It's personal!
The opinions expressed on this page are of the authors and are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Ban PLT.
If you have a story you would like to share with the public regarding how you have been affected by PLT, we would love to hear from you.
26AYP001 - a CB user and shortwave listener's story
Citizens' Band radio user Anas Patel emailed us from Leicestershire with his story of how PLT continues to blight his life and how Ofcom closed his case without investigating.
I am a visually impaired CB DX station (26 Alpha Yanky Papa 001) located in the Leicestershire area.
I have been on the air since June 1999 and in that time I have never suffered from sources of interference which were not located within my property. I am currently running a 'Midland Alan 48 Excel Multi' and
the 'Intek H-520 Plus' with the 'Albrecht CB27' extended antenna and a PC Logitech analogue external mic; which works surprisingly well on the handheld, both in my garden as well as indoors. I have made many good
contacts using this setup.
I would like to state I have used both an old Midland Alan 42 Plus 80 channel FM handheld and the trusty Intek H-520 Plus with the extended Albrecht antenna abroad in 14 (France) and 94 (United Arab Emirates) divisions. I have found the authorities to be most accommodating and helpful, especially in 94 division where the 25 to 30 MHz frequency allocations are not used by any service or organisation. I have had some fantastic long distance contacts all over Russia and central and Western Europe using the Intek as well as hearing the good old UK 19 booming in with a constant 10 dB over S9 with no station standing out from the hash of stations all over Britain. I have no Internet access in my holiday location, so good old shortwave radio is my only means for finding out what is going on back home in the UK (via BBC World Service relays in Africa and Asia).
I first came across PLT in 2005 when I was staying at a relatives house in Lancashire; of course taking a Midland 42 with me. The house in question had major electrical work carried out by the local utility company just before my visit due to a faulty master fuse box. So I naturally assumed the S9+60dB of noise I was experiencing on every channel was due to the new fuse box. The interference was so severe it was affecting the lower part of the FM broadcast spectrum up to 90 MHz, as well as affecting AM broadcast reception, particularly 5 Live. Like the majority of people, I put up with the interference for years, until it suddenly vanished in early January 2011 without explanation.
PLT started to blight my home QTH in the Leicestershire area on May the 8th 2011. On that Sunday, band conditions were fairly flat with some weak signals coming in from 34 div (Canary Islands). I noticed the unmistakable sound fire up roughly after 5 PM with the sound moving up and down 5 kcs (kilo cycles per second) every few hours. The sound has persisted up to the present time. On Monday 9th May I filed a complaint with Ofcom using the link to the interference complaint form. I am also a keen shortwave listener, using a standard Sony Worldband receiver which covers 2.50 to 26.100 MHz in AM mode. The PLT was wiping out BBC world service transmissions on 21.470MHz, 12.395MHz, 17.830MHz and 15.400MHz; as well as other international broadcasters. Naturally, like the majority of the radio community, I expected Ofcom to take my case seriously by at least sending out a field engineer to investigate my complaint and to acknowledge my issue. After reading comments on the UKQRM forum I was not surprised by their final outcome which I have posted in the following paragraphs.
I now understand my initial mistake was to mention I am a CB user! I would like to mention at this point that I have never experienced the slightest bit of interference around MoD sites, so Ofcom are clearly not telling the truth when they misquote the Wireless Telegraphy regulations 2006 at the CB community.
Initial PLT complaint to Ofcom filed on Monday 9th May 2011:
I am experiencing a high pitched whining sound around my property from an unknown location throughout both the CEPT and UK CB frequencies caused by suspected PLT equipment 24 hours a day. The sound is present throughout the majority of both CB bands (CEPT 26.965-27.405 MHz) and the UK band (27.601.25-27.991.25 MHz) and can cause severe interference for local and international communication. The whining sound also causes signals to severely degrade through the shortwave bands from 3.9 to 28 MHz using AM, FM and SSB reception modes. The sound is particularly severe through the 9.4 MHz broadcast band, 3.5 to 8 MHz and 14 to 17 MHz including the 20 metres ham band. Using a handheld CB transceiver with an extended antenna I have checked all rooms and electrical devices within my property but I am unable to locate the source of the sudden interference. The interference is present all around the exterior of the property and garden with a constant S5 to S7 reading on the majority of CB channels. I have noticed this noise present on the bands since Sunday 8th May 2011 roughly starting from 5 PM. At the time of writing, the interference is still severely impacting my ability to use certain CB channels; mainly, but not limited to channel 18 (27.175 MHz), channel 30 (27.305 MHz) and channel 32 (27.325 MHz).
During the sporadic E season during the summer time, it is possible to communicate with stations throughout Europe, but this interference is severely impacting my ability to pull weaker stations out of the appalling hash of whining QRM. I intend to perform a local site survey on my street using my handheld, but due to the nature and strength of this sudden intrusive interference, I am not expecting to pin down the precise location of the sound. I would assume it is from recently installed PLT equipment, either in a house on [redacted] or on adjacent roads such as [redacted].
