Broadband Over Power Line Classified Information Service by FCC

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.