Broadband over power lines (BPL) Surprises
Oh, this doesn't bode well. Broadband over power lines (BPL) was supposed to allow rural areas to get broadband internet cheaply and easily. Looks like there are some short circuits to clean up.
Deborah Asbrand's July 6, 2004 article in MIT's Technology Review is Broadband Power Surge. It's subtitle is “Electric utilities are beginning to offer Internet service. But some see static in the plans.” Two exerpts tell one aspect of the story:
“Earlier this year, broadband over power lines, or BPL, received an official thumbs-up from the Federal Communications Commission when the agency proposed guidelines for the new technology. Just last month, BPL found itself demonstrated before a House of Representatives subcommittee.”
“The National Telecommunications and Information Administration wasn't as kind in a little-noticed report issued in April. The NTIA, an agency of the Department of Commerce that advises the White House on all matters telecom, found that BPL-generated data signals posed genuine interference risks to radio communication. The NTIA findings “surprised” the United Power Line Council, according to Kilbourne, who says his organization is “working through some of the findings.”
So what will the future hold for BPL's viabiliy? It's unclear. We'll have to wait to see who is most “surprised” after a few more roll outs.