Thanks to a telecom poster, also from Puddletown:

http://www.wweek.com/story.php?story=4858

On 28 Feb 2004 02:36:44 -0800, (John Bartley I
solved my XP problems w/ Service Pack Linux) wrote:

Yes, Michael Powell in a bra.

Some telecom or computer magazine I've read within the past week had a
B&W pic of the Chair of the FCC in a bra. I'd heard he wore it at
some stag event, and wasn't surprised when I saw it; just trashed the
magazine, and forgot about it.

Now, I've read the Notice of Rulemaking for BPL (internet service over
power lines), and need that picture, because there's nothing like
sophomoric humor on the part of Powell to illustrate the cavalier way
the FCC is approaching the issue.

What issue?

Go set your tune your hi-fi to AM, pick a spot between local stations,
and turn up the vpolume about half way. Then, try to have a phone
conversation over a bad cellular connection with your ear six inches
from the speakers, and you will still have an easier time
communicating than hams will when we experience the 16 db over S9
interference already demonstrated by BPL.

That interference explains why Austria and Japan already tried, then
abandoned, BPL. However, this is 'the best government which lobbyist
money can buy', so we get the FCC telling us in the Notice they expect
power companies to fix the problems, the same power companies who
already take *months* to resolve RFI (radio frequency interference)
problems with existing tech.

The burden of proof of the problem will be on the *ham*. How easy is
it to talk to your power company? Hams know it gets much harder when
interference problems arise.

Hams have to buy all of our own gear to equip ourselves to be able to
communicate in emergencies, and we're a part of just about every
emergency plan there is.

How many hams will learn the special skills needed for shortwave and
longwave and make the investment of $$$$ to buy the gear, if all we
get is static from BPL? You have to practice just like it's for real
to be competent in something so demanding as passing radio traffic,
and longwave & shortwave require very different skills than the VHF
and UHF short-range frequencies which are unaffected by BPL.

Folks, I need this pic to help me prove my point. Anyone remember
what magazine that picture was in?

Thanks, 73s and best regards,

--
Nobody but a fool goes into a federal counterrorism operation without duct tape - Richard Preston, THE COBRA EVENT.