. The authority citation for part 15
continues to read as follows:
I
Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 302, 303, 304,
307 and 544A.
2. Section 15.3 is amended by adding
paragraphs (ff) and (gg) to read as
follows:
I
§ 15.3
Definitions.
*
*
*
*
*
(ff) Access Broadband over Power
Line (Access BPL). A carrier current
system installed and operated on an
electric utility service as an
unintentional radiator that sends radio
frequency energy on frequencies
between 1.705 MHz and 80 MHz over
medium voltage lines or over low
voltage lines to provide broadband
communications and is located on the
supply side of the utility service’s
points of interconnection with customer
premises. Access BPL does not include
power line carrier systems as defined in
§ 15.3(t) or In-House BPL as defined in
§ 15.3(gg).
(gg) In-House Broadband over Power
Line (In-House BPL). A carrier current
system, operating as an unintentional
radiator, that sends radio frequency
energy by conduction over electric
power lines that are not owned,
operated or controlled by an electric
service provider. The electric power
lines may be aerial (overhead),
underground, or inside the walls, floors
or ceilings of user premises. In-House
BPL devices may establish closed
networks within a user’s premises or
provide connections to Access BPL
networks, or both.
3. Section 15.15 is amended by
revising paragraph (b) to read as follows:
I
§ 15.15
General technical requirements.
*
*
*
*
*
(b) Except as follows, an intentional
or unintentional radiator must be
constructed such that the adjustments of
any control that is readily accessible by
or intended to be accessible to the user
will not cause operation of the device in
violation of the regulations. Access BPL
equipment shall comply with the
applicable standards at the control
adjustment that is employed. The
measurement report used in support of
an application for Certification and the
user instructions for Access BPL
equipment shall clearly specify the useror installer-control settings that are
required for conformance with these
regulations.
*
*
*
*
*
4. Section 15.31 is amended by
revising paragraph (f)(5), to read as
follows:
I
§ 15.31
12 See
13 See
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:17 Jan 06, 2005
Jkt 205001
PO 00000
Measurement standards.
*
*
*
*
*
(f) * * *
(5) Measurements shall be performed
at a sufficient number of radials around
the equipment under test to determine
the radial at which the field strength
values of the radiated emissions are
maximized. The maximum field
strength at the frequency being
measured shall be reported in the
equipment authorization report. This
paragraph shall not apply to Access BPL
equipment on overhead medium voltage
lines. In lieu thereof, the measurement
guidelines established by the
Commission for Access BPL shall be
followed.
*
*
*
*
*
5. Section 15.37 is amended by adding
paragraph (m) to read as follows:
I
§ 15.37 Transition provisions for
compliance with the rules.
*
*
*
*
*
(m) All Access BPL devices that are
manufactured, imported, marketed or
installed on or after July 7, 2006, shall
comply with the requirements specified
in subpart G of this part, including
certification of the equipment.
6. Section 15.101 is amended by
revising the table in paragraph (a) to read
as follows:
I
§ 15.101 Equipment authorization of
unintentional radiators.
(a) * * *
Type of device
Equipment authorization required
TV broadcast receiver ...................................................................................................................
FM broadcast receiver ..................................................................................................................
CB receiver ...................................................................................................................................
Superregenerative receiver ...........................................................................................................
Verification.
Verification.
Declaration of Conformity or Certification.
Declaration of Conformity or Certification.
5 U.S.C. 604(b).
Frm 00049
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
1373
E:\FR\FM\07JAR1.SGM
07JAR1
1374
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 5 / Friday, January 7, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
Type of device
Equipment authorization required
Scanning receiver .........................................................................................................................
Radar detector ..............................................................................................................................
All other receivers subject to part 15 ............................................................................................
TV interface device .......................................................................................................................
Cable system terminal device .......................................................................................................
Stand-alone cable input selector switch .......................................................................................
Class B personal computers and peripherals ..............................................................................
CPU boards and internal power supplies used with Class B personal computers .....................
Class B personal computers assembled using authorized CPU boards or power supplies ........
Class B external switching power supplies ..................................................................................
Other Class B digital devices & peripherals .................................................................................
Class A digital devices, peripherals & external switching power supplies ...................................
Access Broadband over Power Line (Access BPL) .....................................................................
All other devices ...........................................................................................................................
*
*
*
*
*
7. Part 15 is amended by adding a new
Subpart G, to read as follows:
I
Subpart G—Access Broadband Over
Power Line (Access BPL)
Sec.
15.601 Scope.
15.603 Definitions.
15.605 Cross reference.
15.607 Equipment authorization of Access
BPL equipment.
15.609 Marketing of Access BPL equipment.
15.611 General technical requirements.
15.613 Measurement procedures.
15.615 General administrative
requirements.
§ 15.601
Scope.
This subpart sets out the regulations
for Access Broadband over Power Line
(Access BPL) devices operating in the
1.705–80 MHz band over medium or
low voltage lines.
§ 15.603
Definitions.
(a) Excluded Band: A band of
frequencies within which Access BPL
operations are not permitted.
(b) Exclusion Zone: A geographical
area within which Access BPL
operations are not permitted in certain
frequency bands.
(c) Consultation. The process of
communication between an entity
operating Access BPL and a licensed
public safety or other designated point
of contact for the purpose of avoiding
potential harmful interference.
(d) Consultation area: A designated
geographical area within which
consultation with public safety users or
other designated point of contact is
required before an Access BPL may be
operated at designated frequencies.
(e) Low Voltage power line. A power
line carrying low voltage, e.g., 240/120
volts from a distribution transformer to
a customer’s premises.
(f) Medium Voltage power line. A
power line carrying between 1,000 to
40,000 volts from a power substation to
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:17 Jan 06, 2005
Jkt 205001
neighborhoods. Medium voltage lines
may be overhead or underground,
depending on the power grid network
topology.
(g) Access BPL Database. A database
operated by an industry-sponsored
entity, recognized by the Federal
Communications Commission and the
National Telecommunications and
Information Administration (NTIA),
containing information regarding
existing and planned Access BPL
systems, as required in § 15.615(a) of
this chapter.
§ 15.605
Cross reference.
(a) The provisions of subparts A and
B of this part apply to Access BPL
devices, except where specifically
noted. The provisions of subparts C
through F of this part do not apply to
Access BPL devices except where
specifically noted.
(b) The requirements of this subpart
apply only to the radio circuitry that is
used to provide carrier current
operation for the Access BPL device.
Other aspects of the operation of an
Access BPL device may be subject to
requirements contained elsewhere in
this chapter. In particular, an Access
BPL device that includes digital
circuitry that is not used solely to
enable the operation of the radio
frequency circuitry used to provide
carrier current operation also is subject
to the requirements for unintentional
radiators in subpart B of this part.
§ 15.607 Equipment authorization of
Access BPL equipment.
Access BPL equipment shall be
subject to Certification as specified in
§ 15.101.
§ 15.609 Marketing of Access BPL
equipment.
The marketing of Access BPL
equipment must be directed solely to
parties eligible to operate the
equipment. Eligible parties consist of
AC power line public utilities, Access
PO 00000
Frm 00050
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Certification.
Certification.
Declaration of
Declaration of
Declaration of
Verification.
Declaration of
Declaration of
Declaration of
Verification.
Verification.
Verification.
Certification.
Verification.
Conformity or Certification.
Conformity or Certification.
Conformity.
Conformity or Certification.1
Conformity or Certification.1
Conformity.
BPL service providers and associates of
Access BPL service providers. The
responsible party, as defined in § 2.909
of this chapter, is responsible for
ensuring that the equipment is marketed
only to eligible parties. Marketing of the
equipment in any other manner may be
considered grounds for revocation of the
grant of certification issued for the
equipment.
§ 15.611
General technical requirements.
(a) Conducted emission limits. Access
BPL is not subject to the conducted
emission limits of § 15.107.
(b) Radiated emission limits. (1)
Medium voltage power lines. (i) Access
BPL systems that operate in the
frequency range of 1.705 kHz to 30 MHz
over medium voltage power lines shall
comply with the radiated emission
limits for intentional radiators provided
in § 15.209.
(ii) Access BPL systems that operate
in the frequency range above 30 MHz
over medium voltage power lines shall
comply with the radiated emission
limits provided in § 15.109(b).
(2) Low voltage power lines. Access
BPL systems that operate over lowvoltage power lines, including those
that operate over low-voltage lines that
are connected to the in-building wiring,
shall comply with the radiated emission
limits provided in § 15.109(a) and (e).
(c) Interference Mitigation and
Avoidance. (1) Access BPL systems
shall incorporate adaptive interference
mitigation techniques to remotely
reduce power and adjust operating
frequencies, in order to avoid sitespecific, local use of the same spectrum
by licensed services. These techniques
may include adaptive or ‘‘notch’’
filtering, or complete avoidance of
frequencies, or bands of frequencies,
locally used by licensed radio
operations.
(i) For frequencies below 30 MHz,
when a notch filter is used to avoid
interference to a specific frequency
band, the Access BPL system shall be
E:\FR\FM\07JAR1.SGM
07JAR1
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 5 / Friday, January 7, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
capable of attenuating emissions within
that band to a level at least 20 dB below
the applicable part 15 limits.
(ii) For frequencies above 30 MHz,
when a notch filter is used to avoid
interference to a specific frequency
band, the Access BPL system shall be
capable of attenuating emissions within
that band to a level at least 10 dB below
the applicable part 15 limits.
(2) Access BPL systems shall comply
with applicable radiated emission limits
upon power-up following a fault
condition, or during a start-up operation
after a shut-off procedure, by the use of
a non-volatile memory, or some other
method, to immediately restore previous
settings with programmed notches and
excluded bands, to avoid time delay
caused by the need for manual reprogramming during which protected
services may be vulnerable.
(3) Access BPL systems shall
incorporate a remote-controllable shutdown feature to deactivate, from a
central location, any unit found to cause
harmful interference, if other
interference mitigation techniques do
not resolve the interference problem.
§ 15.613
Measurement procedures.
Compliance measurements for Access
BPL shall be made in accordance with
the Guidelines for Access BPL systems
specified by the Commission.
§ 15.615 General administrative
requirements.
(a) Access BPL Database. Entities
operating Access BPL systems shall
supply to an industry-recognized entity,
information on all existing Access BPL
systems and all proposed Access BPL
systems for inclusion into a publicly
available data base, within 30 days prior
to initiation of service. Such
information shall include the following:
(1) The name of the Access BPL
provider.
(2) The frequencies of the Access BPL
operation.
(3) The postal zip codes served by the
specific Access BPL operation.
(4) The manufacturer and type of
Access BPL equipment and its
associated FCC ID number, or, in the
case of Access BPL equipment that has
been subject to verification, the Trade
Name and Model Number, as specified
on the equipment label.
