FCC adopts rules for broadband over power lines

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

FCC adopts rules for broadband over power lines

Patrick Mannion
 Oct 14, 2004 (1:10 PM)
URL: http://www.commsdesign.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=49901747


MANHASSET, N.Y. — The Federal Communications Commission voted Thursday 
(Oct. 14) to modified its rules to open the door to the widespread 
deployment of broadband access over power lines. The action is designed 
to both foster broadband penetration and increase competition while 
enhancing management of the national power grid.

 As a result of the ruling, power utilities can now provide broadband 
to their customers, competing with traditional last-mile-access schemes 
such as DSL and cable as well as newer options such as meshed Wi-Fi 
networks and upcoming WiMax deployments. The facilities can also 
improve management through faster feedback and advanced power-grid 
management.

 Providing broadband over power lines (BPL) is an attractive broadband 
scheme because power lines reach every home. In addition, the 
distribution of broadband to home would be simplified since users need 
only a single device plugged into a socket to obtain broadband access.

 "We all know by now that our country is now number 11 in broadband 
penetration," said Commissioner Michael J. Copps in a statement 
following the issuance of the R&O. "That's pretty hard to take."

 The FCC approved its report and order despite objections from licensed 
wireless users such as cellular and ham radio operators who consider 
BPL to be a serious contributor to interference. While the rules 
include specific steps to address concerns, including requiring rapid 
resolution of complaints and an adaptive approach to deployment, Copps 
remained wary. Copps the new rules "dodged the hardest BPL questions," 
that include universal service, disabilities access, E911, pole 
attachments, competition protections and "critically, how to handle the 
potential for cross-subsidization between regulated power businesses 
and unregulated communications businesses remain up in the air."

 While BPL systems have been deployed and are undergoing testing, 
issues still remain about the best way to avoid interference with 
existing services. The abililty of orthogonal frequency division 
multiplexing to drop carriers and hence avoid certain bands makes it a 
promising technology.

 Other issues include safely coupling broadband data from the 
medium-voltage distribution lines to the low-voltage lines to the home. 
Schemes to overcome this include hanging a wireless box off the utility 
pole to provide wireless access to multiple subscribers.

Archives at: <http://Wireless.Com/Dewayne-Net>
Weblog at: <http://weblog.warpspeed.com>

-------------------------------------
You are subscribed as interesting-people () lists elistx com
To manage your subscription, go to
 http://v2.listbox.com/member/?listname=ip

Archives at: http://www.interesting-people.org/archives/interesting-people/