ISPr does a second interview with Keith MacLean regarding Powerline

SSE and other companies have already succeeded where others like Nuon have failed. This is no different to developments of other technologies (4 track cassettes vs 8 track cartridges; VHS vs Betamax vs Philips 2000) - Some make it work and others don’t.

22) Reports, such as this recent one by the Radio Communications Agency.. HERE ..have given rise to the concerns over pollution. It’s feared that such interference will deny use of the shortwave spectrum to a large number of users; e.g. Broadcast, Aeronautical, Amateur, Radio Astronomy, Maritime, Search and rescue. What’s SSE’s current position on these concerns?

The report is incorrect in that implies that there has been an interference complaint about PLC – I think the slide is ambiguous and that the interference was with DSL or was being demonstrated as potential. The full RA report is available on the web and the RA has also recently confirmed that despite the levels outlined in these reports no interference cases have arisen from the trials in Scotland.

23) There is considerable discussion on the position with regards to Regulatory Approvals for PLC. Our understanding is that the only current requirement is to meet the various CE marking directives. I would assume the two relevant ones being the LVD Directive & the EMC Directive. Can you confirm your equipment currently meets these directives?

Yes our suppliers’ equipment is CE marked.

24) As a whole, what emission specifications do your systems currently meet and how do you go about testing such compliance?

As long as equipment is CE marked we do not need to test it. The tests on the network have been carried out with the RA and other interested parties although there is currently no compliance standard against which this is done.

25) My understanding is that the technical trials you carried out in Scotland involved two different manufactures equipment, ASCOM & MAIN NET. Can you expand on the technical trials of these two products with particular regard to performance & emc?

The RA report shows the emission characteristics of the two systems.

End Question

26) Thank you kindly for giving us this time Keith, we just have one more question. In your personal opinion, what do you foresee as the being the future of UK Powerline technology?

I believe there is a very good opportunity for powerline to become a mainstream option for broadband deployment. Since there is now more than adequate proof that the technology works I think the main issue that must be resolved is whether the utilities believe they, alone or in partnership, can market such a product to their customers.

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