(5) The contact information, including
both phone number and e-mail address
of a person at, or associated with, the
BPL operator’s company, to facilitate the
resolution of any interference
complaint.
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:17 Jan 06, 2005
Jkt 205001
(6) The proposed/or actual date of
Access BPL operation.
(b) The Access BPL database manager
shall enter this information into the
publicly accessible database within
three (3) business days of receipt.
(c) No notification to the Commission
is required.
(d) A licensed spectrum user
experiencing harmful interference that
is suspected to be caused by an Access
BPL system shall inform the local BPL
operator’s contact person designated in
the Access BPL database. The
investigation of the reported
interference and the resolution of
confirmed harmful interference from the
Access BPL system shall be successfully
completed by the BPL operator within a
reasonable time period according to a
mutually acceptable schedule, after the
receipt of an interference complaint, in
order to avoid protracted disruptions to
licensed services. The Access BPL
operator shall respond to complaints of
harmful interference from public safety
users within 24 hours. With regard to
public safety complaints, the BPL
provider shall be required to
immediately cease the operations
causing such complaint if it fails to
respond within 24 hours.
(e) Consultation with public safety
users. An entity operating an Access
BPL system shall notify and consult
with the public safety users in the area
where it plans to deploy Access BPL, at
least 30 days prior to initiation of any
operation or service. This entity shall
design or implement the Access BPL
system such that it does not cause
harmful interference in those
frequencies or bands used by the public
safety agencies in the area served by the
Access BPL system. The notification
shall include, at a minimum, the
information in paragraph (a) of this
section.
(f) Federal government spectrum users
and other radio service users. An entity
operating an Access BPL system shall
ensure that, within its Access BPL
deployment area, its system does not
operate on any frequencies designated
as excluded bands or on identified
frequencies within any designated
exclusion zones.
(1) Excluded Bands. To protect
Aeronautical (land) stations and aircraft
receivers, Access BPL operations using
overhead medium voltage power lines
are prohibited in the frequency bands
listed in Table 1. Specifically, such BPL
systems shall not place carrier
frequencies in these bands.
PO 00000
Frm 00051
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
1375
TABLE 1.—EXCLUDED FREQUENCY
BANDS
Frequency band
2,850–3,025 kHz
3,400–3,500 kHz
4,650–4,700 kHz
5,450–5,680 kHz
6,525–6,685 kHz
8,815–8,965 kHz
10,005–10,100 kHz
11,275–11,400 kHz
13,260–13,360 kHz
17,900–17,970 kHz
21,924–22,000 kHz
74.8–75.2 MHz
(2) Exclusion zones. Exclusion zones
encompass the operation of any Access
BPL system within 1 km of the
boundary of coast station facilities at the
coordinates listed in Tables 2 and 2.1.
Exclusion zones also encompass the
operation of Access BPL systems using
overhead medium voltage power lines
within 29 km of the coordinates for the
ten Very Long Baseline Array facilities
listed in Allocation US311. Exclusion
zones further encompass the operation
of Access BPL systems using overhead
low voltage power lines or underground
power lines within 11 km of the
coordinates for the ten Very Long
Baseline Array facilities listed in
Allocation US311. Within the exclusion
zones for coast stations, Access BPL
systems shall not use carrier frequencies
within the band of 2173.5–2190.5 kHz.
Within the exclusion zone for Very Long
Baseline Array radio astronomy
observatories, Access BPL systems shall
not use carrier frequencies within the
73.0–74.6 MHz band.
(i) Existing coast station facilities.
Access BPL systems shall not operate in
the frequency band 2,173.5–2,190.5
kHz, within 1 kilometer (km) of the
boundary of coast station facilities at the
coordinates listed in Tables 2 and 2.1.
BPL operators planning to deploy
Access BPL devices at these frequencies
in areas within these exclusion zones as
defined above shall consult with the
appropriate point of contact for these
coast stations to ensure harmful
interference is prevented at these
facilities.
Point of contact: Commandant (CG
622), U.S. Coast Guard, 2100 2nd Street,
SW., Washington, DC 20593–0001,
Telephone: (202) 267–2860, e-mail:
cgcomms@comdt.uscg.mil.
E:\FR\FM\07JAR1.SGM
07JAR1
1376
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 5 / Friday, January 7, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 2.—EXCLUSION ZONES FOR U.S. COAST GUARD COAST STATIONS
Locale
Latitude
Group Guam ..........................................................................................................................................................
GANTSEC ..............................................................................................................................................................
Puerto Rico .............................................................................................................................................................
Honolulu .................................................................................................................................................................
Group Key West .....................................................................................................................................................
Trumbo Point CG Base ..........................................................................................................................................
Miami ......................................................................................................................................................................
Everglades Park .....................................................................................................................................................
Group Saint Petersburg (Everglades) ....................................................................................................................
Station Ft. Lauderdale ............................................................................................................................................
Station Ft. Myers Beach .........................................................................................................................................
Group Miami (Ft. Pierce) ........................................................................................................................................
Station Ft. Pierce ...................................................................................................................................................
Group Corpus Christi .............................................................................................................................................
Group Corpus Christi .............................................................................................................................................
ESD Saint Petersburg ............................................................................................................................................
Group Saint Petersburg .........................................................................................................................................
Station Port O’Connor ............................................................................................................................................
S. Padre Island .......................................................................................................................................................
Freeport ..................................................................................................................................................................
Group Galveston (Freeport) ...................................................................................................................................
Station YANKEETOWN ..........................................................................................................................................
Station Ponce De Leon Inlet ..................................................................................................................................
Group New Orleans (Grand Isle) ...........................................................................................................................
Galveston ...............................................................................................................................................................
Kapalan ..................................................................................................................................................................
Sabine ....................................................................................................................................................................
New Orleans ...........................................................................................................................................................
Panama City ...........................................................................................................................................................
Group Mobile (Panama City) .................................................................................................................................
ANT Jacksonville Beach ........................................................................................................................................
Pensacola ...............................................................................................................................................................
Group Mayport .......................................................................................................................................................
Group Mayport .......................................................................................................................................................
Ft. Morgan ..............................................................................................................................................................
Tybee Lighthouse ...................................................................................................................................................
Point Loma Lighthouse ..........................................................................................................................................
Point Loma .............................................................................................................................................................
Activities San Diego ...............................................................................................................................................
Group Charleston (Sullivan’s Island) .....................................................................................................................
Sullivan’s Island Lights ...........................................................................................................................................
Group Charleston ...................................................................................................................................................
Group San Diego ...................................................................................................................................................
San Pedro ..............................................................................................................................................................
Group Fort Macon ..................................................................................................................................................
Point Mugu .............................................................................................................................................................
Group LA/Long Beach ............................................................................................................................................
Channel Island .......................................................................................................................................................
Station Oxnard Channel Island ..............................................................................................................................
Group Ft. Macon ....................................................................................................................................................
Group Cape Hatteras .............................................................................................................................................
Group Cape Hatteras .............................................................................................................................................
Morro Bay (Cambria) ..............................................................................................................................................
San Clemente Island ..............................................................................................................................................
Point Pinos .............................................................................................................................................................
CAMSLANT ............................................................................................................................................................
Group Hampton Roads ..........................................................................................................................................
Point Montara .........................................................................................................................................................
Point Montara Lighthouse ......................................................................................................................................
Group San Francisco .............................................................................................................................................
Group San Francisco .............................................................................................................................................
Point Bonita ............................................................................................................................................................
Group Eastern Shores ...........................................................................................................................................
Group Eastern Shore .............................................................................................................................................
CAMSPAC ..............................................................................................................................................................
Point Arena Lighthouse ..........................................................................................................................................
Point Arena ............................................................................................................................................................
Group Atlantic City .................................................................................................................................................
Activities New York ................................................................................................................................................
Activities New York ................................................................................................................................................
ESD Moriches Hut ..................................................................................................................................................
Group Moriches ......................................................................................................................................................
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:17 Jan 06, 2005
Jkt 205001
PO 00000
Frm 00052
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
E:\FR\FM\07JAR1.SGM
07JAR1
13°35′23″
18°18′00″
18°28′11″
21°18′21″
24°33′35″
24°33′58″
25°37′28″
25°50′10″
25°51′00″
26°05′21″
26°27′34″
27°27′36″
27°27′50″
27°42′01″
27°42′06″
27°45′21″
27°46′11″
28°26′03″
28°26′22″
28°55′59″
28°56′24″
29°01′51″
29°03′50″
29°15′53″
29°19′59″
29°20′04″
29°43′42″
30°01′17″
30°10′01″
30°10′12″
30°17′16″
30°20′24″
30°23′10″
30°23′24″
30°39′07″
32°01′15″
32°39′56″
32°40′07″
32°43′59″
32°45′00″
32°45′02″
32°46′25″
32°52′48″
33°45′00″
33°53′24″
33°59′32″
34°07′11″
34°09′17″
34°09′43″
34°41′48″
35°13′59″
35°15′35″
35°31′21″
32°50′24″
36°38′12″
36°43′47″
36°53′01″
37°31′23″
37°32′09″
37°32′23″
37°48′34″
37°49′00″
37°55′47″
37°55′50″
38°06′00″
38°57′18″
38°57′36″
39°20′59″
40°36′06″
40°37′11″
40°47′19″
40°47′23″
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
Longitude
144°50′24″ E
65°46′59″ W
66°07′47″ W
157°53′23″ W
81°47′59″ W
81°47′57″ W
80°23′07″ W
81°23′13″ W
81°23′24″ W
80°06′40″ W
81°57′15″ W
80°18′36″ W
80°18′27″ W
97°16′11″ W
97°16′45″ W
82°37′32″ W
82°37′47″ W
96°25′39″ W
97°09′56″ W
95°16′59″ W
95°17′59″ W
82°43′39″ W
81°55′01″ W
89°57′26″ W
94°46′18″ W
94°47′17″ W
93°52′14″ W
90°07′24″ W
85°45′04″ W
85°45′36″ W
81°24′10″ W
87°18′17″ W
81°26′01″ W
81°25′48″ W
88°03′12″ W
80°50′39″ W
117°14′34″ W
117°14′14″ W
117°11′13″ W
79°49′47″ W
79°50′03″ W
79°56′37″ W
118°26′23″ W
118°15′58″ W
78°01′48″ W
119°07′18″ W
119°06′35″ W
119°13′11″ W
119°13′19″ W
76°40′59″ W
75°31′59″ W
75°31′48″ W
121°03′31″ W
118°23′15″ W
121°56′06″ W
76°01′11″ W
76°21′10″ W
122°30′47″ W
122°31′08″ W
122°31′11″ W
122°21′55″ W
122°31′41″ W
75°22′47″ W
75°22′58″ W
122°55′48″ W
124°44′28″ W
123°44′23″ W
74°27′42″ W
74°03′36″ W
74°04′11″ W
72°44′53″ W
72°45′00″ W
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 5 / Friday, January 7, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
1377
TABLE 2.—EXCLUSION ZONES FOR U.S. COAST GUARD COAST STATIONS—Continued
Locale
Latitude
Group Humboldt Bay ..............................................................................................................................................
