Austria's Powerline causes numerous radio disturbances

The Powerline network (PLC) operated by Linz AG is causing a number of malfunctions in radio services and receivers according to a list of fault reports [PDF] published by Austria's Ministry of Technology (BMVIT). By publishing this list, the authorities are reacting to a press release by Linz AG claiming that Powerline is harmless. PLC uses unshielded electrical lines to transmit data in several blocks in the shortwave range from 1.8 to 32 MHz.

This week, the operator announced that there were "no national or international concerns by emergency services or the military" regarding PLC. The press release claimed that the Red Cross, the police, and the fire department had "clearly proven that Powerline does not disturb their emergency communications networks." On the other hand, these measurements would have been made in the range from 146 to 174 MHz -- far below the range used by PLC. As the BMVIT has now made clear, "Published reports about confirmation of trouble-free operation in VHF voice radio are therefore misleading and irrelevant for disturbances in the shortwave frequency range." There, the Ministry explained, the potential for disturbances has clearly been demonstrated. "Not only landline and mobile participants in emergency, security, and rescue radio communications services, but also amateur radio stations that operate in the PLC system's range and shortwave radio reception [can] be detrimentally affected to a considerable extent, if not interrupted completely."

As the primary authority for radio waves, the Ministry has issued an order obligating Linz AG to operate its network without causing any malfunctions in other services. PLC does not require a license, which means that it also must not cause disturbances. Linz AG initially celebrated this exemption from licensing as a success, but later fought against it in administrative court. (Daniel AJ Sokolov) (Craig Morris) / (jk/c't)

Click Here To Return To Previous Page