• Dallas Area to Get Power-Line Internet
• Up the Broadband Creek Without a Signal
• Google Buys Stake in Power-Line Internet Company
• FCC OKs Internet Service Over Power Lines
• Earthlink Will Offer BPL Internet Service in New York
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has cleared the way for electric utility companies to provide consumers with high-speed Internet service over existing power lines. Consumers will be able to tap into the Internet by simply plugging into any electrical outlet.
Known as Broadband over Power Lines (BPL), this method of connecting consumers to the fast lane of the information highway may also help utilities gather critical intelligence to enhance the security, reliability and efficiency of the U.S. electric power grid. It can more quickly detect power outages, automatically read meters and power down non-essential devices in an emergency.
In a formal meeting, the five FCC commissioners affirmed the application of existing technical rules to BPL deployments and implemented additional rules to facilitate continued BPL roll-outs, marking the conclusion of a nearly two-year rulemaking process.
How quickly can consumers expect to see this service offered? Even before the official rulemaking, some companies have been setting up these systems around the country, mainly in areas where traditional high-speed internet service is spotty.
Current Communications Group has formed two joint ventures with Cinergy, a diversified energy company. The first venture will provide a bundle of broadband and voice services to Cinergy`s 1.5 million customers in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. The second venture will deploy BPL to smaller municipal and cooperatively owned power companies covering 24 million customers across the United States.
"Today`s FCC decision is as significant as the Commission`s decision a decade ago to foster competition in the mobile telephone and video programming businesses, through PCS and direct broadcast satellite licensing," said William Berkman, Chairman of Currcent Communications Group.
"BPL is a high-quality alternative that transforms every in-home power outlet into a broadband outlet and will help bridge the gap in services to America`s underserved communities. Furthermore, it enables electric utilities to enhance their systems` reliability and broaden their service offerings efficiently through a single general communications network built on their existing infrastructure," Berkman added.
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14.10.2004
Feds OK Internet Service Over Power Lines
• Dallas Area to Get Power-Line Internet• Up the Broadband Creek Without a Signal• Google Buys Stake in Power-Line Internet Company• FCC OKs Internet Service Over Power Lines• Earthlink Will Offer BPL Internet Service in New York The... |
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04.08.2004
Internet Phone Service: Curse or Cure?
The Internet has changed the way we live, not always for the best. But it has the potential to make amends in a big way if it delivers on what many experts believe is its potential to provide cheap, reliable telephone service.Verizon, the nation`s largest... |
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04.10.2004
Time Warner Rolls Out Internet Phone Service in NY, NJ
Time Warner Cable is taking aim at Verizon`s biggest market, rolling out Internet telephone service, or VOIP, in the New York and New Jersey area. During the initial launch, the service is being offered to employees and selected customers. The service will cost... |
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16.10.2004
Earthlink Will Offer BPL Internet Service in New York
• Dallas Area to Get Power-Line Internet• Up the Broadband Creek Without a Signal• Google Buys Stake in Power-Line Internet Company• FCC OKs Internet Service Over Power Lines• Earthlink Will Offer BPL Internet Service in New York EarthLink... |
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07.04.2005
AOL Launches Internet Phone Service
America Online, the once dominate Internet Service Provider, is attempting to stake its claim on the frontier of Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP), rolling out its new AOL Internet Phone Service. The company says it will provide members a way to meet all their voice,... |
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