Group Humboldt Bay ..............................................................................................................................................
Trinidad Head .........................................................................................................................................................
Group Long Island Sound ......................................................................................................................................
Station New Haven ................................................................................................................................................
Station Brant Point .................................................................................................................................................
Group Woods Hole .................................................................................................................................................
Station Castle Hill ...................................................................................................................................................
Group Woods Hole .................................................................................................................................................
Boston Area ...........................................................................................................................................................
Station Provincetown ..............................................................................................................................................
Eastern Point ..........................................................................................................................................................
Cape Blanco ...........................................................................................................................................................
Group North Bend ..................................................................................................................................................
Group North Bend ..................................................................................................................................................
Cape Elizabeth .......................................................................................................................................................
Group South Portland ............................................................................................................................................
Group South Portland ............................................................................................................................................
Group SW Harbor ..................................................................................................................................................
Group Southwest Harbor .......................................................................................................................................
Fort Stevens, Oregon .............................................................................................................................................
Group Astoria .........................................................................................................................................................
Group Astoria .........................................................................................................................................................
La Push ..................................................................................................................................................................
Station Quillayute River ..........................................................................................................................................
Port Angeles ...........................................................................................................................................................
Group Port Angeles ................................................................................................................................................
Juneau (Sitka) ........................................................................................................................................................
Kodiak ....................................................................................................................................................................
Valdez (Cape Hinchinbrook) ..................................................................................................................................
40°58′41″
40°58′47″
41°03′15″
41°16′12″
41°16′12″
41°17′21″
41°17′23″
41°27′46″
41°17′29″
41°40′12″
42°01′48″
42°36′24″
42°50′16″
43°24′16″
43°24′35″
43°33′28″
43°38′24″
43°38′45″
44°16′19″
44°16′48″
46°09′14″
46°09′29″
46°09′35″
47°49′00″
47°54′49″
48°07′59″
48°08′24″
57°05′24″
57°40′47″
60°26′23″
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
Longitude
124°06′31″ W
124°06′35″ W
124°09′02″ W
72°54′00″ W
72°54′06″ W
70°05′31″ W
70°04′47″ W
71°21′42″ W
70°401′07″ W
70°31′48″ W
70°12′42″ W
70°39′26″ W
124°33′52″ W
124°13′22″ W
124°14′23″ W
70°12′00″ W
70°15′00″ W
70°14′51″ W
68°18′27″ W
68°18′36″ W
123°53′07″ W
123°31′48″ W
123°53′24″ W
124°37′59″ W
124°38′01″ W
123°25′59″ W
123°24′35″ W
135°15′35″ W
152°28′47″ W
146°25′48″ W
Note: Systems of coordinates comply with NAD 83.
TABLE 2.1.—EXCLUSION ZONES FOR MARITIME PUBLIC COAST STATIONS
[Points of Contact Are Identified in the Commission’s License Database]
Licensee name
Location
Latitude
Shipcom LLC ...............................................................
Globe Wireless .............................................................
Avalon Communications Corp .....................................
Globe Wireless .............................................................
Shipcom LLC ...............................................................
Shipcom LLC ...............................................................
Globe Wireless .............................................................
Globe Wireless .............................................................
Globe Wireless .............................................................
Globe Wireless .............................................................
Marina Del Ray, CA ....................................................
Rio Vista, CA ...............................................................
St. Thomas, VI .............................................................
Bishopville, MD ............................................................
Mobile, AL ....................................................................
Coden, AL ....................................................................
Pearl River, LA ............................................................
Kahalelani, HI ..............................................................
Palo Alto, CA ...............................................................
Agana, GU ...................................................................
33°56′21″
38°11′55″
18°21′19″
38°24′10″
30°40′07″
30°22′35″
30°22′13″
21°10′33″
37°26′44″
13°29′22″
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
Longitude
118°27′14″ W
121°48′34″ W
64°56′48″ W
75°12′59″ W
88°10′23″ W
88°12′20″ W
89°47′26″ W
157°10′39″ W
122°06′48″ W
144°49′39″ E
Note: Systems of coordinates comply with NAD 83.
(ii) New or relocated Coast stations. In
the unlikely event that a new or
relocated coast station is established for
the 2.173.5–2.190.5 kHz band at a
coordinate not specified in Table 2 or
2.1, Access BPL operations in that
frequency band shall also be excluded
within 1 km of the new coast station
facility;
(iii) Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA)
radio astronomy observatories. Access
BPL systems using overhead medium
voltage power lines shall not operate in
the frequency band 73.0–74.6 MHz,
within 29 km of the coordinates of the
ten (10) Very Long Baseline Array
facilities listed in 47 CFR 2.106, Note
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:17 Jan 06, 2005
Jkt 205001
US311. Access BPL systems using
overhead low voltage power lines or
underground power lines shall not
operate in the 73.0–74.6 MHz band
within 11 km of those coordinates.
(3) Consultation areas. Access BPL
operators shall provide notification to
the appropriate point of contact
specified below regarding Access BPL
operations at any frequencies of
potential concern in the following
consultation areas, at least 30 days prior
to initiation of any operation or service.
The notification shall include, at a
minimum, the information in paragraph
(a) of this section. We expect parties to
consult in good faith to ensure that no
PO 00000
Frm 00053
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
harmful interference is caused to
licensed operations and that any
constraints on BPL deployments are
minimized to those necessary to avoid
harmful interference.
(i) For frequencies in the 1.7–30 MHz
frequency range, the areas within 4 km
of facilities located at the following
coordinates:
(A) The Commission’s protected field
offices listed in 47 CFR 0.121, the pointof-contact for which is specified in that
section;
(B) The aeronautical stations listed in
Tables 3a and 3b;
(C) The land stations listed in Tables
4 and 5;
E:\FR\FM\07JAR1.SGM
07JAR1
1378
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 5 / Friday, January 7, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
(ii) For frequencies in the 1.7–38.25
MHz frequency range, the areas within
4 km of facilities located at the
coordinates specified for radio
astronomy facilities in 47 CFR 2.106,
Note US 311.
(iii) For frequencies in the 1.7–80
MHz frequency range, the area within 1
km of the Table Mountain Radio
Receiving Zone, the coordinates and
point of contact for which are specified
in 47 CFR 21.113(b).
(iv) For frequencies in the 1.7–30
MHz frequency range, the areas within
37 km of radar receiver facilities located
at the coordinates specified in Table 6.
Point of contact: U.S. Coast Guard
HQ, Division of Spectrum Management
CG–622, 2100 Second St., SW., Rm.
6611, Washington, DC 20593, Tel: (202)
267–6036, Fax: (202) 267–4106, e-mail:
jtaboada@comdt.uscg.mil.
TABLE 3a.—CONSULTATION AREA COORDINATES FOR AERONAUTICAL (OR) STATIONS (1.7–30 MHZ)
Command name
Location
Latitude
Washington ..................................................................
Cape Cod .....................................................................
Atlantic City ..................................................................
Elizabeth City ...............................................................
Savannah .....................................................................
Miami ............................................................................
Clearwater ....................................................................
Borinquen .....................................................................
New Orleans ................................................................
Traverse City ................................................................
San Diego ....................................................................
Sacramento ..................................................................
Astoria ..........................................................................
North Bend ...................................................................
Barbers Point ...............................................................
Kodiak ..........................................................................
Houston ........................................................................
Detroit ...........................................................................
San Francisco ..............................................................
Los Angeles .................................................................
Humboldt Bay ..............................................................
Port Angeles ................................................................
Sitka .............................................................................
Arlington, VA ................................................................
Cape Cod, MA .............................................................
Atlantic City, NJ ...........................................................
Elizabeth City, NC .......................................................
Savannah, GA .............................................................
Opa Locka, FL .............................................................
Clearwater, FL .............................................................
Aguadilla, PR ...............................................................
New Orleans, LA .........................................................
Traverse City, MI .........................................................
San Diego, CA .............................................................
McCllelan AFB, CA ......................................................
Warrenton, OR ............................................................
North Bend, OR ...........................................................
Kapolei, HI ...................................................................
Kodiak, AK ...................................................................
Houston, TX .................................................................
Mt. Clemens, MI ..........................................................
San Francisco, CA ......................................................
Los Angeles, CA ..........................................................
McKinleyville, CA .........................................................
Port Angeles, WA ........................................................
Sitka, AK ......................................................................
38°51′07″
41°42′00″
39°20′59″
36°15′53″
32°01′30″
25°54′22″
27°54′27″
18°18′36″
29°49′31″
44°44′24″
32°43′33″
38°40′06″
46°25′18″
43°24′39″
21°18′01″
57°44′19″
29°45′00″
42°36′05″
37°37′58″
33°56′36″
40°58′39″
48°08′25″
57°05′50″
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
Longitude
77°02′15″ W
70°30′00″ W
74°27′42″ W
76°10′32″ W
81°08′30″ W
80°16′01″ W
82°41′ 29″ W
67°04′ 48″ W
90°02′ 06″ W
85°34′54″ W
117°10′ 15″ W
121°24′04″ W
123°47′ 46″ W
124°14′35″ W
158°04′15″ W
152°30′18″ W
95°22′00″ W
82°50′12″ W
122°23′20″ W
118°23′48″ W
124°06′45″ W
123°24′48″ W
135°21′58″ W
Note: Systems of coordinates conform to NAD 83.
Point of contact: ARINC, 2551 Riva
Road, Annapolis, MD 21401, Tel: 1–
800–633–6882, Fax: (410) 266–2329, e-
mail: arincmkt@arinc.com, https://
www.arinc.com.
TABLE 3b.—CONSULTATION AREA COORDINATES FOR AERONAUTICAL RECEIVE STATIONS (1.7–30 MHZ)
Locale
Latitude
Southampton, NY ..............................................................................................................................................
Molokai, HI .........................................................................................................................................................
Oahu, HI ............................................................................................................................................................
Half Moon Bay, CA ............................................................................................................................................
Pt. Reyes, CA ....................................................................................................................................................
Barrow, AK .........................................................................................................................................................
Guam .................................................................................................................................................................
40°55′15″
21°12′23″
21°22′27″
37°39′00″
38°06′00″
71°17′24″
13°25′00″
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
NY Comm Center, NY .......................................................................................................................................
Cedar Rapids, IA ...............................................................................................................................................
Beaumont, CA ...................................................................................................................................................
Fairfield, TX .......................................................................................................................................................
Houston, TX .......................................................................................................................................................
Miami, FL ...........................................................................................................................................................
