Electricity rates may start going by the clock
Smart meters could let TXU, others charge by time of day
12:00 AM CST on Wednesday, January 31, 2007
By ELIZABETH SOUDER / The Dallas Morning News
esouder@dallasnews.com
By the end of this year, some electricity consumers in North Texas may have the option to save money by using power in the evening rather than during the day.
Thanks to a major power line upgrade that starts this week, electricity companies could charge different rates based on what time of day electricity is used. Customers who sign up for such pricing plans could get rock-bottom prices at night and on weekends but pay a hefty premium for power during peak hours.
Consumers will be able to monitor their electricity use and charges in real time, and some will be able to connect to the Internet through power lines.
This week TXU Corp. began installing the initial 10,000 smart meters in Dallas. The new meters are a key piece of a four-year technology upgrade that will turn North Texas power lines into a communications network.
"It's a communications network that we lay over the electricity network," said Jay Birnbaum, vice president for Current Communications Group, which created a partnership with TXU last year to help install and operate the new technology.
"We can talk to our equipment that we install throughout the network. We can talk to a modem inside your house if you're a broadband customer. And we can talk to a meter on the side of your house," he said.
Experts say the new technology could change the entire power industry. It will automate meter reading and help TXU Electric Delivery respond to power outages more quickly.
Generation costs go down, because consumers have an incentive to use power during off-peak hours, when it's cheaper to produce. And that means the state could need fewer new power plants to meet peak demand.
When experts talk about what the technology could one day mean for consumers, they describe an energy Utopia, a "House of Tomorrow" in which a consumer uses a Web site to control household appliances, turning on the air conditioner or the oven remotely before leaving work, setting the dishwasher to start when electricity prices drop, or putting the freezer on a strict electricity diet.
Making the switch
It all starts with new meters.
TXU Electric Delivery, the regulated wires-and-poles unit of the Dallas power company, began installing smart meters Tuesday in homes and businesses in Lakewood and surrounding neighborhoods. The trial installation will take about three weeks.
Each installation takes a couple of minutes. Spokeswoman Carol Peters said TXU will leave door hangers explaining the technology. If workers can't reach a meter behind a fence or inside a house, they will leave a hanger asking the owner to call and make arrangements for the switch, she said.
TXU plans to upgrade 300,000 meters in the Dallas-Fort Worth area by the end of the year. And by 2011, the company expects to have spent about $450 million to change nearly 3 million meters in its service territory.
All of the new meters will be automated, and many will have broadband-over-power-line technology, including those in Dallas, Fort Worth and some suburbs.
The new system will read electricity meters 96 times a day. And TXU Electric Delivery will create a Web site where consumers can check their electricity use in real time, Ms. Peters said.
Eventually, Current, which is adding technology to the wires as TXU upgrades meters, will offer broadband Internet service over power lines to consumers. Mr. Birnbaum declined to say when. He said the company will probably roll out the service in individual neighborhoods as the technology upgrades are completed.
The cost of the new technology could trickle down to consumers if state regulators allow TXU to increase the amount it charges electricity providers for using power lines.
Customer's viewpoint
Some TXU Energy customers are already testing a simple time-of-use product.
The company launched a pilot program last year charging 11.9 cents per kilowatt-hour during mornings, nights and weekends, and during the winter. But May through October, between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays, the price soars to 29.8 cents per kilowatt-hour.
Edith Omberg, a retiree in Hillsboro, signed up for the program because she thinks she can save some money next summer. She said she's already become more strict about electricity use as prices have risen.
"It may be some work, aggravation even, you know," she said. "And I'm retired; we will be home. But I think I can do it."
She plans to set her temperature above 80 degrees during the afternoons and do her laundry in the mornings.
"We have energy-saving light bulbs, you know, and if I can keep the husband from leaving the hall light on all the time whether he needs it, this sort of thing, I think we'll do well," she added.
TXU Energy spokeswoman Sophia Stoller said the company will roll out the pricing plan to more customers this year.
She said executives will reset the prices to keep them competitive. Since the pilot program began, some retailers have begun charging less than 11 cents per kilowatt-hour all day long.