On the 12th of May, I received the following response from Ofcom:
From: DoNotReplyFieldOps@ofcom.org.uk Sent: Thu 12/05/2011 23:05
To: [redacted]
Cc:
Subject: Case 1-177380567 - Interference Investigation
Dear Mr Patel,
INTERFERENCE INVESTIGATION
I am writing to advise you of the outcome of our investigation into your interference problem.
CB operates on a licence free non protected basis and so we cannot investigate the problem you are experiencing.
Broadcast radio reception has been the responsibility of the BBC since July 2010 when they decided not to renew their contract for Ofcom to do this work on their behalf.
Interference to broadcast reception can be reported to the BBC using their web form at: https://faq.external.bbc.co.uk/templates/bbcfaqs/emailstatic/interferencePage.
Our investigation is complete and case reference 1-177380567 is now closed.
If you experience any further interference problems, you will need to request a new investigation.
Yours sincerely,
Duty Engineering Officer
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
I then complained to the BBC using their web form, and again I expected someone to take my case seriously, but again the same poor unsatisfactory response.
On Monday 6th June I decided to do some poking around using my Intek set to CEPT channel 22. I soon tracked down the offending house one street behind my property. Using the offending house as a centre point, I travelled on foot extensively around the surrounding streets to ensure my signal meter readings were correct, which they proved to be.
After receiving no response from the BBC, I once again contacted the Ofcom call centre making sure not to mention CB radio in any of my conversations. I was passed around from one department to another for 15 minutes, finally being told that because I do not hold any sort of radio licence, Ofcom cannot do anything about my reception issues, and I should contact the BBC for further advice. They were very forceful about this point and not very helpful. I received the same link to the BBC reception advice complaint form by email shortly after my call ended.
I finally received this unsatisfactory response from the BBC:
From: interference_complaints@bbc.co.uk Sent: Wed 08/06/2011 10:07
To: Anas Patel
Cc:
Subject: Reference CAS-788922
Dear Mr. Patel,
Thank you for contacting the Radio and Television Investigation Service (RTIS). The service is provided, by the BBC, to assist viewers and listeners in investigating and, where possible, resolving interference problems to television and radio broadcasts.
From the information you have supplied, I understand you are receiving interference to short-wave broadcasts between 17.560 MHz and 17.895 MHz which you suspect is originating from Power Line Telecommunications (PLT) equipment.
We are unable to investigate or take action in cases where interference to short-wave services is reported.
Ofcom, the communications regulator, has published some information regarding PLT devices. This can be viewed on their website, at the following address: http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/enforcement/spectrum-enforcement/plt/
The latest Ofcom statement on this matter can also be found at the following web address: http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/enforcement/spectrum-enforcement/plt/power-line-statement
If you would like to complain about alleged interference from one of these devices please contact Ofcom’s advisory team on 0300 123 3333.
Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require any further information or assistance.
Yours sincerely,
Radio and Television Investigation Service
And the interference is still there, 24/7! 
So there you have it: complain to Ofcom and they will close the case and tell you to complain to the BBC. Complain to the BBC and they will tell you to complain to Ofcom!
The Electron - a CBers story
Citizens' Band radio user, "The Electron" emailed us with his story of how PLT continues to blight his life and how "Ofcom are a waste of space!".
I have been on CB radio since 1987 when a school friend offered to sell me a
hand-held CB for a tenner. My first car came with a mono radio and I could not afford a decent stereo system, but I had a spare CB, so I fitted that first and saved up for a stereo system.
During the peak of the 90s we spent hours chatting to complete strangers and playing the hide-n-seek game "Fox hunting". It was a great deal of fun that you cannot replicate
on the Internet or with mobile phones. And in the days before RDS, I could always count on the truck drivers for a "10-13" to find out what was going on down the road.
Fast-forward to a couple of years ago and I had decided to install a new home-base aerial. My old one had given up the ghost and would no longer transmit. As I wanted to fit a Solarcon I-Max 2000 5/8th-wave aerial (7 metres to the tip) and its ground-plane kit, I sought planning permission from the local council. I had to pay £150 for the application, plus another £40 to purchase copies of high-resolution OS maps for marking where the local sightlines would fall. This was on top of £250 spent on aerial, GP kit, 5 metre Ali pole, fixing brackets, co-axial cable and connectors. My time dangling at the top of a ladder drilling holes in my house is a little tricky to cost! I also had to call on the help of an Architect friend to draw up a side-elevation of my property showing how the aerial would look to scale; this is despite the fact that you can only see the side of my house from my neighbours landing window!
Having jumped through these hoops, I was quite excited to terminate the in-house connection and plug it in to the CB. As I scanned the channels I was extremely disappointed to hear nothing but interference. I thought there was something wrong with the aerial, but the VSWR was fine and I could hear my friend transmitting locally. I hit the net and the forums to find out what was going on.
My Internet searches led me to UKQRM and a clear and concise explanation of the problem: PLT. I grabbed my hand-held CB and went "hunting". I was something of a demon hunter when we played the Fox Hunting game; if you are transmitting, I will find you!
