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Broadband Over Power LinesBroadband Over Power Lines

Bruce RomanoAssociate Chief

Office of Engineering and Technology

Federal Communications Commission6 April 2005

FCC UPDATEFCC UPDATEIn the U.S.In the U.S.

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WHY?WHY?

Reactive• Why we need rules to foster Development of BP

Proactive

• Technical, Mechanical • Policy considerations

• Why we need rules to foster Development of BP

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BPL is just electrical signals on a wire that already carries electrical signals

BPL is not wireless or radio operation

BPL is an unlicensed carrier current device (Part 15 unintentional radiator)

Why an FCC Role in BPL?Why an FCC Role in BPL?

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Two Types of BPLTwo Types of BPLACCESS BPL

Broadband (Internet) Access“Medium Voltage” (e.g. 10kV)

IN-HOUSE BPLIn-Home Computer Networking, Or Link Between Access BPL & Home“Low Voltage” (120/240 VAC)

Access BPL connects to computers in the home byin-house BPL or by WiFi

(wireless)

Power Line Interface Device Located In Home

High Voltage Medium Voltage Low Voltage

LV Distribution Transformer

Access BPL

PowerGeneration

PlantSubstation

AggregationPoint

InternetInternet

~ MVolts ~ 1kVolts to 40 kVolts ~ 120/240 Volts

RepeaterCoupler

Backhaul Point

(Gateway)

BPL signals are extracted here & converted into/from traditional communication packets for appropriate communication direction

In some Access implementations,these physical links are replaced by wireless links

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BPL ProductsBPL Products

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Actual installation of Coupler and Actual installation of Coupler and Bridge at an aerial transformerBridge at an aerial transformer

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Installed Bridge Pole Assembly at an Installed Bridge Pole Assembly at an aerial transformeraerial transformer

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Actual installation of Coupler and Actual installation of Coupler and Bridge at an underground transformerBridge at an underground transformer

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Statutory Mandate of FCCStatutory Mandate of FCC

Section 301 of the Communications Act (47 U.S.C. 301) specifies:

“No person shall use or operate any apparatus for the transmission of energy or communications or signals by radio … except in accordance with this Act and with a license in that behalf granted under the provisions of this Act.”

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Early on, the Commission recognized that individually licensing all RF transmitting devices was impractical

Mechanical light switches

Automotive ignition systems

Electric motors

Fluorescent lamps

Background of Unlicensed OperationsBackground of Unlicensed Operations

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In August 1938, Commission issued a notice for an informal conference with the Chief Engineer on proposed rules for low power radiofrequency devices

“Devices primarily used by the public that use radiofrequency current as essential to their operation and that may cause interference to radio communications”

Hearing held in September 1938 with NAB, Philco, AT&T and Westinghouse

Regulation of Low-Power Devices (1)Regulation of Low-Power Devices (1)

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Commission issued press release on November 21, 1938 (No. 30678) announcing adoption of rules for low power radio-frequency electrical devices

No license needed if low-power device Did not exceed certain field strength limit

Stay off certain “restricted band” frequencies

Did not cause interference

FCC would inspect and test devices

Regulation of Low-Power Devices (2)Regulation of Low-Power Devices (2)

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An extremely successful regulatory model that:

Protects licensed operators rights and benefits by protecting their operations from harmful interference; and

Promotes benefits to consumers through the availability of desirable and affordable low power devices – that can best be provided on an unlicensed (but not unregulated) basis.

47 C.F.R. Part 1547 C.F.R. Part 15

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Part 15 devices at the Romano’s and Part 15 devices at the Romano’s and their neighborstheir neighbors

– 2 Baby Monitors – 3 Cordless phones– 1 Garage Door openers with 2 remotes– 4 Car Keyless entry systems– 2 Laptops + 5 PCs– 2 WiFi devices– 3 Ipods and MP-3 players– 7 TVs (I HDTV) – 7 AM/FM radios– 1 RF remote– 4 Set-top boxes– 4 RC Toys

• CEA estimates more than 348 million Part 15 consumer devices in US.