Other electricity providers are considering whether to offer their own time-of-use pricing plan to compete with TXU Energy. Once the new technology is installed, competing providers could create their own time-of-use pricing plans, collecting the data generated by the new meters and billing customers accordingly.
Matthew Benner, senior vice president of retail marketing and operations for Reliant, said he's thinking about offering such a system. He likes the idea of giving consumers an incentive to use energy at a time when demand is usually low and power costs less on the wholesale market.
"Time of use is just a fabulous idea. The cost to provide power during the peak is just a lot higher than providing power other times of day," he said.
During peak demand times, electricity generators must fire up their older, less efficient generators to meet demand. That boosts the wholesale market price. When demand dies down in the evening, power companies can rely on more efficient plants, and market prices drop.
Foreseeing confusion
But other people in the industry worry that charging different prices could be too confusing for some consumers who are still getting accustomed to the deregulated market.
Brent Moore is head of SaveOnEnergy, a Web site that helps consumers choose electricity plans. He thinks the time-of-use system is the future of the industry, but it's a little early for most consumers.
"If I get a customer on the phone today that was with TXU for 60 years and I was trying to convince them to switch, and I tried to offer them that product, I would get a deer in the headlights," he said.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Report: "Con Edison's failure to properly maintain and operate its electricity network was the primary cause of NY CITY blackout last July." !!!
Regulator failed to monitor Con Edison - report
Tue Jan 30, 2007 3:40am ET
NEW YORK, Jan 30 (Reuters) - A large decline in the number of staff at the New York State Public Service Commission contributed to its failure to adequately monitor power company Consolidated Edison Inc. (ED.N: Quote, Profile , Research), according to a State Assembly task force report cited by The New York Times.
The report is a response to a blackout that struck the borough of Queens in New York City last July, cutting power to more than 174,000 people at the height of a heat wave.
An Assembly member provided a copy of the report to the Times on Monday, the paper reported in its Tuesday edition. It is scheduled to be released on Tuesday, the Times said.
In a report of its own released earlier this month, the State Public Service Commission concluded that Con Edison's failure to properly maintain and operate its electricity network was the primary cause of the blackout.
In the report obtained by the Times, the task force found that the commission had about 800 employees when George Pataki began the first of three terms as governor, the Times said. Now, partly due to deregulation, it has about 550 employees, the paper said.
The task force also recommended that the state review Con Edison's monopoly every 10 years, the Times said.
The report agreed with the state commission's report that Con Edison undergo a formal proceeding, which could result in financial penalties, the Times said.
It also recommended that Con Edison spend $20 million over three years to develop an electrical grid in western Queens that would use energy more efficiently and permit the company to better monitor its use, the Times reported.
State Public Service Commission officials could not immediately be reached for comment.
Tue Jan 30, 2007 3:40am ET
NEW YORK, Jan 30 (Reuters) - A large decline in the number of staff at the New York State Public Service Commission contributed to its failure to adequately monitor power company Consolidated Edison Inc. (ED.N: Quote, Profile , Research), according to a State Assembly task force report cited by The New York Times.
The report is a response to a blackout that struck the borough of Queens in New York City last July, cutting power to more than 174,000 people at the height of a heat wave.
An Assembly member provided a copy of the report to the Times on Monday, the paper reported in its Tuesday edition. It is scheduled to be released on Tuesday, the Times said.
In a report of its own released earlier this month, the State Public Service Commission concluded that Con Edison's failure to properly maintain and operate its electricity network was the primary cause of the blackout.
In the report obtained by the Times, the task force found that the commission had about 800 employees when George Pataki began the first of three terms as governor, the Times said. Now, partly due to deregulation, it has about 550 employees, the paper said.
The task force also recommended that the state review Con Edison's monopoly every 10 years, the Times said.
The report agreed with the state commission's report that Con Edison undergo a formal proceeding, which could result in financial penalties, the Times said.
It also recommended that Con Edison spend $20 million over three years to develop an electrical grid in western Queens that would use energy more efficiently and permit the company to better monitor its use, the Times reported.
State Public Service Commission officials could not immediately be reached for comment.
