Sabah, Malaysia: Realm BPL to provide BROADBAND via POWER LINES !!!

August 10 2006
Business Times


BROADBAND connection using power lines could be available in certain parts of the country beginning September.

Realm BPL Communications Sdn Bhd, a licensed Access Services Provider, is in the midst of a pre-rollout programme to enable broadband over power lines (BPL). It is working with Realm Energy Sdn Bhd, a licensed Network Facilities Provider and Network Services Provider.


"Selected areas from Perlis to Sabah will be (broadband) connected by power line connection beginning September. And from January 2007 onwards, a mass rollout programme throughout the country will be implemented," Realm BPL chief executive officer Abdul Latif Mohd Nasir said in a statement.


The technology is based on transmitting data and voice over power lines.


As this technology uses existing power lines in the houses and buildings, the potential penetration of broadband could be phenomenal, Abdul Latif added.


He said BPL technology is commercially viable and already implemented in the US, France, Germany, Spain and Hong Kong.


Extensive tests and trials were conducted in Malaysia prior to the issuance of the licences. These include streamlining guidelines, procedures, and policies.


"Obviously there were challenging issues that surfaced, like absorbing high international gateway access cost and preparing creative and useful content for users. However, the company is committed to remain competitive in servicing the market in the long term," the statement said.