Introduction

As part of the studies on the compatibility between radiocommunication systems and high data rate telecommunication systems using electricity power supply or telephone distribution wiring (Question ITU-R 221/1), this Report covers the use of the radio spectrum and associated protection requirements of radiocommunication services in respect to impact of power line telecommunications (PLT). PLT systems make use of radio frequency signals applied on the power lines used for the distribution of mains electricity. Because electrical power lines are not designed for the transmission of high data rate signals, PLT signals on electrical power lines have the potential of causing interference to radiocommunication services.

RR No. 15.12 requires that: "Administrations shall take all practicable and necessary steps to ensure that the operation of electrical apparatus or installations of any kind, including power and telecommunication distribution networks, but excluding equipment used for industrial, scientific and medical applications, does not cause harmful interference to a radiocommunication service and, in particular, to a radionavigation or any other safety service operating in accordance with the provisions of these Regulations"¹."

This Report covers the use of PLT systems at frequencies below 80 MHz. This new family of applications is sometimes referred to as PLC (power line communications), BPL (broadband over power lines) as well as PLT (power line telecommunications). In this Report we shall use the generic term PLT.