According to Indiatimes.com, some Indian consumers of broadband internet will be provided Broadband Over Power Line access, as soon as December of 2006. IBM Global is set to launch BPL - Broadband Over Power Line in the country on a limited basis next month. IBM is working with state electricity boards, and utility companies to get the project rolling. The Uttar Pradesh government is eyeing the internet technology as a viable alternative to rural customers who may not receive cable or dsl services, according to sources.

‘ Gary A Cohen, general manager, global communications, IBM, confirmed that his company is launching a pilot project in India soon. IBM has introduced this technology in countries like Italy, Germany, Spain, Belgium and the US. Besides India, it is planning to introduce the technology in China too.’

BPL will offer these electric utilities a whole new revenue stream. Not withstanding, Broadband Over Power Line will also help to make a more intelligent electricy network with new possibilities of meter management.

The Federal Communications Commission granted good news to the supporters of broadband overpower line technology Friday when they designated the service as an information service. This designation places broadband over power line technology on the same grounds as cable modem and DSL Internet access services. This is one step closer to bringing broadband over power line technology mainstream to the public. This will allow competition, as one more player enters the Internet access arena.

The broadband over power line providers interested in providing this Internet service to the public are mainly electric utility companies who will be able to push broadband Internet through their existing power grid. For consumers this means more competition, and lower prices for broadband service. The two main providers of Internet access currently are dominated by cable and DSL. With his FCC designation it will allow broadband over power line the same regulatory restrictions as the dominant players.

This action was taken by the FCC Commission, November 3, 2006, by Memorandum Opinion and Order (FCC 06165), and gets the ball rolling for further BPL development.

This Friday, the FCC will make a decision on BPL - Broadband Over Power Line Classification. The decision decides if BPL will be classified as an interstate information service instead of a telecommunications service.

This is a decision of major consequence to BPL Providers. Under the interstate information classification they’ll be subjected to less regulation. The decision is a major factor on the deployment of BPL technology for some providers of Broadband Over Power Line.

Indications point to the FCC granting the same classification DSL and cable provider companies enjoy.

Currently the only major BPL rollout in the United States has occurred in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. TXU Electric Delivery along with CURRENT Communications Group has a 10-year, $150 million contract to develop a mass deploy solution for delivering BPL internet access over the grid.

The BPL Provider companies are keeping their fingers crossed.