• We’re doing our part

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Notice of Inquiry – April 2003

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) – February 2004

Report and Order

Adopted 14 October 2004, released 28 October 2004, published in the Federal Register on 7 January 2005

ET Docket 04-37, FCC 04-245

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-04-245A1.doc

Access BPL Rule MakingAccess BPL Rule Making

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Remove regulatory uncertainty to encourage investments in BPL

Promote development of Access BPL technology to allow consumers to reap its benefits

Ensure protection of licensed radio services

Study interference potential

Develop rules as needed

Ensure that compliance measurements are made in a consistent manner with repeatable results

ObjectivesObjectives

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Access BPL remains under Part 15 unlicensed device rules (new Subpart G)

No change in existing Part 15 emission levels (low power unlicensed operation)

Access BPL operations cannot cause harmful interference and must accept any interference (47 C.F.R §15.5)

Access BPL Rules (1)Access BPL Rules (1)

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Access BPL cannot operate on certain “excluded frequency bands”

Specifically, the following 12 Aeronautical (R) frequencies (communications restricted to safety and regularity of flight):

Access BPL Rules (2)Access BPL Rules (2)

2850-3025 kHz

3400-3500 kHz 4650-4700 kHz

5450-5680 kHz 6525-6685 kHz 8815-8965 kHz

10005-10100 kHz 11275-11400 kHz 13260-13360 kHz

17900-17970 kHz 21924-22000 kHz 74.8-75.2 MHz

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Establish “exclusion zones” within which Access BPL must avoid operating on certain frequencies

Access BPL must avoid using 2182 kHz (2173.5- 2190.5 kHz) within 1 km of a U.S. Coast Guard or maritime public coast station

Access BPL using overhead power lines must avoid using 73-74.6 MHz within 29 km of ten radio astronomy sites (Very Long Baseline Array facilities)

Access BPL using underground power lines or overhead low voltage power lines must avoid using 73-74.6 MHz within 11 km of these ten radio astronomy sites

Access BPL Rules (3)Access BPL Rules (3)

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Access BPL must include adaptive interference mitigation capabilities to avoid local and site-specific interference, e.g.

Exclude or “notch” any specific frequency or band

Remotely modify the operation of or, if necessary, shut off any BPL device

Access BPL Rules (4)Access BPL Rules (4)

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Establish “consultation requirements” for BPL with public safety, and certain sensitive federal and aeronautical stations

Establish a “good faith” process to ensure that

Access BPL systems do not cause interference; andAny restrictions by licensees on BPL are only those necessary to avoid interference

Access BPL Rules (5)Access BPL Rules (5)

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Requires industry to establish a publicly accessible database for Access BPL systems containing:

30 days prior to beginning operation

Access BPL Provider Name

Access BPL deployment by zip code

Frequency bands of operation

Type of equipment (FCC ID)

Contact Information (phone number and email address) to facilitate interference resolution

Proposed or Actual date of Access BPL operation

Access BPL Rules (6a)Access BPL Rules (6a)

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The industry will select the database administrator and must inform the Commission within 180 days of publication of Report and Order in the Federal Register (before July, 2005)

The Commission will issue a Public Notice announcing the identity of the database administrator

Access BPL Rules (6b)Access BPL Rules (6b) Database Requirements Database Requirements

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Changes equipment authorization requirements for Access BPL devices from Verification to FCC Certification, to be carried out by the BPL manufacturer

Under Verification, the manufacturer determines the equipment is compliant and no data is submitted to the FCC unless requested. No labeling requirement except unique product identifier.

Certification is an equipment authorization issued by the FCC and requires manufacturers to submit testing and measurement data to the FCC. Requires labeling of equipment to show FCC approval.

Access BPL Rules (7)Access BPL Rules (7)

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Access BPL Equipment AuthorizationAccess BPL Equipment Authorization

Prepare Test Report and Application

Prepare Test Report and Application

Test and Evaluate

Product to Determine

Compliance

Test and Evaluate

Product to Determine

ComplianceLabel

ProductLabel

Product

Market ProductMarket Product

FCC GRANT

FCC GRANT

Submit Application

to FCC

Submit Application

to FCC

Submit Application to TCB –

new technology,

not permitted

Submit Application to TCB –

new technology,

not permitted

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Provide new measurement procedures and guidelines to ensure that testing of Access BPL and other carrier current devices is performed in a more consistent and repeatable manner. 3 “typical” overhead & 3 “typical” underground installations.

Recommend that BPL operators perform testing during initial installation, using a site typical for its own operation, and periodically to ensure compliance

Access BPL Rules (8)Access BPL Rules (8)

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Protection of Licensed Radio Services is provided by:

the emissions limits for Access BPL systems (low Part 15 levels)

the provisions for consultation areas, excluded bands, and exclusion zones; and

the requirement that Access BPL systems not cause interference.