With a list of offending addresses spewing Spectrum Abuse across the airwaves, I set out to complain to Ofcom, thinking I had done them a favour in tracking the sources down?! Was I in for a let-down!
The first complaint was filed with Ofcom in May 2009.
23rd June 2009 - I wrote to my MP Alistair Burt to highlight the issue of PLT and the lack of regard for regulations and EN55022.
4th July 2009 - Letter sent to Ofcom highlighting the number of properties in my local town spewing spectrum abuse.
13th July 2009 - Ofcom finally email back asking:
Further to your complaint, the interfering signals from the addresses you reported have now been investigated. The sources of the interference you noted have now been altered and the interference should now have been eradicated. Can you confirm that this is the case and I will close my investigation case.
An email exchange followed, then it all went quiet!
3rd August 2009 - 2nd letter to MP Alistair Burt attempting to draw his attention to the EMC communities concerns over PLT. No response!
September 2009 - FIOA request filed against Ofcom to find out what was going on with my interference complaints.
October 2009 - As a result of the FOIA request a "Field Engineer" is finally dispatched to check my findings. I drag him around the area and help him use the correct frequencies and pin-point the interference sources. He attaches his Spectrum Analyser to my outside aerial and attempts to find the noise-floor. He cannot due to the local PLT wiping out the entire HF radio spectrum!
6th December 2009 - 3rd letter to MP Alistair Burt highlighting new evidence from the EMC community. No response!
6th December 2009 - Letters sent to the British Computer Society (Chartered Member) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (Member) highlighting the issues of PLT and asking the bodies to bring it to the attention of the members at large. No response!
10th February 2010 After four months of deliberation, Ofcom close my case citing:
I am writing to advise you of the outcome of our investigation into your interference problem.
The investigation has reached its conclusion as the most of the multiple sources of interference have now been resolved although an outstanding source still exists. As the CB radio equipment is operated on a 'non-interference, non-protected' basis Ofcom will not be pursing the outstanding source..
Our investigation is complete and case reference [redacted] is now closed.
If you experience any further interference problems, you will need to request a new investigation.
Yours sincerely,
Case Assignment Team
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
The above statement is based on an amendment to the Wireless Telegraphy act, which states:
Wireless Telegraphy (WT) Act licence exemption and regulatory issues
1.6 Please note: users must understand that CB radio equipment shall be operated on a 'non-interference, non-protected' basis; that is, it shall not cause harmful interference to, and shall not claim protection from, other radio services. (Our emphasis)
Which is funny: Ofcom declared to the RSGB that PLT is not a radio, yet CB is not to be offered protection from it? Would the same apply to a fault Switched Mode Power Supply, or Plamsa TV? They are not radios, but are still dealt with as sources of interference!
12th February 2010 - Official complaint filed to Ofcom regarding their handling of my case and leaving PLT still wiping out the Citizens' Band frequencies.
21st June 2010 - Finally receive a response from Ofcom saying their procedures and internal handling were poor, but no offers to correct the situation.
15th July 2010 - Official complaint filed via my MP to the Parliamentary Ombudsman regarding the way Ofcom failed to handle my cases correctly.
14th September 2010 - Reply from Parliamentary Ombudsman received. They are not going to investigate Ofcom. It seems NuLabour created a monster that no-one is prepared to take on!
February 2011 - I can still only operate with very strong local signals. I have to-date, been unable to find out how good my new aerial is. I am sure people can hear me, but unless they break the law and drastically increase their transmitter power, I cannot hear them above the PLT noise; and I am sure people have installed more PLT since I first started this process! If you include the costs for planning permission, aerial parts, CB radios, power supply, etc., I probably have around £2000-worth of kit. All rendered largely useless by a small group of selfish people too lazy to run a few metres of Cat6 data cabling around their home. I will have to wait for the next power-cut so I can operate my CB on on its standby batteries and listen out for distant stations!
The image below is typical of the noise level I experience. The external signal meter is "calibrated" against my un-calibrated Marconi Instruments 2955 Radio Test set with S9 being an equivalent receiver signal of -73dBm (at full RF gain). The lowest the noise drops to is S7, save for when the local mains fails, then the noise-floor is returned to zero!
Of course, this is just the problems with operating my home-base. When mobile, the amount of installed PLT pretty much blankets any urban area with noise making mobile to mobile operations difficult, and sometimes, completely impossible; without breaking the law and installing illegal linear amplifiers to increase the transmit power! There are those who ask why we do not use our mobile phones? Well, it's illegal for starters, unless you have a hand-free kit, and it costs money! It has also been proven that the simplex nature of the conversation on CB/Amateur/Taxi/Emergency Radio does not distract the driver; and the other party is usually aware that they may be handling a manoeuvre and will not bug them for an answer. It is also a great deal of fun being in contact with other drivers, be they in cars or in lorries!
And finally, to those who say: "It's just a hobby!"; is your mobile phone "just a hobby" or is it another means of communication, like a land-line, E-mail, IM, etc.?
10-10
Page updated: 26th January 2012
What does PLT sound like?
UPA PLT sounds.
HPA PLT sounds.
Sounds courtesy of UKQRM.