Ambient Corporation`s patent for Inductive coupler for power line communications is approved by the U.S. Patent and Trademark office !
United States Patent 7,170,367
Cern January 30, 2007
Inductive coupler for power line communications
Coupler for Overhead Lines
Coupler for Underground Lines
Abstract
There is provided an inductive coupler for coupling a data signal to a power line. The inductive coupler includes a split magnetic core having an aperture formed by an upper magnetic core and a lower magnetic core. The aperture permits the power line to pass therethrough as a primary winding, the upper magnetic core is for making electrical contact with an outer surface of the power line, and the lower magnetic core makes electrical contact with the upper magnetic core.
Inventors: Cern; Yehuda (Brookline, MA)
Assignee: Ambient Corporation (Newton, MA)
Appl. No.: 10/973,087
Filed: October 25, 2004
More details:
US PTO
Google may rely on Broadband Powerline (BPL) due to WI-FI Interference problems !!!
Google's Powerline Play
JANUARY 25, 2007
Google (Nasdaq: GOOG - message board) may rely on broadband over power line (BPL) technology to augment its Mountain View, Calif., WiFi network in the face of alleged interference problems, one analyst says.
Google outfitted Mountain View with free WiFi last year (See Mountain View Gets Free Access and Google Takes WiFi Plan to the 'Hood.) But interference with other WiFi networks is creating "security and containability issues," Global Equities Research analyst Trip Chowdhry writes in a report issued earlier this month.
So, apparently, it's BPL to the rescue.
"Contacts feel Google WiFi network interference can be solved when Google rolls out DS2-based, 200 Mbit/s powerline home networking technology," Chowdhry writes.
The company Chowdhry refers to -- Design of Systems on Silicon (DS2) , of Spain -- sells BPL gear, including dongles (the adapters that plug into the wall), based on Universal Powerline Association high speed powerline networking standards. (See Pirelli Uses DS2 for Powerline.) So when might Google make a decision on the technology? "Probably within next 12 to 18 months," Chowdhry tells Light Reading.
Another source tells Light Reading that Google is in the "talking and exploring" phase with powerline home networking.
Google spokesman Brian O'Shaughnessy called any engagement with DS2 "rumor" and declined further comment.
In fact, Google isn't even admitting to the interference problem, despite several reports to the contrary from Mountain View users. (See WiFi Outlook Cloudy in Mountain View.) "You stated that users were having interference problems in their homes; I would take issue with that," O'Shaunessy says. "We haven't seen any evidence of that.”
Google has shown an interest in BPL in the past. The company invested in the BPL vendor Current Communications Group LLC in July 2005. But Current doesn't make home networking gear; its technology is focused on helping electric utilities deliver broadband service over the public power grid. (See Current Comms Raises $130M.)
Google has a foot in home networking as well. In November 2006, it invested in the startup Meraki, which makes in-home wireless mesh routers intended to extend muni WiFi signal into apartment buildings and homes. (See Google Invests in Indoor Mesh.)
Chowdhry believes Google has spent between $1.2 million and $1.5 million on WiFi equipment for Mountain View. The city covers about 12 square miles and is home to around 72,000 people.
— Mark Sullivan, Reporter, Light Reading
Read Previous article: Google, GS, SENSUS,TXU, GE, EarthLink put $230M in Current Communications ~ 10 Mbps Symmetrical speed Broadband over Power Lines Internet service !!!
India: Broadband over power lines to take over DSL soon
Broadband over power lines to take over DSL soon
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
New Delhi: Broadband over power lines is set to overtake cable and digital subscriber lines (DSL) across United States. Sooner or later, transferring voice and data through power lines will be a reality in India as well.
The Department of information and technology at the moment is considering the four proposals received for funding the pilot project. The project is aimed at finding out the feasibility of the new broadband over power lines technology in the country.
This would make Internet surfing quite easy. Customers need to plug the modem into an electric outlet to access the broadband connection. It is a cost-effective way to the alternative cable-modem, as it does not require new infrastructure.
While broadband over power lines has been tested worldwide, the pilot project has been initiated in India recently through upgraded modems that are required for transmission to electricity lines.
