Dear Mr. Widman:

Thank you for contacting me regarding broadband over power lines (BPL), which is the transmittal of broadband signals over electric power lines. I appreciate hearing from you on this issue.

President Bush has expressed his support for BPL as a viable method for increasing broadband access throughout the United States . However, there is concern that BPL interferes with the electromagnetic spectrum and disrupts radio communication, including emergency communications.

As you may know, Congress is currently considering broad telecommunications reform legislation. In the House of Representatives, one major bill (H.R.5252) contains a provision that would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to conduct a study of the potential effects of BPL on radio communications.

The major bill before the Senate (S.2686) contains no such provision. However, the Senate Commerce Committee, of which I am a member, will hold a hearing on S.2686 on June 13, 2006; it is possible that BPL issues will be considered at this time.

Please be assured that I will keep your views in mind as legislation on this issue progresses.

Again, thank you for writing to me. Please do not hesitate to contact me again about this or any other issue of concern to you.