The Honorable Michael K. Powell
Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20554
Dear Chairman Powell:
I applaud the Commission for launching an inquiry into broadband power line communications (PLC). This nascent technology holds great promise as an additional source of innovation and competition in the broadband marketplace. I encourage the Commission to move forward expeditiously with its inquiry. I also urge the Commission to promptly adopt any subsequent rule changes that may be appropriate to facilitate broadband PLC deployment, while ensuring that those rules prevent harmful radio frequency (RF) interference to other communications mediums.
President Bush has highlighted the increased economic vitality that can result from widespread broadband deployment and has underscored that "broadband technology is going to be incredibly important for us to stay on the cutting edge of innovation here in America." The President also has emphasized that our nation "must be aggressive about the expansion of broadband."
By moving swiftly to establish appropriate rules for broadband PLC, the Commission can provide this emerging industry with a solid foundation upon which to build new services and products that will benefit American consumers. At the same time, the Commission must provide all communications stakeholders with adequate protections against broadband PLC emissions that may cause harmful RF interference.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration would be pleased to assist the Commission with measuring and testing broadband PLC emissions. Our staff stands ready to discuss the details of such a collaboration at the Commission's convenience. We expect broadband to play an important role in the future of this nation's economic prosperity, and we look forward to working with the Commission to fulfill that vision.
Sincerely,
Nancy J. Victory
Cc: The Honorable Kathleen Q. Abernathy
The Honorable
Michael J. Copps
The Honorable
Kevin J. Martin
The Honorable
Jonathan S. Adelstein
Edmond J. Thomas,
Chief, Office of Engineering and Technology