40°46′48″ N
42°02′05.0″ N
33°54′27.1″ N
31°47′02.6″ N
29°36′35.8″ N
25°49′05″ N
Longitude
72°23′41″ W
157°12′30″ W
158°05′56″ W
122°41′00″ W
122°56′00″ W
156°48′12″ W
144°44′57″ E
(note: Eastern
N Hemisphere)
73°05″46″ W
91°38′37.6″ W
116°59′49.1″ W
96°47′03.0″ W
95°16′54.8″ W
80°18′28″ W
Note: Systems of coordinates conform to NAD 83.
Point of contact: U.S. Coast Guard
HQ, Division of Spectrum Management
CG–622, 2100 Second St., SW., Rm.
6611, Washington, DC 20593, Tel: (202)
267–6036, Fax: (202) 267–4106, e-mail:
jtaboada@comdt.uscg.mil.
TABLE 4.—CONSULTATION AREA COORDINATES FOR LAND STATIONS, SET 1 (1.7–30 MHZ)
Command name
Location
COMMSTA Boston ......................................................
Maspee, MA ................................................................
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:17 Jan 06, 2005
Jkt 205001
PO 00000
Frm 00054
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
E:\FR\FM\07JAR1.SGM
Latitude
07JAR1
Longitude
41°24′00″ N
70°18′57″ W
1379
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 5 / Friday, January 7, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 4.—CONSULTATION AREA COORDINATES FOR LAND STATIONS, SET 1 (1.7–30 MHZ)—Continued
Command name
Location
Latitude
Camslant ......................................................................
COMMSTA Miami ........................................................
COMMSTA New Orleans .............................................
Camspac ......................................................................
COMMSTA Honolulu ...................................................
COMMSTA Kodiak .......................................................
Guam ...........................................................................
Chesapeake, VA ..........................................................
Miami, FL .....................................................................
Belle Chasse, IA ..........................................................
Pt. Reyes Sta, CA .......................................................
Wahiawa, HI ................................................................
Kodiak, AK ...................................................................
Finegayan, GU ............................................................
36°33′59″ N
25°36′58″ N
29°52′40″ N
38°06′00″ N
21°31′08″ N
57°04′26′ N
13°53′08″ N
Longitude
76°15′23″ W
80°23′04″ W
89°54′46″ W
122°55′48″ W
157°59′28″ W
152°28′20″ W
144°50′20″ E
Note: Systems of coordinates conform to NAD 83.
Point of contact: COTHEN Technical
Support Center, COTHEN Program
Manager, Tel: (800) 829–6336.
TABLE 5.—CONSULTATION AREA COORDINATES FOR LAND STATIONS, SET 2 (1.7–30 MHZ)
Site name
Latitude
Albuquerque, NM ...................................................................................................................................................
Arecibo, PR ............................................................................................................................................................
Atlanta, GA .............................................................................................................................................................
Beaufort, SC ...........................................................................................................................................................
Cape Charles, VA ..................................................................................................................................................
Cedar Rapids, IA ....................................................................................................................................................
Denver, CO ............................................................................................................................................................
Fort Myers, FL ........................................................................................................................................................
Kansas City, MO ....................................................................................................................................................
Las Vegas, NV .......................................................................................................................................................
Lovelock, NV ..........................................................................................................................................................
Memphis, TN ..........................................................................................................................................................
Miami, FL ................................................................................................................................................................
Morehead City, NC .................................................................................................................................................
Oklahoma City, OK ................................................................................................................................................
Orlando, FL ............................................................................................................................................................
Reno, NV ................................................................................................................................................................
Sarasota, FL ...........................................................................................................................................................
Wilmington, NC ......................................................................................................................................................
35°05′02″ N
18°17′26″ N
32°33″06 N
34°34′22″ N
37°05′37″ N
42°00′09″ N
39°15′45″ N
81°31′20″ N
38°22′10″ N
36°21′15″ N
40°03′07″ N
34°21′57″ N
25°46′20″ N
34°34′50″ N
34°30′52″ N
28°31′30″ N
38°31′12″ N
27°12′41″ N
34°29′24″ N
Longitude
105°34′23″ W
66°22′33″ W
84°23′35″ W
76°09′48″ W
75°58′06″ W
91°17′39″ W
103°34′23″ W
26°20′01″ W
93°21′48″ W
114°17′33″ W
118°18′56″ W
90°02′43″ W
80°28′48″ W
78°13′59″ W
97°30′52″ W
80°48′58″ W
119°14′37″ W
81°31′20″ W
78°04′31″ W
Note: Systems of coordinates conform to NAD 83.
Point Of Contact: ROTHR Deputy
Program Manager, (540) 653–3624.
ACTION:
Office of the Secretary of
Transportation
SUMMARY: OST and TSA are revising
their regulations governing the
protection of sensitive security
information (SSI) to remove an
unintended limitation on parties that
have a need to know such information.
Specifically, this rule removes the
limiting words ‘‘aviation or maritime’’
from 49 CFR 15.11 and 49 CFR 1520.11
in order to clearly permit the sharing of
vulnerability assessments and other
documents properly designated as SSI
with covered persons who meet the
need to know requirements regardless of
mode of transportation.
DATES: Effective January 7, 2005.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
questions on 49 CFR part 15: Astrid
Lopez-Goldberg, Senior Attorney, Office
of the Chief Counsel, Research and
Special Programs Administration,
Department of Transportation,
Washington, DC 20590; e-mail:
Astrid.Lopez-Goldberg@rspa.dot.gov,
telephone: (202) 366–4400.
TABLE 6.—CONSULTATION AREA COORDINATES FOR RADAR RECEIVER
49 CFR Part 15
STATIONS (1.7–30 MHZ)
RIN 2105–AD33
Latitude/Longitude
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY
18°01′ N/66°30′ W
28°05′ N/98°43′ W
36°34′ N/76°18′ W
Transportation Security Administration
Note: Systems of coordinates conform to
NAD 83.
[FR Doc. 05–246 Filed 1–6–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712–01–P
49 CFR Part 1520
[Docket No. TSA–2003–15569; Amendment
No. 1520–2]
RIN 1652–AA08
Protection of Sensitive Security
Information; Technical Amendment
Office of the Secretary of
Transportation (OST), Department of
Transportation, and Transportation
Security Administration (TSA),
Department of Homeland Security.
AGENCY:
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:17 Jan 06, 2005
Jkt 205001
Technical amendment.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PO 00000
Frm 00055
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
E:\FR\FM\07JAR1.SGM
07JAR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 5 (Friday, January 7, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1360-1379]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-246]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
47 CFR Part 15
[ET Docket No. 04-37 and ET Docket No. 03-104; FCC 04-245]
Broadband Power Line Systems
AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This document adopts new requirements and measurement
guidelines for a new type of carrier current system that provides
access to broadband services using electric utility companies' power
lines. This new technology offers the potential for the establishment
of a significant new medium for extending broadband access to American
homes and businesses. Given that power lines reach virtually every
residence and business in every community and geographic area in this
country, Access BPL service could be made available nearly everywhere.
This new broadband delivery medium could also serve to introduce
additional competition to existing cable, DSL, and other broadband
services. We believe these actions will promote the development of BPL
systems by removing regulatory uncertainties for BPL operators and
equipment manufacturers while ensuring that licensed radio services are
protected from harmful interference.
DATES: Effective February 7, 2005, except for Sec. Sec. 15.615(a)
through (e) which contain information collection requirements that are
not effective until approved by the Office of Management and Budget.
The FCC will publish a document in the Federal Register announcing the
effective date for those sections.
Final Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 Analysis
This document contains modified information collection
requirements. The Commission, as part of its continuing effort to
reduce paperwork burdens, invites the general public to comment on the
information collection requirements contained in this R&O as required
by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Public and
agency comments are due March 8, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Comments on the information collection requirements should
be addressed to the Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications
Commission, 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554. In addition to
filing comments with the Secretary, a
[[Page 1361]]
copy should be submitted to Leslie Smith, Federal Communications
Commission, Room 1-C804, 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554, or
via Internet to Leslie.Smith@fcc.gov, and to Kristy L. LaLonde, OMB
Desk Officer, 10234 NEOB, 725 17th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20503 or
via the Internet to Kristy--L.--LaLonde@omb.eop.gov or via fax at (202)
395-5167.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anh Wride, Office of Engineering and
Technology, (202) 418-20577, e-mail: Anh.Wride@fcc.gov, TTY (202) 418-
2989.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's Report
and Order, ET Docket No. 04-37 and ET Docket No. 03-104, FCC 04-245,
adopted October 14, 2004, and released October 28, 2004. The full text
of this document is available for inspection and copying during normal
business hours in the FCC Reference Center (Room CY-A257), 445 12th
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554. The complete text of this document
also may be purchased from the Commission's copy contractor, Qualex
International, 445 12th Street, SW., Room CY-B402, Washington, DC
20554. The full text may also be downloaded at: www.fcc.gov. Alternate
formats are available to persons with disabilities by contacting Brian
Millin at (202) 418-7426 or TTY (202) 418-7365.
Congressional Review Act
The Commission will send a copy of this Report & Order, in a report
to be sent to Congress and the General Accounting Office pursuant to
the Congressional Review Act, see 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
Summary of Report and Order
1. In the Report and Order, the Commission adopted new rules for
Access Broadband over Power Line (Access BPL) systems, a new type of
carrier current technology that provides access to high speed broadband
services using electric utility companies' power lines. This new
technology offers the potential for the establishment of a significant
new medium for extending broadband access to American homes and
businesses. Given that power lines reach virtually every residence and
business in every community and geographic area in this country, Access
BPL service could be made available nearly everywhere. This new
broadband delivery medium could also serve to introduce additional
competition to existing cable, DSL, and other broadband services. In
addition, the National Telecommunications and Information
Administration (NTIA) has undertaken a significant effort to both study
Access BPL technology, including its operating characteristics and
interference potential, and to make specific recommendations to the
Commission for policies to encourage its implementation and to manage
its interference potential. Our staff has worked closely with NTIA on
this matter and the policy decisions and rules we adopted reflect that
cooperation and embody many of NTIA's recommendations.
2. Along with NTIA, we recognize the concerns of authorized radio
service users in both the private and government sectors for the need
to ensure that radio frequency (RF) energy from BPL signals on power
lines does not cause harmful interference to licensed radio services.
The record and our investigations indicate that BPL network systems can
generally be configured and managed to minimize and/or eliminate this
harmful interference potential. Our goals in developing the rules for
Access BPL are to provide a framework that will both facilitate the
rapid introduction and development of BPL systems and protect licensed
radio services from harmful interference. Specifically, we adopted: new
operational requirements for Access BPL to promote avoidance and
resolution of harmful interference; new administrative requirements to
aid in identifying Access BPL installations; and specific measurement
guidelines and certification requirements to ensure accurate and
repeatable evaluations of emissions from Access BPL and all other
carrier current systems. We believe these actions will promote the
development of BPL systems by removing regulatory uncertainties for BPL
operators and equipment manufacturers while ensuring that licensed
radio services are protected from harmful interference.