The mitigation requirements are intended to ensure that Access BPL systems are designed with features that support interference mitigation

during initial installation, if sensitive local communications systems are identified in advance; and

after installation, the newly required operational 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.

Mitigation ResponsibilityMitigation Responsibility

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Rules effective 30 days from publication of BPL Report and Order in Federal Register (i.e. now)

for all new BPL equipment

Transition time

Equipment:18 months for BPL equipment already installed, manufactured or imported before the above deadline (mid 2006)

Database: 180 days (July)

Coordination: 45 days (now)

Transition TimeTransition Time

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Some Outstanding Interference Complaints

13 Petitions for Reconsideration

Helping Local Government on BPL Regulatory Issues

NARUC

IAC (Intergovernmental Advisory Council)

Continuing to work with NTIA and FERC

Cooperating with our neighbors on BPL (Canada)

Other Issues/Next StepsOther Issues/Next Steps

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The adoption of these rules will remove uncertainty for manufacturers/operators, for utilities, and for the moneybags who can finance.*

The FCC has adopted minimal technical and administrative rules intended to create a positive growth environment for BPL and to facilitate investments in this technology

The concerns with BPL potential interference issues are addressed by adopting the necessary restrictions on BPL operations to protect licensed radio services

The adoption of a reasonable mechanism for interference resolution allows BPL operators to continue to provide uninterrupted service to their subscribers while addressing interference complaints

The future of BPL will depend on BPL investments and innovative business plans

The Future of BPLThe Future of BPL

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U.S.A. BPL Activity (publicly announced)U.S.A. BPL Activity (publicly announced)

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FCC Interest in BPLFCC Interest in BPL

The FCC does not pick winners; we have no favorite technology

The FCC does have a goal of increasing broadband access for all Americans

In line with U.S. Government goal

Has potential to provide service in unserved and underserved areas, as well as increase competition in the provision of service.*

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Notable Cheerleaders of BPLNotable Cheerleaders of BPL Former FCC Chairman Powell is a cheerleader of BPL technology New FCC Chairman Martin has supported BPL as a Commissioner They are in good company with:

President Bush: (“There need to be technical standards to make possible new broadband technologies, such as the use of high speed communications directly over power lines.”)

NTIA: (Conducted technical study, supported adoption of rules, Asst. Secretary Gallagher attended meeting at which rules were adopted, and provided press conference afterwards.)

FERC Chairman Wood: (Attended demo, joint statement with FCC)

FERC Commissioners Nora Brownell & SueDeen Kelley (Attended, press conference)

CA State Commissioner Susan Kennedy: (“The overwhelming message is that [BPL is] real. It’s tangible.”)

Additional State Commissioners

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Joint Statement FCC-FERCJoint Statement FCC-FERC

Ubiquitous broadband deployment is important to the economic, educational, social, medical and cultural welfare of the country.

The provision of high-speed communications capabilities over utility poles and electric power lines (Access BPL) provides an opportunity to increase the competitive broadband choices that are available to [the public]

Access BPL may help provide additional power supply system communications and control capabilities to improve reliability and efficiency.

These services should be allowed to develop according to market demands with minimal regulation.

Utilities are urged to pursue these opportunities.

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Benefits of BPLBenefits of BPL “Last Mile” solution: potential 3rd Pipe (+ DSL & Cable) to

bring broadband services to the home VOIP – Telephone service where no phone line Promote redundancy of communications systems Improve utilities’ management of electric grid:

remote power outage notification, load management, traffic control, remote meter reading

Provide myriad municipal function (especially attractive to municipally owned utilities)

Enhance security of energy distribution systems, thereby enhancing national security

Foster development of smart appliances and resource sharing (home networking)

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Current uses BPL to provide end-to-end Current uses BPL to provide end-to-end communications services and enhanced utility communications services and enhanced utility

services using the existing power gridservices using the existing power grid

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Local ImpedimentsLocal ImpedimentsIn some states, current service providers have succeeded in having measures introduced to state legislatures to prohibit provision of any broadband service by governmental entity (extends beyond BPL).

Some parties have challenged whether utilities have the legal authority to offer such service – particularly involved with respect to municipally owned utilities

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http://www.fcc.gov/oet/info/documents/isplc2005/