400k to 2.5 Million US BPL Subscribers by 2011

Even with the hurdles of conflict between potential BPL providers and Ham radio enthusiasts, a recent study indicates the number of subscribers to Broadband over power line service could jump from 400,000 in 2007 to 2.5 million in 2011. This is according to FTTx and BPL: Analysis and Outlook.

‘“Both consumer demand and business factors will drive this growth,” said Chris Roden, research analyst at Parks Associates. “On the consumer side, many rural residents don’t have access to DSL or cable, but every house in the U.S. has access to power lines. This technology is often the only option for these residents to receive broadband service. On the business side, utility companies will also drive BPL’s growth. BPL gives utilities more information to better manage power demand and troubleshoot line issues.”’

It seems inevitable that BPL will push it’s way mainstrem eventually. The recent classification of BPL service by the FCC points that way at least.