Of the four proposals received by Department of Information and technology, two proposals have come from Power and Electric Supply Corporation, New Delhi and Calcutta. The Central Power Research Institute in Bangalore has also proposed to undertake a project, which might cost between Rs1-5 crore, according to government sources.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
New Delhi: Broadband over power lines is set to overtake cable and digital subscriber lines (DSL) across United States. Sooner or later, transferring voice and data through power lines will be a reality in India as well.
The Department of information and technology at the moment is considering the four proposals received for funding the pilot project. The project is aimed at finding out the feasibility of the new broadband over power lines technology in the country.
This would make Internet surfing quite easy. Customers need to plug the modem into an electric outlet to access the broadband connection. It is a cost-effective way to the alternative cable-modem, as it does not require new infrastructure.
While broadband over power lines has been tested worldwide, the pilot project has been initiated in India recently through upgraded modems that are required for transmission to electricity lines.
Of the four proposals received by Department of Information and technology, two proposals have come from Power and Electric Supply Corporation, New Delhi and Calcutta. The Central Power Research Institute in Bangalore has also proposed to undertake a project, which might cost between Rs1-5 crore, according to government sources.
Monday, January 29, 2007
TXU to install digital electric meters !!!
TXU to install digital electric meters
Associated Press
Posted on Mon, Jan. 29, 2007
DALLAS - Utility meter readers may soon go the way of the milkman and typewriter salesmen.
Electricity-provider TXU will begin installing digital, automated meters in Dallas on Tuesday and plans to automate its entire system by 2011.
Crews for TXU Corp.'s electric-delivery unit will spend three weeks replacing conventional meters, followed by six to eight weeks of testing.
The new meters will be connected to the Internet through power lines, TXU said. Company officials say automation will cut the number of power failures and the time it takes to restore service after an outage because the meters can send and receive signals - alerting crews to potential problems.
"For 100 years we've sent electrons one-way down the wire. Now something will be coming back. This little box will call and tell us you're out" of power, Tom Baker, the chief executive of TXU's electric-delivery unit, said at the time.
TXU will be using a system called BPL, or broadband over power line to communicate with the meters. In October, TXU said it had agreed to buy 400,000 BPL-ready meters from an Indiana company for an undisclosed price.
TXU and privately held Current Communications Group LLC hope to sell Internet service over power lines to up to 2 million electricity customers in North Texas over the next several years. Consumers would get service by plugging a modem into a standard electrical outlet.
BPL faces technological and economic hurdles to becoming as commonplace as cable or phone-line Internet service. But members of the Federal Communications Commission who viewed the TXU house in Dallas last year were guardedly optimistic about the technology's potential to offer competition to cable and phone providers of Internet service.
Associated Press
Posted on Mon, Jan. 29, 2007
DALLAS - Utility meter readers may soon go the way of the milkman and typewriter salesmen.
Electricity-provider TXU will begin installing digital, automated meters in Dallas on Tuesday and plans to automate its entire system by 2011.
Crews for TXU Corp.'s electric-delivery unit will spend three weeks replacing conventional meters, followed by six to eight weeks of testing.
The new meters will be connected to the Internet through power lines, TXU said. Company officials say automation will cut the number of power failures and the time it takes to restore service after an outage because the meters can send and receive signals - alerting crews to potential problems.
"For 100 years we've sent electrons one-way down the wire. Now something will be coming back. This little box will call and tell us you're out" of power, Tom Baker, the chief executive of TXU's electric-delivery unit, said at the time.
TXU will be using a system called BPL, or broadband over power line to communicate with the meters. In October, TXU said it had agreed to buy 400,000 BPL-ready meters from an Indiana company for an undisclosed price.
TXU and privately held Current Communications Group LLC hope to sell Internet service over power lines to up to 2 million electricity customers in North Texas over the next several years. Consumers would get service by plugging a modem into a standard electrical outlet.
