It will take over three years for the almost 2 million homes in the Dallas – Fort Worth, Texas region to receive full implementation of BPL services, but recent news indicates it’s set in motion. The deal combines DirectTV’s satellite television, with broadband internet, and telephone service from The Current Group. Some residents will be able to hook up to the service by late 2007.

With competition already offering the coveted “triple-play” bundle of voice, video and internet connection, DirectTV and The Current Group will likely have to undercut the current $100 average for those services. That’s good for consumers. With margins tight already, Current has the advantage of not having to upgrade networks with new wires.

The BPL service is reported to offer upload and download speeds of 8 megabits per second. It will be fierce competition with Verizon offering their FiOS service, and AT&T already establishing Wi-Fi hot spots. Officials at Current are optimistic though.

“Internet delivered over power lines offer upload speeds that are as fast as download speeds,” said Brendan Herron, Current’s vice president for corporate development and strategy.

“That’s very important for people who play video games and use other services that involve uploading video from their computers. … This is going to be a compelling service.”

Broadband Focus always believes more competition is good for consumers.

The body responsible for setting standards for BPL Provider delivery has developed a list which will govern Broadband Over Powerline. The IEEE set forth the requirements for IEEE P1901 which covers aspects including VoIP, video and the raw data delivery. These standards have desperately been needed for deployment if BPL is ever going to compete with cable and dsl internet alternatives.

‘”Gaining agreement for BPL system requirements is a major achievement and clears the way for the working group to create a solid standard,” says Jean-Philippe Faure, chair of the IEEE P1901 Working Group.”’

Ten years after the first tests with BPL were done in the UK, the technology still hasn’t gained a foothold. It was recently pointed out here on Broadbandfocus.com, that broadband deployment is at 0.008% of the broadband lines in the United States. Standards in the industry will clear up confusion for those providers seeking the path for BPL deployment.