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Interference caused by Power Line Adapters
British Telecom are supplying their customers with devices called Home Plugs
(power line adapters) that send TV/data around the house using the mains wiring
of that house. To do this they use the frequency range of 3 to 30 MHz.
These adaptors are severely affecting reception of shortwave in neighbouring
properties to the point where the bands are unusable. A Yahoo group, UKQRM,
has been formed and we encourage all members to join this group to protect our hobby
from this interference and to support any initiatives proposed there. Even if you
are not experiencing interference many others now are and we have a collective
responsibility to draw the attention of the relevant bodies to the threat to our
hobby in the UK.
If members are suffering interference from these devices installed in neighbouring
properties you should report the matter for investigation. Reports can be made via the Ofcom page at
http://consumers.ofcom.org.uk/tell-us/tv-and-radio/tv-or-radio-interference-or-reception-problems/
From July 2008 to the end of May 2010, Ofcom advise that a total of 214 cases of interference have been reported, all from shortwave listeners. 186 have been referred to BT to investigate, 10 are awaiting resolution. It is likley that the true number of Amateurs and short wave listeners being impacted by these devices is much higher but may not have been properly reported. Therefore if you are affected, do refer the matter for investigation, and when contacted by Ofcom, ensure that you get a case number for your complaint.
From 1st July 2010, the responsibility for investigating complaints of interference to domestic
radio and television was passed to the BBC. However, reports about power line adapter
interference from amateurs and short wave listeners should continue to be made to Ofcom. Specific links to the Ofcom and BBC online reporting forms are shown below.
NOTE: Provided the source of the interference is not located in your
home and your equipment is not to blame Ofcom will not charge you any fees
You can easily do a walk test to determine that the interference is coming from
one of these devices next door outside your control. Watch the video to hear what it will
sound like. Whilst the problem is at your neighbours property the cause of the problem
is the devices supplied by British Telecom and/or the way they have been installed,
BT is responsible for correcting the problem.
To report interference to the BBC for general TV or Radio Interference or Reception Problems, fill in the online form at this link: https://faq.external.bbc.co.uk/templates/bbcfaqs/emailstatic/interferencePage
Amateurs and short wave listeners should report PLA interference to Ofcom using Ofcom's form at this link: https://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/tell-us/abuse-amateur-radio-system or phone Ofcom on 0300 123 3333.
For much more information - please see the following links.
UKQRM website
- Interference from Power Line Adaptors of the type used by BT Vision
UKQRM Yahoo Group - For everyone affected or concerned by this type
of interference
UKQRM Update video - August 2008 Update video on YouTube
UKQRM Update video - October 2008 Update video on YouTube
UKQRM Update video - October 2008 Non technical description
- video update on YouTube.
http://www.number10.gov.uk/Page19025
- The Government's reply to the UKQRM's first petition. (The petition closed on 11th
February, 2009 having collected 3554 signatures.)
http://www.number10.gov.uk/Page21654
- The Government's reply to the UKQRM's SECOND petition, worded to build on the previous one.
(The petition closed on 24th October, 2009 having collected 2545 signatures.)
Ofcom statement - Ofcom Statement on PLT interference.
Ofcom complaints page - The Ofcom radio interference
complaints webpage
UKQRM group meets with Ofcom - Report of UKQRM meeting with
Ofcom on 27 January 2009
Video on effect of the Belkin Gigabit Powerline HD starter kit - April 2010 Video on You Tube. EMC Engineers have long known that Powerline Networking adapters cause unacceptable interference to radio and breach the European EMC Directive since they do not comply with the Essential Requirements.
This adapter, the Belkin F5D4076, has been tested by a UKAS Accredited Notified Body (laboratory) and found to be exceeding the permitted levels by a notable margin.
In this video Nige Coleman, G7CNF, demonstrates that the radiated emissions are capable of chronic interference to Broadcast VHF FM, DAB Radio and reception of the Civil Air Band. These adapters will also interfere with the following amateur bands:- 6m, 4m, 2m.
 http://www.rsgbshop.org/acatalog/Spectrum_Defence_Fund.html
- The Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) has established a Spectrum Defence Fund to challenge Ofcom
as regards its interpretation of the various Acts and Directives that
cover PLA/PLT and the threat they pose. Thousands of pounds have
already been donated but there’s still a long way to go to reach the
target.
From the RSGB Website: "The 'Spectrum Defence Fund' is a restricted fund that will be used in
the first instance to challenge Ofcom on their interpretation of the
EMC directive. This could take the form of a judicial review which
could cost in excess of £75,000. There is no guarantee of success but
the RSGB feel that now is the time to stand up and be counted and make
it known that we, as a community, are not prepared to accept any level
of interference from noncompliant devices. We are looking to our
administration (Ofcom) to protect our interests, which it is their
statutory duty. There are other challenges ahead and the fund will be
used only to protect the Spectrum when and where we need to do so.
This is a long term project and all monies donated will be 'ring
fenced' for these actions alone."
So, what does this sound like? Click on any of the following files to hear me
stepping through the indicated range in 5kHz steps.
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