Motorola Delivers Broadband Coverage to Multi-Unit Buildings Through Standard Electrical Systems With Powerline MU

Tuesday September 12, 7:00 am ET
Latest Broadband Offering Extends Motorola's Commitment to Total Coverage


SCHAUMBURG, Ill, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT - News) today introduced a multi-unit (MU) building broadband solution, Powerline MU, that is the latest addition to the company's MOTOwi4(TM) portfolio. The Powerline MU solution delivers broadband access through a pervasive, existing network -- the building's electrical wiring. When combined with Motorola's Canopy® platform or one of Motorola's wi4 WiMAX solutions for backhaul, Powerline MU can provide affordable, always-on Internet connectivity access through standard power outlets within a building.

The Powerline MU solution converts Ethernet signal to a HomePlug® protocol with a Powerline MU Gateway located within the building. The gateway injects the signal directly into a building's electrical system. Users can then connect their computer or router to a Powerline modem that is plugged into a standard electrical outlet to gain access to the Internet.

Powerline MU is scheduled for commercial availability during Q4 2006 with initial introduction in North America, followed by anticipated availability in other markets.

"Powerline MU is a very cost-effective way for service providers, building owners, commercial property managers and businesses to provide occupants of multiple-unit buildings with reliable Internet connectivity," said Tom Hulsebosch, senior director of sales and marketing, Canopy Wireless Broadband Group, Motorola Networks & Enterprise. "The combination of the Motorola Powerline MU solution's high speed, low cost, and quick deployment to 'broadband enable' an entire building makes the Powerline MU solution very attractive to an Internet service provider, telco, or cable company."

While Motorola's Canopy or WiMAX systems are excellent ways to deliver broadband to the Powerline MU Gateway, the broadband signal can be provided by other Ethernet-based sources, cable, fiber optics, DSL, T1, E1 or satellite. This can save service providers and their customers time and money by leveraging existing assets.

Service providers are attracted to this broadband over powerline technology for its ease of deployment, scalability, low-cost and plug-and-play connectivity for subscribers. No truck roll is required to add new subscribers to the network after the Powerline MU Gateway is installed. For property managers, the ability to offer broadband connectivity in virtually every outlet to prospective tenants can be a powerful marketing advantage. Property managers may also leverage their new IP network for video surveillance, alarm systems or energy management.

Delivering IP coverage to virtually all spaces, the MOTOwi4 portfolio includes Fixed Wireless, WiMAX, Mesh, and Broadband over Powerline solutions -- including Powerline MU -- for private and public networks.

About Motorola Canopy BPL Solutions