Part 15--Existing Rules
3. Carrier current systems use alternating current (AC) electric
power lines to carry communications by coupling very low power RF
signals onto the AC electric wiring. Traditionally, these systems have
included amplitude modulated (AM) radio systems on school campuses and
devices intended for the home, such as intercom systems and remote
controls for electrical appliances and lamps. Carrier current systems
operate on an unlicensed basis under part 15 of the Commission's rules.
As a general condition of operation, part 15 devices may not cause
harmful interference to authorized radio services and must accept any
interference that they receive.
4. The part 15 rules for carrier current systems currently specify
radiated and conducted emission limits for devices operating below 30
MHz and above 30 MHz. Carrier current systems operating from 9 kHz to
30 MHz are subject to radiated emission limits on emissions from any
part of the wiring or power network connected to the RF power source.
For carrier current systems that contain their fundamental emission
within the standard AM broadcast band of 535 to 1705 kHz and are
intended to be received using standard AM broadcast receivers, there is
no limit on conducted emissions. All other carrier current systems
operating below 30 MHz are subject to a conducted emission limit only
within the AM broadcast band. Carrier current devices operating above
30 MHz must meet the radiated emission limits of Sec. 15.109(a), (b)
or (g) for digital devices, which are further divided into two types.
Class A equipment includes devices marketed for use in a commercial,
industrial or business environment, excluding devices which are
marketed for use by the general public or are intended to be used in
the home. Class B equipment includes devices marketed for use in a
residential environment, notwithstanding use in commercial, business
and industrial environments. The rules require Access BPL systems to
comply with the limits for Class A or B devices depending on whether
they are marketed for use in a commercial, industrial or business
environment on the one hand or for use by the general public or in the
home on the other. Under this Class A/Class B regime, Access BPL
systems that operate on medium voltage lines external to residential
environments are considered Class A devices. Carrier current devices
that do not operate on frequencies below 30 MHz are subject to the
general conducted emission limits below 30 MHz. The existing part 15
rules also address power line carrier systems, which are low-speed
carrier current systems operating between 10 kHz and 490 kHz, used by
an electric public utility entity for protective relaying, telemetry,
etc., for general supervision of the power system. Because of their
specialized use and operating frequency range, power line carrier
systems are not subject to specific emission limits as are general
carrier current systems.
5. The Commission believes that the widespread introduction of
Access BPL service would further our goals for broadband service
consistent with the challenges indicated. This new
[[Page 1362]]
technology offers the potential to give rise to a major new medium for
broadband service delivery. Services provided on Access BPL could offer
high speed Internet and data communications that compete with,
complement, or extend the broadband services provided on existing
media. Given the ubiquitous nature of the electric power network,
Access BPL could conceivably also offer these services to virtually
every element of the broadband market, including residential,
institutional, and commercial users. In addition, it is possible that
Access BPL could provide a means to expedite the availability of
broadband Internet service to consumers and business in rural and other
underserved areas. We also find that encouraging the deployment of the
technology in the United States will support globalization of products
and services, promote continued U.S. leadership in broadband
technology, and bring important benefits to the American public.
6. The Commission understand the significant concerns of licensed
radio service users about the potential for Access BPL services to
cause harmful interference to their operations. It is our intention to
ensure that Access BPL operations do not become a source of harmful
interference to licensed radio services. Based on extensive research,
analyses, and practical experience, the Commission also continues to
believe that the interference concerns of licensed radio users can be
adequately addressed and that Access BPL systems will be able to
operate successfully on an unlicensed, non-harmful interference basis
under the part 15 model. In this regard, we find that the harmful
interference potential from Access BPL systems operating in compliance
with the existing part 15 emission limits for carrier current systems
is low in connection with the additional rules we adopted. From the
information provided by our field tests, the tests conducted by NTIA,
theoretical predictions by NTIA and ARRL, and experience of the several
tests of Access BPL systems, we observe that the potential for any
harmful interference is limited to areas within a short distance of the
power lines used by this technology. As emphasized by NTIA's Phase 1
study and comments, interference can be rapidly eliminated through
various means should it occur. We pointed out to the individual
amateurs commenting in this proceeding that the definition of ``harmful
interference'' as used in Sec. 15.5 of the rules is set forth in Sec.
2.1 of the rules. We disagree with ARRL's position that there is no
reason to act now in this proceeding and that we should delay our
decision on rules for Access BPL to provide more time to develop rules
to prevent this technology from causing harmful interference. As
indicated, the broadband service capabilities of Access BPL systems
offer important opportunities for establishing a new medium for
broadband access and for introducing new competition in the broadband
market. We believe that it is important to set forth rules that will
promote this service now, rather than delay. In addition, the record
provided in response to the Inquiry and the NPRM, including the
extensive studies conducted by NTIA, is more than sufficient to assure
us that the rules we adopted will adequately protect licensed services
from harmful interference. While some cases of harmful interference may
be possible from Access BPL emissions at levels up to the part 15
limits, we agree with NTIA that the benefits of Access BPL service
warrant acceptance of a small and manageable degree of interference
risk.
7. As stated in the NPRM, we believe that, on balance, the benefits
of Access BPL for bringing broadband services to the public are
sufficiently important and significant so as to outweigh the limited
potential for increased harmful interference that may arise. Moreover,
the Commission continue to believe that cases where interference may
occur or where its possible occurrence would impact critical services
can be addressed through additional regulatory measures. These
additional measures will generally require Access BPL operators to
reduce emissions or avoid operation on certain frequencies in order to
protect licensed services, to use equipment that can alter its
operation by changing operating frequencies to eliminate interference,
to make available information that will assist the public in
identifying locations where Access BPL operations are present, and to
provide notice to radio users before commencing local BPL operations.
In this way, the new rules provide effective means for preventing any
interference and will ensure that any instances of interference that
may occur can be quickly identified and resolved. We emphasize that
Access BPL systems will continue be treated as unlicensed part 15
devices and as such will be subject to the conditions that they not
cause harmful interference and that they cease operation if they do
cause such interference, as required by our rules. As discussed in
paragraph 50, of the Report and Order, except for a few specific
frequencies that are reserved for international aeronautical safety
operations, we do not believe that excluding BPL operations from
frequencies used by any specific service, such as the low VHF TV bands,
is necessary or appropriate. Rather, we believe requiring BPL equipment
to have the capability to avoid any locally used frequency is the most
effective approach to ensuring that harmful interference to licensed
operations is avoided.
8. The Commission is amending its part 15 rules with changes
intended to facilitate the deployment of Access BPL technology while
protecting licensed users of the spectrum. Specifically, we are:
defining Access BPL for purposes of our rules; maintaining the existing
part 15 emission limits for carrier current systems for Access BPL;
requiring that Access BPL devices employ adaptive interference
mitigation techniques; requiring that Access BPL system operators
provide information on the areas where their systems are installed and
other technical parameters in a central data base that would be
accessible by the public; and adopting specific measurement guidelines
for both Access BPL and other carrier current systems to ensure that
measurements are made in a consistent manner and provide for repeatable
results in determining compliance with our rules.
Definition of Access BPL
9. The Commission adopted a modified version of the proposed
definition of Access BPL that includes changes as suggested by the
commenting parties. In this regard, we agree that the definition of
Access BPL should not include the low-speed power line carrier systems
used by electric utilities as defined in our rules. Transmissions on
these systems have very short duty cycles that pose very low
interference potential as opposed to the constant operation that
characterizes Access BPL. We also agree that the definition for Access
BPL should limit the low frequency cut-off to above 1.705 MHz, which is
the upper frequency for the AM broadcast band. We agree that the
definition for Access BPL should not include power lines located within
a customer's premises or within a utility's own premises. These lines
generally carry low voltage power, are not under the ownership or
integral control of the power service operator, are isolated from the
medium voltage lines by a distribution transformer such that a bypass
device must be used to reach them with BPL signals, and pose lower
potential as sources of interference because their emissions are
attenuated
[[Page 1363]]
by the structure in which they are located. We also see no need to
limit ownership or control of BPL operations to electric utility
operators. We believe that an independent BPL provider can take the
same steps and precautions as an electric utility operator in working
with its equipment vendor, the power system, and licensed radio users
to ensure that an Access BPL system does not cause harmful interference
and to resolve any interference. We also see no need to specifically
mention aerial or underground lines in the definition. Furthermore, we
note that the record in this proceeding only addresses Access BPL
systems operating over medium voltage and low voltage lines. Because
the high voltage lines are located physically higher, can carry very
high voltages, and have different configurations as well as
characteristics with respect to potential harmful interference, we are
excluding them from the definition for Access BPL at this time. Access
BPL systems intended for high voltage lines can however operate under
the requirements for experimental licensing in part 5 of the Commission
rules.
10. We therefore are amending Sec. 15.3 of the rules to include
the following definition for Access BPL:
Access Broadband Over Power Line (Access BPL). A carrier current
system installed and operated on an electric utility service as an
unintentional radiator that sends radio frequency energy on
frequencies between 1.705 MHz and 80 MHz over medium voltage lines
or low voltage lines to provide broadband communications and is
located on the supply side of the utility service's points of
interconnection with customer premises. Access BPL does not include
power line carrier systems as defined in Sec. 15.3(t) of this part
or In-House BPL systems as defined in Sec. 15.3(gg) of this part.
11. While we are not generally addressing rules for In-House BPL
systems, except for measurement procedures, we do find it useful and
appropriate to set forth a definition of such systems in the rules. As
NTIA and Southern point out, specifying a definition of In-House BPL
systems will fully define all forms of BPL and help to clarify the
differences between Access BPL and In-House systems. We find that the
definition of In-House BPL suggested by NTIA properly identifies these
systems. Accordingly, we adopted the following definition for In-House
BPL:
In-House Broadband Over Power Line (In-House BPL). A carrier
current system, operating as an unintentional radiator, that sends
radio frequency energy to provide broadband communications on
frequencies between 1.705 MHz and 80 MHz over low-voltage electric
power lines that are not owned, operated or controlled by an
electric service provider. The electric power lines may be aerial
(overhead), underground, or inside walls, floors or ceilings of user
premises. In-House BPL devices may establish closed networks within
a user's premises or provide connections to Access BPL (as defined
in Sec. 15.3(ff) of this part) networks, or both.
We also encourage industry efforts to develop standards for In-
House BPL systems and devices that are complementary to and compatible
with Access BPL operations.
