WRITTEN QUESTION P-4008/03 by Fernando Fernández Martín (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Powerline Communications Systems.
Date: 2003-12-22
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Spain, electromagnetic interference, innovation, regulation of telecommunications, standardisation, telecommunications policy, transmission network

27.3.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 78 E/337

(2004/C 78 E/0355)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-4008/03

by Fernando Fernández Martín (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(22 December 2003)

Subject: Powerline Communications Systems

The rapid development of communications in recent years has stimulated detailed research with a view to
ensuring the rational ordering of the radioelectric spectrum with a view to best use. In parallel, a number
of operators have tried to exploit the possibilities of ‘Powerline Communications Systems’ (PLC), which
permit the use of existing electricity networks for the transmission of other types of signal. However, this
option is not without its disadvantages, especially regarding the generation of signals disturbing and
interfering with the activities of other radioelectric spectrum users, especially for short-wave frequencies.
This is already happening in numerous EU Member States.

Is the Commission aware that Powerline Communications Systems (PLC) can generate interference and
emit undesirable radiation?

What precautionary measures could be adopted by the Commission or are under consideration by it to
prevent the emission of signals that cause interference and pollute the radioelectric spectrum?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(26 January 2004)

All networks that use copper cabling, whether they use telephone cables (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber
Line (ADSL), Very-High-Data-Rate Digital Subscriber Line (VDSL)), television distribution networks, special
cables (Local Area Networks-LAN) or electricity cables (Power Line Communications or PLC) are a source
of electromagnetic disturbance, the level of which depends on many factors. Market penetration is an
important factor, although technical factors such as cable length, signal power levels and the location of
radio receivers also determine whether there is interference.

to Directive 89/336/EEC (1), which requires

All such networks are subject
them to ensure that
electromagnetic disturbance does not exceed a level allowing radio and telecommunications equipment
and other apparatus to operate as intended. In order to ensure a common application of the Directive for
telecommunication networks,
the Commission mandated in 2001 the European Standardisation
Organisations (ETSI) and the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (Cenelec) to draft
a standard covering electromagnetic emission and immunity characteristics of
telecommunication
networks, including PLC.

Due to the inherent complexity of the task, no standard has yet been finalised. In contrast to the millions
of ADSL and LAN connections that are operational in the Union, there are currently only around 6000
PLC lines, which employ a variety of technologies and which are still being improved.

In developing a standard, the Union must be careful not to stifle innovation. The Commission is of course
aware of the concerns of radio users on the effects of this specific technology and their call for absolute
and unconditional protection of radio services using short wave bands. Such concerns bear relevance to
many other technologies. Electromagnetic compatibility is about seeking the right balance between the
various
to compete with other
telecommunications operators in the local
thereby providing real user choice in broadband
telecommunication services; on the other hand, the interests of radio users to be able to receive signals,
even in the worst propagation conditions.

the interests of certain operators

interests: on the one hand,

loop,

Since the technologies used for PLC are still being improved and the deployment of the technology is still
in its infancy, it is too early to draw any definitive conclusions on this issue. Regulators in the Union
should allow, and are allowing, a deployment of networks under the condition that operators avoid
interference where it may occur. In the case of Spain, the regulator has licensed a number of networks.

C 78 E/338

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

27.3.2004

The licence requires a resolution of interference problems, where they exist. Such an approach is fully
compatible with the Directive 89/336/EEC and will allow for a better-informed debate on standards.

The Commission is considering adopting a recommendation that will enable the Community to deal with
this issue in a balanced and informed way.

(1) Council Directive 89/336/EEC of 3 May 1989 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to

electromagnetic compatibility, OJ L 139, 23.5.1989.

(2004/C 78 E/0356)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0001/04

by Maurizio Turco (NI) to the Commission

(9 January 2004)

Subject: Refunds for exports to the Vatican City State

Since questions P-3279/03 (1) and E-3280/03 (2) incorrectly stated the value of exports to the Vatican City
State (cid:1) because it was not specified at the end of the extracts from the CATS database (answer to question
P-3202/02) (3) that the figures represent the general total (cid:1) the questioner acknowledges that the correct
amount of export refunds for the period 1998-2001 is EUR 4 000 813,01.

The answer to question P-3279/03 confirms the figures given in point (d) and hence, since the correct
total of payments is EUR 321 711 242,39, the proportion of payments made in cases where the product
and/or the unit of measurement is not indicated is 30,26 % of the total, rather than 15,13 %.

In reply to question E-3280/03 the Commission said that it did not consider the questions relevant, in
view of the error made in stating the amount of refunds for exports to the Vatican City State, and stressed
the following:

1.

in point (c) or the supplementary answer to questions E-1477/03-E-1480/03 (4) it is stated that:

(cid:1) ‘There is no specific monitoring of the quantities of beet and cane sugar and chemically pure
sucrose in solid form exported from Member States to the Vatican City State. The quantity of
exports to this country appears reasonable.’

(cid:1) ‘In the case of exports of agricultural products with refund from the Community to the Vatican
City, the Vatican City authorities certify that they have been released for consumption in the
territory of the Vatican City or the institutions and offices of the Holy See.’

(cid:1) ‘As regards the special provisions for products exported with refund to the Vatican, the customs
agreement between Italy and the Vatican City and Community legislation on export refunds …
apply.’

2.

in point (d) it is stated that Article 11 of the Lateran Treaty, which governs the relations between the
Vatican City State and the Italian Republic guarantees the central bodies of the Catholic Church
exemption from ‘any interference on the part of the Italian State’.