Broadband over power lines, or BPL, is currently in use on about 50 systems in the U.S., though most are still in the development or testing phase. The initial interest in the technology was introduced three years ago, but development has been slow.
Much of the resistance has come from amateur radio operators that claim BPL could disrupt their transmissions. The Federal Communications Commission has attempted to address operators’ concerns, drafting a set of guidelines to prevent BPL access from disturbing those signals. The guidelines also prohibit BPL from operating on certain frequencies near Coast Guard, airplane or radio astronomy stations.
“I think the rules are a very good balance between giving protection to licensed radio systems while not restricting BPL technology,” Jay Birnbaum, Current Communications spokesman, told CNET News. “Generally speaking, we’re pleased with what the commission did again. They’re trying to do the difficult job of balancing interests.”
In a meeting this week, the FCC unanimously agreed to build upon its initial set of rules, originally drafted in 2004.
“The FCC generally affirmed its rules, which in itself is a victory for the industry,” said Brett Killbourne of the United Power Line Council, which represents the BPL industry.
Two Texas companies announced a plan to offer BPL service. Current Communications Group and TXU Electric Delivery, the largest electric company in Texas, are building towards a BPL rollout that will service more than 2 million customers in the northern part of the state. Current Communications has built a similar BPL system in Cincinnati with Cinergy, a local utility company that serves approximately 500,000 people.
Big-name investors have caught on to the potential of BPL technology including Google, Goldman Sachs, General Electric and Earthlink, which have opened up its checkbooks to Current to the tune of $200 million.
Recognizing the important role that ham radio operators play in small communities, Democratic Commissioner Michael Copps said the FCC would keep a watchful eye over interference complaints.
“This applies with special force to amateur radio operators whose skills and dedication once again proved so valuable in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina,” Copps said.
The FCC rules also address emissions by BPL equipment and require the certification of hardware. Additionally, BPL providers must enter information about its services in a public database at least 30 days before rolling out the service.