12. Access BPL Systems Above 80 MHz. We agree with Corridor that
Access BPL systems operating in higher regions of the spectrum, such as
the Corridor Access BPL system at 5.8 GHz, should not be subject to the
rules adopted herein for Access BPL systems operating in the HF and low
VHF spectrum. We find that the record in this proceeding does not
provide sufficient information regarding Access BPL operating in
spectrum above 80 MHz, hence a decision regarding this type of Access
BPL technology cannot be effectively rendered at the present time;
however, Access BPL systems not covered in the above definition are
subject to existing applicable part 15 rules for carrier current
systems. However, we will monitor the development of Access BPL systems
that operate on frequencies above 80 MHz and may consider additional
requirements for Access BPL systems operating above 80 MHz in a future
rulemaking if appropriate.
Emission Limits
13. General Emission Limits. The Commission continues to believe
that it is appropriate to apply the existing part 15 radiated emission
limits to Access BPL systems. We are not persuaded by the arguments of
ARRL and others representing licensed spectrum users that the current
emission limits are insufficient to limit the general interference
potential of these systems. The 0 dB[mu]V/m limit suggested by the ARRL
is typically below the noise floor in the HF and low VHF bands and
would be unnecessarily and prohibitively restrictive for Access BPL
operators. Along with NTIA, we conclude that the current emission
limits will restrict Access BPL systems to very low emitted power
levels in comparison to the signals of licensed radio operations. The
effect of these limits will be to constrain the harmful interference
potential of these systems to relatively short distances from the power
lines that they occupy. In fact, in most cases the level of emissions
from Access BPL systems will be at or close to the noise floor at
distances beyond a hundred meters of an installed power line. We
recognize that some radio operations in the bands being used for Access
BPL, such as those of Amateur radio licensees, may occur at distances
sufficiently close to power lines as to make harmful interference a
possibility. We believe that those situations can be addressed through
interference avoidance techniques by the Access BPL provider such as
frequency band selection, notching, or judicious device placement; the
rules we are specifying facilitate such solutions. We do not see
evidence that BPL operation will significantly contribute RF energy to
generally raise the background noise level. In addition, because power
lines inherently can radiate significant noise emissions as noted by
NTIA and ARRL, good engineering practice is to locate sensitive
receiver antennas as far as practicable from power lines. This practice
will also help prevent interference from Access BPL emissions. In fact,
as stated by NTIA, power line noise emissions at frequencies up to 800
MHz may actually be reduced as Access BPL systems are deployed.
Furthermore, we see no need to impose a strict band-pass filtering on
Access BPL, and we deny Echelon's request in this regard.
14. Although we agree with ARRL that Access BPL on overhead lines
is not a traditional point-source emitter, we do not believe that
Access BPL devices will cause the power lines to act as countless miles
of transmission lines all radiating RF energy along their full length.
First, the part 15 emission limits for carrier current systems have
proven very effective at controlling interference from such systems.
Also, for the reasons indicated by PPL Telcom, we believe that the
design and configuration of Access BPL systems will be inconsistent
with the development of cumulative emissions effects for nearby
receivers. Moreover, the NTIA Phase 1 Study and our own field
measurements of Access BPL installations indicate that these systems
are not efficient radiators, nor are their emissions cumulative such
that they permeate areas in which they are located. Rather, we find
that emissions from Access BPL systems tend to dissipate after a short
distance from a coupler along a line, and then remain relatively the
same for some distance. Along the line there also may be multiple
points where emissions may be relatively higher but within the part 15
limits. However, because the signal level decreases significantly with
distance perpendicular from the line, the potential for interference
also decays
[[Page 1364]]
rapidly with distance from the line. To ensure that the effects of the
power line as a radiator are taken into consideration when testing for
compliance with our part 15 rules, the measurement procedures we
adopted for Access BPL systems, as discussed in the Report and Order,
specify that emission measurements are to be made at several specific
distances from the Access BPL equipment source, and that measurements
are to be taken parallel to the power line to find the maximum
emissions from the BPL system.
15. Notwithstanding our decision on emission limits, we do
recognize that Access BPL systems present concerns for licensed users
in the HF and low VHF bands, given the propagation characteristics of
RF signals in the range of frequencies being used for these systems,
the diversity of users of these frequencies, and the fact that Access
BPL devices will be installed at many locations in an area. While we
conclude, that the likelihood that interference from Access BPL
operations will occur is low at the signal levels allowed under the
current part 15 emission limits, such interference could occur in
limited situations despite the intentions of BPL operators. Moreover,
even if interference were to occur to amateur operations at the
distances indicated by the ARRL, as recommended by NTIA, there are
additional interference mitigation techniques that we are requiring of
BPL providers to address such interference potential. We believe that
such steps should be taken, particularly in those cases where the
occurrence of interference would affect critical services or where
interference could be anticipated to occur.
16. We find no need to subject Access BPL equipment to a conducted
emission limit that would apply for compliance measurement purposes
before the equipment is shipped and installed. We note that Access BPL
manufacturers already test their equipment for the proper power levels
in a laboratory as part of their manufacturing procedures, and in any
case, the radiated emissions from a representative model of equipment
would be measured in-situ at three sites as part of the equipment
authorization process. We therefore find that requiring conducted
emission tests in the laboratory would be a redundant and unnecessary
procedure.
17. The Class A limits are appropriate because Access BPL devices
are not marketed to the general public and operate on the medium
voltage power lines as commercial facilities. Those portions of Access
BPL systems that operate above 30 MHz on the low-voltage power lines
from the distribution transformer to a residence and all in-house
wiring connected to a BPL device are subject to Class B radiated
emission limits. The Class B limits are appropriate for these
operations because they are located within residential environments and
are marketed for use by the general public. Although Access BPL systems
are required to comply with the less stringent Class A limits,
operators will nonetheless have a strong incentive to exercise the
utmost caution in installing and operating their systems to avoid
harmful interference and ensure uninterrupted service to their
customers, given that there is significant investment in the deployment
of the service. We do not find that a 10 dB increase in the allowable
emissions levels is warranted or desirable for systems that can reduce
emissions by 40 dB in selected bands, as suggested by Satius. We
believe that it is important that Access BPL systems comply with the
emission limits across their entire operating range in order to
minimize the potential for interference in all bands, not just those
where interference may be more likely at a particular location.
18. Other Protection Measures. We agree with NTIA and the parties
representing public safety agencies that critical Federal Government
and other services specified by NTIA and public safety warrant
additional protection. These services, including national defense,
maritime distress and safety, aeronautical navigation and
communications, emergency response, radioastronomy, and others provide
important safety and research services whose functions would be
afforded additional protection against possible interference from
Access BPL operations. We agree with and adopted NTIA's approach for
addressing additional protection to critical Federal Government and
other radio operations. The excluded frequency bands amount only to a
total of 1731 kHz, or 2% of the spectrum within the 1.7-80 MHz band.
The exclusion zones are relatively few, on only the 2173.5 to 2190.5
kHz global maritime distress signaling band with prohibited distances
of 1 km from coast station facilities, and 73.0-74.6 MHz band used by
the ten Very Long Baseline Array facilities of radio astronomy
observatories with prohibited distances of 29 km and 11 km for Access
BPL systems using overhead medium voltage power lines and other Access
BPL implementations, respectively. We agree with NTIA that the
potential for interference from Access BPL to the critical services in
exclusion zones is somewhat greater for transmissions carried on
overhead medium voltage lines than other Access BPL implementations,
i.e., transmissions carried on underground lines or low voltage lines.
In this regard, emissions from underground power lines are generally
attenuated by the earth materials in which they are buried, while
emissions from low voltage lines are generally lower because such lines
are generally used only for short feeder links from a transformer to a
customer service location and these lines are more closely spaced with
an accompanying neutral line--and in fact are often twisted together
with the neutral line. The close spacing--together with the shorter
length--reduces radiated RF emissions relative to those from overhead
medium voltage lines. In addition, the requirement to contact and work
with the Federal Government in the 53 consultation areas is not
generally expected to result in major impact on Access BPL operators'
flexibility to use specific frequency bands. We therefore find that
avoiding operation on the frequencies excluded under these restrictions
and requirements will not be burdensome for Access BPL operators and
manufacturers in order to protect distress and safety communications.
Indeed, several manufacturers and Access BPL operators have indicated
that they are capable of, and already do, notch out certain frequency
bands. We disagree with Ameren, PLCA, and Southern that the mandatory
consultation provisions imposed on Access BPL operators impose burdens
on Access BPL operators not borne by other unlicensed broadband
operators without countervailing benefits. For example, in part 76, we
require that cable operators conduct measurements annually to ensure
that signal leakage does not create interference risks. Moreover, the
distributive nature and other technical characteristics of Access BPL
pose somewhat higher potential for interference than point-source
wireless broadband systems that warrant additional protective measures.
In addition, the consultation actions will benefit Access BPL operators
by leading them to select frequencies at the beginning of their service
so as to avoid interference to critical services that might have to be
corrected later. Accordingly, we adopted NTIA's list of consultation
areas, excluded bands, and exclusion zones to which Access BPL
equipment must adhere. For all other radio communication operations not
addressed in these special provisions, radio operators have the
opportunity to inform local BPL operators of the
[[Page 1365]]
pertinent details of their operations and BPL operators have the
opportunity to apply that information as appropriate to prevent
interference.
19. With regard to the consultation areas, we will require Access
BPL operators to provide notification to the parties listed as Federal
Government contact points, as designated in the rules, for the area in
which their systems will operate at least 30 days prior to initiation
of service. The notification shall include: the name of the Access BPL
provider; the frequencies of the Access BPL operation; the postal zip
codes served by the Access BPL operation; the manufacturer of and type
of Access BPL equipment being deployed (i.e., FCC ID); point of contact
information (both telephone and e-mail address); and the proposed or
actual date of initiation of Access BPL operation. We will also require
that systems located in consultation areas that were in operation prior
to the effective date of these rules provide this notice to the
appropriate contact point within 45 days of that date. NTIA has
indicated that it plans to arrange to have information made available
to BPL operators on Federal Government operations. We expect parties to
consult in good faith to ensure that no harmful interference is caused
to licensed operations and that any constraints on BPL deployments are
minimized to those necessary to avoid harmful interference.
