I recently wrote to the senators and congressmen for my area about the BPL issue and how it pertains to amateur radio and the current bill going through both the Senate and the House, Emergency Amateur Radio Interference Protection Act. Below is the only personalized response I received.

Dear Mr. Brown,

Thank you for contacting me regarding the Emergency Amateur Radio Interference Protection Act (S. 1629). I appreciate your input on this bill.

I deeply respect your concerns and those of the 700,000 federal licensed amateur radio operators who want nothing but for the government to endure that their broadcast signals are not compromised by broadband Internet transmission over the power line (BPL) systems. Amateur radio enriches the lives of so many Oklahomans by providing unique and diverse content. I agree that Congress and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) need to carefully consider how existing infrastructure is used for the deployment of new technologies. I also join you in the recognition of the proper role of Congress in conducting tenacious, comprehensive oversight over our country's important telecommunication industries.

As you know, this bill would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to put together a report, within 90 days of its enactment, on the interference caused by the broadband Internet transmissions over power lines (BPL). I agree that the federal government has an interest in promoting competitive BPL that does not frustrate existing public safety services and other licensed radio operators such as amateur radio broadcasters. I also believe that BPL is unique because it uses infrastructure that is already up and running; thus, avoiding the expensive equipment investment. BPL has the potential to provide broadband Internet access to rural parts of the country, such as most of Oklahoma.

This bill recently has been referred to the Senate Committee Commerce, Science and Transportation. Unfortunately, at this point this bill has not been properly reviewed through a Senate hearing. Before I throw my support behind this bill, I want to weigh it against the country's existing priorities and financial commitments, as well as the growing national debt. I want to examine this bill and learn what resources the FCC has to effectively conduct this study and whether or not the FCC feels this study is a priority and would be a sufficient use of scarce government resources.

Again, amateur radio, as a medium, is important in the dissemination of ideas. I will keep your thoughts in mind as this bill moves through the legislative process. If you have any additional concerns, please feel free to write again.

Sincerely,
Tom A. Coburn, M.D.
United States Senator