The In-Stat analyst, Joyce Putscher had some interesting words regarding power-line broadband.

‘The main advantage of BPL, according to In-Stat analyst Joyce Putscher, is the fact that the availability of coaxial or twisted-pair connections can be limited. In many countries, specifically those in Europe and Asia, cable television is far less common than it is in the United States, and households in those countries tend to have fewer telephone jacks. BPL could consequently facilitate more-widespread broadband Internet connectivity in those markets.

Domestically, according to Putscher, choosing BPL can mean the customer will have more flexibility when accessing the service because connections can be set up at any power outlet. “Even in the U.S. there are still a lot of homes that, even with coax and phone jacks, may only have them running to one room,” she said. “It’s limited.”

Even in some markets where cable and telephone services seem to have a lock on broadband services, local leaders still explore the BPL option. And if In-Stat’s research proves accurate, more markets may be picking it up soon.’, via CNET

Sill more of the same news regarding BPL

We haven’t even solved the BPL debate, and the promise of a new technology emerges using gas lines to push the internet.

Via Sci-Tech Today, ‘”I think there is a general pulse of excitement” about the technology among publicly owned gas companies, says Bob Beauregard of the American Public Gas Association, which represents 650 gas providers serving 5 million rural customers.‘

‘Nethercomm, a San Diego-area start-up, says it has developed technology to send lightning-fast broadband and TV services via wireless signals through the pipes that deliver the fuel used to heat homes and fire up stoves.

Gas pipes serve 62% of U.S. households, says the American Gas Association. Broadband in Gas, or BIG, could give consumers a third high-speed option at low costs and speeds that far surpass today’s phone and cable offerings. It also could bring fast Internet to unserved rural areas. But, so far, the idea has been met with both excitement and skepticism.

“It’s been a Coke and Pepsi (battle) between cable and phone companies,” says Nethercomm founder and CEO Patrick Nunally, 42, a veteran high-tech entrepreneur. “We’re in a position to come in and provide real competition.”‘, via USA Today.

We’ll see how long this Broadband solution takes to come to the marketplace.

Another fight regarding the Manassas BPL system in Virginia is underway. The ARRL calls a report “flawed”, and makes an inquiry to the FCC.

‘ “ARRL objects to the report because it is based on improper engineering practice and contrary to the instructions provided by your office in your letter dated June 16, 2006,” ARRL General Counsel Chris Imlay, W3KD, wrote FCC Spectrum Enforcement Division Chief Joseph Casey on August 2. In June, Casey had ordered the City of Manassas and BPL provider COMTek to investigate complaints from several Manassas radio amateurs of BPL interference to their mobile operations and report back to the Commission on their findings. The League, and local amateurs, contend the BPL system is still causing harmful interference to Amateur Radio operations, despite the clean bill of health the engineering report purports to present.’

There are disputes as to how attenuation at ham frequencies was measured and peak signal bands. It seems this BPL dispute with members ham radio operators has a way to go yet.

Last week the FCC upheld the rules for Access Broadband over Power Line, or Access BPL, systems. The guidelines maintain safeguards relating to the current radio services in existence.

Basically, regarding Access with Broadband over Power Line, if their is an interference deemed harmful, action will be taken.

In their Memorandum Opinion and Order they offer the following regarding Access BPL,

• ‘Affirms its rules regarding emission limits for BPL, including its determination that the reduction of emissions to 20 dB below the normal Part 15 emissions limits will constitute adequate interference protection for mobile operations
• Denies the request by the amateur radio community to prohibit BPL operations pending further study and to exclude BPL from frequencies used for amateur radio operations
• Denies the request by the television industry to exclude BPL from frequencies above 50 MHz
• Affirms the July 7, 2006 deadline for requiring certification for any equipment manufactured, imported or installed on BPL systems, with the proviso that uncertified equipment already in inventory can be used for replacing defective units or to supplement equipment on existing systems for one year within areas already in operation
• Affirms the requirement that information regarding BPL deployment must be provided in a public database at least 30 days prior to the deployment of that equipment
• Adopts changes regarding protection of radio astronomy stations by requiring a new exclusion zone and amending consultation requirements for these stations
• Adopts changes to provide for continuing protection for aeronautical stations that are relocated
• Denies the request by the aeronautical industry to exclude BPL operating on low-voltage lines from frequencies reserved for certain aeronautical operations
• Denies the request by the gas and petroleum industry to be considered as public-safety entities.’

The complete Memorandum Opinion and Order dealing with Access Broadband over Power Line can be obtained here.

This is a blow to the Amateur Radio operators opposing BPL. With areas like Texas scheduled to test Broadband over Power Line, and this affirmation by the FCC, the momentum is beginning to roll.

Last week, the Austin City Council approved spending up to $317,500 to test Broadband Over Powerline internet service. A spokesman for the group had this to say regarding BPL provider technology in Austin Texas.

‘”Everyone is saying how great this is,” Collins said of broadband over power lines, which for years has been touted as a third high-speed Internet pipe into homes and businesses, competing with cable and the digital subscriber line service offered by phone companies. “All we want to know is, what does this really do?’

As is the case in Texas, the established power companies are unsure how much strain Broadband Over Powerline will put on their existing power grid. With utility companies sometimes competing for more power to push those air conditioners or baseboard heaters, they want to take their time and test this technology first. It’s good to see Broadband Over Powerline testing being done in Austin Texas. Even if BPL isn’t online for a few years, this is a start in the right direction.