20. As indicated in the NPRM, we believe that the risk of harmful
interference to State and local public safety services, i.e., EMS,
fire, law enforcement, and emergency management agencies from Access
BPL operations is essentially low. In general, we believe that a
properly designed and operated Access BPL system will pose little
interference hazard to services such as aeronautical, maritime and
public safety that are designed to operate with relatively high signal-
to-noise ratios. In analyzing the potential for harmful interference to
public safety systems, we took into account the fact that low-level
part 15 signals from Access BPL devices attenuate rapidly as the
distance from the power line increases; and that most public safety
systems are designed so that mobile and portable units receive a signal
level significantly above the noise floor. From an interference
analysis standpoint, this latter characteristic distinguishes public
safety systems from amateur radio stations using high-sensitivity
receivers to receive signals from transmitters often thousands of miles
away. However, it is foreseeable that under certain rare circumstances
a public safety unit could: (a) Operate in close proximity to a power
line carrying Access BPL transmissions at a location where field
strength is near the part 15 limit; (b) be tuned to a frequency
radiated by an Access BPL device; and (c) be receiving a weak signal
from a distant, or obstructed, public safety base station. In general,
potential harmful interference under these conditions would be limited
to public safety units operating on systems using low-band VHF channels
(25-50 MHz). We therefore conclude that the interference protections
set forth will be adequate to foreclose harmful interference to public
safety systems except perhaps under such unusual circumstances.
21. However, we also conclude that public safety systems merit
additional protection because of the often critical and/or safety-of-
life nature of the communications they provide. Given the importance
and nature of public safety communications, we believe it is necessary
to require Access BPL systems to notify the public safety agencies in
their local areas, i.e., State and local police, fire, emergency
medical, any special emergency coordinators, call box operators, and
other entities that are eligible for public safety licenses under Sec.
90.20 of the rules. This advance notification will provide public
safety operators with an opportunity to assess whether there are
portions of its geographic area of responsibility about which it should
make special arrangements with the Access BPL operator in order to
avoid interference. Consistent with our decision on notifications for
Federal Government consultation areas, we will require that this
notification be provided to local public safety agencies at least 30
days prior to a system's initial operation, the activation of any major
extensions of the system, or any changes in its operating
characteristics, i.e., transmitting frequencies. The notification shall
include: (1) The name of the Access BPL provider, (2) the frequencies
of the Access BPL operation, (3) the postal zip codes served by the
Access BPL operation, (4) the manufacturer of and type of Access BPL
equipment being deployed (i.e., FCC ID), (5) point of contact
information (both telephone and e-mail address), and (6) the proposed
or actual date of initiation of Access BPL operation. We will also
require that systems in operation prior to the effective date of these
rules provide this notice to local public safety agencies within 45
days of that date.
22. We do not see a need to establish Access BPL-free zones around
airports, military bases, hospitals, police stations and fire stations,
as requested by NAC/Amherst. To the extent that these services warrant
special protection, they will be afforded protection through the
excluded bands, exclusion zones and consultation areas specified by
NTIA. We similarly do not find that amateur radio frequencies warrant
the special protection afforded frequencies reserved for international
aeronautical and maritime safety operations. We note that in many
instances amateur frequencies are used for routine communications and
hobby activities. While we recognize that amateurs may on occasion
assist in providing emergency communications, we believe that the
general part 15 provisions and the specific provisions being adopted
for Access BPL operations are sufficient to protect these amateur
operations.
Interference Mitigation
23. We continue to believe that it is important that Access BPL
systems include capabilities that allow them to modify their operations
to mitigate or avoid instances of harmful interference that may arise.
These capabilities will allow Access BPL system operators to resolve
interference found to occur at specific locations or in specific areas
of their plant in an expeditious manner and without disrupting service
to their broadband service subscribers. We agree with NTIA that Access
BPL operators would have strong incentives to voluntarily implement
such equipment and operating practices. We also agree with NTIA that,
notwithstanding these incentives, it is necessary that we adopt
requirements for interference mitigation capabilities to ensure that
any interference can be resolved quickly without the need to address
the tension that might arise over the possible disruption of service to
BPL subscribers if mitigation capabilities were not available. The
concerns of those commenting parties who argue that the mitigation
requirements would not be sufficient to protect their operations from
interference by BPL operations are misplaced. That protection will be
provided by: (1) The emissions limits for Access BPL systems; (2) the
provisions for consultation areas, excluded bands, and exclusion zones;
and (3) the requirement that Access BPL systems not cause interference,
as set forth above. The mitigation requirements are intended to ensure
that Access BPL systems are designed with features that support
interference mitigation, both during initial installation, if sensitive
local communications systems are identified in advance, and after
installation, when the newly required operational
[[Page 1366]]
capabilities will allow Access BPL system operators to expeditiously
resolve any instances of interference that may occur, without the need
to cease operations and thereby disrupt the broadband data services
they provide to their subscribers.
24. Accordingly, we have adopted requirements that Access BPL
systems incorporate capabilities to modify their systems' operations
and performance to mitigate or avoid potential harmful interference to
radio services and to deactivate specific units found to actually cause
harmful interference that cannot be remedied through modification of
their operations as proposed, but with certain modifications. Our
approach in specifying these requirements is to provide Access BPL
equipment manufacturers and operators with flexibility to design and
implement a broad range of products and system designs to meet
particular service and operational needs while ensuring that systems
have the capabilities to make operational changes to avoid any
interference that may arise. The specific provisions of the mitigation
requirements and the comments that concern them are addressed below. We
also see no basis for subjecting Access BPL systems to requirements for
addressing interference complaints that are different and more
stringent than our procedures for addressing interference from other
types of unlicensed devices. In this regard, we will continue to
subject Access BPL systems to the procedures of Sec. 15.5(c) of the
rules. Under this rule, parties who believe they are experiencing
interference from an unlicensed device are first expected to bring the
matter to the attention of the operator of the unlicensed device. If
that action does not resolve the interference, the party may then seek
intervention by the Commission.
25. To be more specific, in the event a BPL interference complaint
is filed by a licensee with the Commission, the Commission will contact
the complainant and/or the BPL provider to determine if they have first
attempted to resolve the interference complaint among themselves. If
they have not made such an attempt, the complaint will be forwarded to
the BPL provider for action and the complainant notified that they will
be contacted by the BPL provider concerning their interference
complaint. The Commission may periodically monitor the resolution
process to ensure that the parties are working in good faith and making
appropriate progress in resolving the interference complaint. If the
parties have attempted to address the complaint but the matter remains
unresolved, the Commission, through its Enforcement Bureau with
assistance from the Office of Engineering and Technology will review
the complaint and take appropriate action. In general, the Commission
will contact the BPL operator and request information on what steps
they have taken to address the licensee's complaint. If these actions
are deemed insufficient to resolve the interference complaint, the
Commission will instruct the BPL operator to take immediate remedial
actions, such as ``notching'' or avoiding specific frequencies, or
ceasing operations. In specific instances, the Commission may undertake
field testing and measurements to address interference complaints and
determine the most appropriate remedial action.
26. Frequency Avoidance. We conclude that the most appropriate
approach regarding mitigation techniques that involve altering system
operation is to require that Access BPL systems incorporate the
capability to avoid the use of specific frequency bands. The ability to
alter a system's operation to notch-out transmissions from specific
frequencies where interference is occurring is a necessary feature for
resolving interference without disrupting service to BPL subscribers.
While other mitigation capabilities, such as adaptive or commanded
power control, are desirable system features that can serve to reduce
interference potential, they generally would provide a much lower
degree of benefit in eliminating interference than frequency avoidance.
Limiting the requirement for operational modification capabilities to
frequency avoidance is also consistent with our intent to minimize the
impact of these requirements on manufacturers and system operators so
as preserve their flexibility to design products and systems that will
best meet the needs of Access BPL subscribers.
27. In considering specifications for the notching requirement, we
find that the most important consideration is to ensure that the notch
provides enough filtering to effectively reduce the potential for
interference. Our experience in examining the field performance of
various Access BPL operations indicates that at frequencies below 30
MHz, a notching capability that provides at least a 20 dB reduction of
Access BPL emissions below the current applicable part 15 emission
limits is adequate to resolve interference occurrences that might
result to mobile reception from such operations. In this regard, we
will generally assume that a 20 dB notch is sufficient to resolve any
harmful interference that might occur to mobile operations, given the
low signal levels allowed under the part 15 emission limits and the
fact that a mobile transceiver can readily be re-positioned to provide
some separation from the Access BPL operation. The interference
potential from emissions at this low level would be limited to a very
short range from an Access BPL device or a power line on which Access
BPL transmissions are carried. We also believe that notching at this
level with some distance separation will generally avoid interference
to fixed operations, including those that use more sensitive receivers.
Above 30 MHz we believe that a notching capability of at least 10 dB is
sufficient to provide the same level of protection, given the more
stringent part 15 emission limits that apply to Access BPL
transmissions above 30 MHz and the increased attenuation of emissions
that occurs from propagation losses as the frequency of operation
increases. With regard to NAS/CORF's requests for protection of
radioastronomy, we note that special protections are provided for
radioastronomy in the exclusion zones and consultation requirements for
Access BPL.
28. We do not believe it is necessary to specify the bandwidth over
which the notching capability must function. Rather, we will adopt the
more general requirement that Access BPL systems must be capable of
avoiding transmissions in any frequency band or bands in order to
eliminate any instances of interference with the operations of licensed
radio services. We therefore are amending our rules to require that
Access BPL devices have the capability to reduce emissions by at least
20 dB below the part 15 emission limits in frequency bands below 30 MHz
and 10 dB below those limits in frequency bands 30 MHz and above. We
believe that these provisions adequately set forth the structure of the
required capabilities for modifying the operation of an Access BPL
system. We are not specifying requirements for use of the frequency
avoidance capabilities. Rather, we believe that system operators should
have the discretion to use this capability or any other alternative
available to them as they might deem appropriate to resolve specific
situations involving interference that they may encounter in the course
of their operations.
29. We do not find any justification for a requirement that Access
BPL operators notch the frequencies of any or all of those services
that use frequencies in the HF and low VHF
[[Page 1367]]
bands. We believe that the emission limits, consultation areas,
excluded bands, exclusion zones, and the requirement that Access BPL
systems not cause interference, are generally sufficient to control the
interference potential of these systems. The required notching
capability will enable a system operator to address any specific
instances of interference that might otherwise arise. We also decline
to adopt a rule requiring transmission of identification codes. As NTIA
states, such codes could increase the potential for interference from
Access BPL operations. We also do not believe that it would be
practicable for ARINC or any other operator to identify an Access BPL
system as the source of interference and contact its operator on a real
time basis to resolve the interference. As NTIA indicates in its letter
of September 24, 2004, no practical method has been identified for
Access BPL systems to transmit an identifying code. We believe that the
Access BPL notification requirements will provide sufficient
information to locate and mitigate interference.
30. Shut Down Requirement. We continue to believe that Access BPL
equipment and systems should have the capability to deactivate
individual system components. This feature will allow systems to
deactivate limited portions of their plant so that localized
interference problems can be addressed without affecting service to all
of their subscribers. As a secondary benefit, the shut-down feature
will allow system operators to rapidly diagnose whether their
operations are causing reported interference. We are also requiring
that the shut-down feature in individual devices be remote-controllable
from the central system operations facility or other appropriate
location. This will allow rapid response to resolve interference in any
emergency or other urgent situation that might arise. We also agree
with Progress Energy the required shut-down capability should be
manually controlled. Moreover, we have no record on which to base a
decision on the conditions under which an automated capability would be
activated. We also recognize that, depending on how it would be
triggered, an automated shut-down capability could unnecessarily have
detrimental effects on a power utility service's operations in addition
to disrupting broadband service to its Access BPL customers.
