IBM to fuse electric, telephone lines

NEVIN JOHN

TIMES NEWS NETWORK[ WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 08, 2006 01:28:18 AM]

MUMBAI: This may be the final word on convergence technology. For the first time, electricity, internet and phone are being made available on a single line to the Indian consumer.


IBM Global is set to start a pilot project in India to launch its broadband over power line (BPL) system in December. IBM is in talks with state electricity boards and power utilities for the project implementation. Sources said the Uttar Pradesh government is keen to implement a pilot project in the rural areas.

By increasing the grid observability, the BPL system can deliver stable and quality electricity, apart from internet and telecom facilities, through the same line.

Gary A Cohen, general manager, global communications, IBM, confirmed that his company is launching a pilot project in India soon. IBM has introduced this technology in countries like Italy, Germany, Spain, Belgium and the US. Besides India, it is planning to introduce the technology in China too.

“Electric transmission and distribution utilities have come under increasing pressure to improve efficiency and generate new revenue. To change this situation, IBM is introducing a solution for the electrical power industry, which can take care of the telecommunications service also,” said Mr Cohen.

Advance meter management, asset monitoring and management and mobile work force management can be done with BPL. IBM’s global software building team is working with the energy & utilities division for the Indian project.

BPL will make the electricity network intelligent and minimise transmission and distribution loss. BPL will help avoid power theft and transformer problems.