31. It is not our intention that a service shut-down be the first
step in a system operator's response to a valid interference complaint.
As suggested by several of the commenting parties, we would anticipate
that shut-down would be a last resort when all other efforts to
satisfactorily reduce interference have failed. We disagree with Ameren
that the shut-down requirement will add unnecessary costs and
complexity to Access BPL equipment. As NTIA and our own field testing
indicate, most Access BPL systems and equipment already include the
capability to shut down specific components of their operation.
Accordingly, we are requiring that Access BPL systems incorporate
features that will allow the deactivation of individual components on a
remote-controlled basis, to be implemented. We reiterate, however, that
the Commission, through a duly authorized representative, is the sole
authority that may direct an Access BPL operator to cease operating any
of its devices to eliminate interference.
Access BPL Notification and Database Requirements
32. We believe that the Access BPL notification and database
requirements proposed in the NPRM are appropriate and sufficient to
ensure that any potential interference to licensed services from BPL
operations can be adequately identified and quickly addressed. The
primary intent of our notification and database requirements is to
ensure that licensed users of the spectrum have a publicly accessible
and centralized source of information on BPL operations to determine
whether there may be Access BPL operations on particular frequencies
within their local area so that any incident of harmful interference
can be resolved should it occur. The information contained in the
notification database need only be sufficient to determine whether
there may be a BPL operation in the local area, the nature of the BPL
operations, whether the BPL system is operating on frequencies that
could potentially be a source of harmful interference to the licensed
user and to identify an appropriate contact person who can work
directly with the complainant to resolve the harmful interference if it
is determined to be caused by the local BPL operations. Additional or
more detailed relevant information needed by a radio operator could be
requested via the contact person indicated in the data base, as
appropriate.
33. We therefore are adopting rules that will require the BPL
industry to establish within July 6, 2005, a centralized publicly
accessible Access BPL notification database. We note that two
organizations have indicated their willingness to perform this task and
that the issue of ``independence'' of the database manager has been
raised by some of the commenting parties. The responsibilities and
duties of the database manager are to maintain complete, accurate and
timely records of FCC-mandated information. We are not requiring, as
some parties have suggested, that the database manager be involved in,
monitor, or manage the interference resolution process. The party
responsible for avoiding interference is clearly the Access BPL
operator and his responsibilities are clearly set forth in the existing
procedures under Sec. 15.5(c) of the Commission rules. We therefore do
not find that the database manager need be an ``independent'' third-
party with no relationship to the BPL or utility industry and are not
adopting such a requirement.
34. With regard to the information to be included in the database,
we adopted rules that will require the Access BPL operator to provide
the BPL industry designated database manager with the following
information 30 days prior to initiation of any operation or service:
(1) The name of the Access BPL provider; (2) the frequencies of the
Access BPL operation; (3) the postal zip codes served by the specific
Access BPL operation; (4) the manufacturer and type of Access BPL
equipment being deployed (i.e., FCC ID); (5) point of contact
information (both telephone and e-mail address) for interference
inquiries and resolution; and (6) the proposed/or actual date of Access
BPL operation. The database manager shall be required to enter this
information into the publicly accessible database within 3 business
days of receipt. This will allow some period of time for the database
manager and BPL provider to address any questions with regard to
information submitted and to ensure that information entered into the
database is correct. We believe that the above information provides
sufficient specificity for identifying potential interference while at
the same time avoiding valid concerns that sensitive information on
critical infrastructure not be revealed.
35. We believe that using zip codes, as suggested by Southern,
would sufficiently identify the area of Access BPL deployment without
revealing specific sensitive information and would facilitate a more
organized approach to identification and resolution of harmful
interference. We note that zip codes are easily understood and can be
identified by both licensees and BPL operators. With regard to those
parties that request more comprehensive information, we do not find
that benefits of providing such information in the database would
[[Page 1368]]
outweigh the substantial cost of collecting and reporting this
additional information. We note, for example, that NTIA's proposals to
require information on modulation types, number of carriers, range of
transmission duty cycle, minimum and maximum carrier spacing, symbol
rates per carrier, etc., would provide little additional guidance on
whether interference were being caused in a particular instance as
compared to the more simple requirement of identifying BPL operating
frequencies. In addition, we are requiring that BPL equipment must be
certified and therefore more detailed technical information will be
available through our equipment authorization files for those parties
desiring such information. We also are not requiring Access BPL
operators to have multi-lingual contact persons. We believe that
requiring both telephone and e-mail contact information is sufficient
to address interference inquiries. We are also not requiring that
telephone contact positions be staffed 24 hours per day and seven days
a week. We believe that our emission requirements and other mitigation
rules will ensure that interference is generally avoided. We believe
that telephone contact staffing during normal business hours is
sufficient and also note that e-mail would generally allow interference
reports to be filed at any time.
36. We expect the Access BPL operators and licensees to cooperate
in good faith to identify and resolve instances of harmful
interference. We require the notification database for Access BPL
operators to notify the operation of its devices and systems to
facilitate the speedy resolution of interference. Speedy resolution of
interference will not result if the database information on Access BPL
deployments is abused and the BPL operators are deluged with frivolous
interference complaints. We expect the Access BPL operators to take
every complaint of interference seriously and to diagnose the possible
cause of interference quickly. At the same time, we expect the
complainant to have first taken reasonable steps to confirm that
interference rather than a receiver system malfunction is occurring
and, to the extent practicable, to determine that the interference
source is located outside the complainant's premises. We expect both
parties to cooperate to determine a mutually acceptable schedule to
diagnose and resolve the interference complaint, recognizing that the
Access BPL operator may have to prioritize any complaints of
interference that it receives (e.g., from a public safety agency). With
regard to public safety operations, however, we will require that the
BPL operator respond to complaints of harmful interference from public
safety users within 24 hours; the BPL provider shall be required to
immediately cease the operations causing the public safety complaint if
it fails to respond to such complaint within 24 hours. Any complaints
of interference that are not resolved in accordance with the mutually
agreed schedule may be filed with the Commission along with the
particulars of the interference case. Upon receipt of the interference
complaint, the Commission will investigate the complaint and take
action against the Access BPL operator if it is found to be causing
harmful interference. If, on the other hand the Commission uses its
resources to investigate an interference complaint that is found to be
frivolous, the Commission will impose appropriate sanctions for abuse
of its administrative process.
Measurement Guidelines
Access BPL Systems
37. We find the extensive measurement and modeling efforts
presented in the NTIA Phase 1 Study and the Technical Appendix to
NTIA's comments to be highly useful in our efforts to develop
appropriate measurement procedures for Access BPL. The scientific
engineering in those submissions clarifies the interference potential
of Access BPL on radio reception and the recommended techniques for
measurement of Access BPL emissions provide us with a well thought-out
plan on which to base our decisions on measurement issues. Our
decision, takes into account NTIA's research and adopts a modified
version of its recommendations.
38. We find that our proposed measurement procedure for testing
Access BPL systems including the presence and testing of all of their
electronic components to be reasonable as each component is part of the
Access system of that installation. We do not agree with Southern that
the testing should be limited to three representative signal injection
points. Southern believes that the highest levels of emissions on
overhead systems are found at the signal injection point, and it states
that the biggest variable affecting emissions is impedance mismatch
between the signal injection system and the power system at the point
of injection, which could be a coupler or a repeater. We agree with
Southern that each injection point affects the radiated emissions.
However, Southern's suggestion of selecting only representative signal
injection points precludes the presence of other components, e.g.,
booster, concentrator, extractor, etc. if they should be together at an
installation to make up the complete Access BPL system. Our requirement
for a typical installation takes into account the topology of the power
lines and of all Access BPL devices at that installation, thus choosing
only representative injection points, as Southern recommends, does not
cover the installation as a whole. Accordingly, we will keep our
proposed in-situ requirements for including and testing all components
of an Access BPL system. We also find that our measurement procedure
for testing Access BPL systems in-situ at three typical underground
locations along a number of radials consistent with testing other part
15 carrier current devices. The selection of three typical underground
installations is a streamlined procedure, compared to testing each and
every installation, as recommended by some parties; therefore we do not
agree with Main.Net that only one underground location should be
tested. We discuss below the issues with respect to measuring radiated
emissions from Access BPL systems on overhead power lines.
39. Measurement Distance. Despite the stated aversion of NTIA and
ARRL to distance extrapolation, we recognize that at many in-situ test
locations, it may not be possible or practicable to measure at the
proposed fixed distances of 10 and 3 meters. If a 10-meter distance
places the measurement antenna on a roadway, safety may dictate
increasing the distance to, e.g., 14 meters in order to position the
testers out of harm's way. Hence, we expect that distance extrapolation
will be necessary for in-situ testing. We note that NTIA's latest
computer modeling results show that the variation of field strength
with distance is consistent with the existing part 15 distance
extrapolation when used with the slant range distance to the power line
as was proposed in Appendix C of the NPRM. We also note that although
the ARRL and ARINC recommend the use of a 20 dB per decade
extrapolation factor rather than the existing 40 dB per decade in part
15 for frequencies below 30 MHz, Ameren states that it has determined
the characteristics of the fields near the line support the case for
assuming a 40 dB per decade decay rate of the field away from the line
and recommends the use of the existing 40 dB per decade extrapolation
factor. Given the lack of conclusive
[[Page 1369]]
experimental data pending large scale Access BPL deployments, we will
continue the use of the existing part 15 distance extrapolation factors
in our rules, but with the slant range rather than horizontal distance.
If new information becomes available that alternative emission limit/
distance standards or extrapolation factors would be more appropriate,
we will revisit this issue at another time.
40. Receive Antenna Height and Correction Factor. NTIA expresses a
possible need for ``adjustments'' to measured data due to three
factors: (1) Effect of antenna height, (2) effect of distance
(extrapolation methods), and (3) effect of using an H-field sensing
antenna to predict E-fields in the near-field region. However, NTIA
initially provided a specific recommendation regarding only one of
these issues--correction for the effect of antenna height. Our modeling
suggests that there is a linkage between these factors. We believe that
all three areas must be considered together in order to develop
appropriate measurement procedures. Furthermore, NTIA's recommendation
for a 5 dB correction factor is based on a constant measurement antenna
height of 1 meter. On the other hand, for frequencies above 30 MHz, our
current measurement guidelines require varying the receive antenna
height from 1 to 4 meters, hence higher peaks at a higher antenna
height would