BPL faces technological and economic hurdles to becoming as commonplace as cable or phone-line Internet service. But members of the Federal Communications Commission who viewed the TXU house in Dallas last year were guardedly optimistic about the technology's potential to offer competition to cable and phone providers of Internet service.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
TIA Report: Broadband Demand Drives Highest Telecom Industry Growth Since 2000
2007 Market Review and Forecast Shows U.S. Revenues Grow 9.3 Percent, Worldwide Revenues Up 11.2 Percent
ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In 2006, the U.S. telecommunications market grew at its fastest rate since 2000, showing that the drive towards convergence continues to stimulate the telecommunications industry, according to TIA’s 2007 Telecommunications Market Review and Forecast.
Each year, TIA’s Telecommunications Market Review and Forecast analyzes the trends affecting the information and communications technology industry. The report includes an overview of the entire industry, as well as detailed sections on the landline, wireless, equipment and international markets.
TIA’s annual review of the health of the telecom industry shows that the U.S. market grew 9.3 percent in 2006 to total $923 billion in revenue, and the worldwide telecommunications market grew 11.2 percent to total $3 trillion. Demand for broadband and high-speed services is fueling this growth, as carriers invest in new fiber, new IP technology and new wireless infrastructure to provide state-of-the-art voice, video and data services.
“Consumers are thirsty for broadband, and this report shows carriers are rushing to meet the demand,” said Grant Seiffert, TIA president. “Technologies like voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) and broadband video, as well as new mobile data services, are sparking new growth in the telecommunications industry. As a result, carriers are offering more competitive all-in-one bundled packages, and consumers are seeing lower prices and more services.”
The publication reports that the U.S. market continues its transition, as both landline and wireless providers upgrade their networks to offer bundled and high-speed services to consumers. As a result, the U.S. network and enterprise equipment markets experienced a double-digit increase in revenue for the third straight year in 2006. Accelerated fiber deployment is a principal catalyst for the market expansion.
The report forecasts growth for competing new broadband technologies such as fiber, satellite, wireless and broadband over powerline, which combined will account for more than 11 percent of broadband subscribers in 2010. However, in 2006, cable modems and digital subscriber line (DSL) technology continued to dominate the U.S. market, capturing 96 percent of the broadband market, which in 2005 overtook dial-up access service. By 2010, 87 percent of Internet connections will be over broadband technology.
Broadband video is one driving force behind deployment of the state-of-the-art fiber needed to carry the high-capacity signal for this new technology, which allows telephone carriers to provide a TV service comparable to cable TV. More than 12 million miles of fiber were deployed in 2006, up 9.1 percent from 2005, with nearly 10 million miles being deployed by the telephone companies.
While growth in voice traffic continues to stimulate the wireless market, data and multimedia applications will drive wireless revenues in the future. Though accounting for just 10 percent of U.S. wireless revenue in 2006, wireless data and multimedia services are forecast to make up 24 percent of all wireless revenue by 2010. Accordingly, wireless carriers are investing in network upgrades to boost speed and availability.
Growth is expected in VoIP, as the broadband-based phone technology is forecast to make up 34 percent of all U.S. residential landlines by 2010, or 25.5 million subscribers, up from just 10 percent and 9.5 million subscribers in 2006. A majority of cable telephone subscriptions use VoIP.
More U.S. businesses are using communication systems based on Internet protocol technology. The adoption of IP-based “converged” enterprise network equipment has surged during the past two years as leases of legacy equipment have expired, the report says. IP/converged systems are expected to overtake traditional enterprise systems by 2009.
Worldwide, Europe has the largest telecommunications market, measuring at $1 trillion, with the U.S. second at $923 billion and Asia/Pacific third at $715 billion. Overall, the international market grew 12.1 percent in 2006. Middle East/Africa was the fastest- growing region, expanding at 21.6 percent. By 2010, the global market is expected to reach $4.3 trillion in revenue.
TIA represents the information and communications technology industry, and its members represent the entire telecommunications supply chain, from infrastructure provider to device maker.
ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In 2006, the U.S. telecommunications market grew at its fastest rate since 2000, showing that the drive towards convergence continues to stimulate the telecommunications industry, according to TIA’s 2007 Telecommunications Market Review and Forecast.
Each year, TIA’s Telecommunications Market Review and Forecast analyzes the trends affecting the information and communications technology industry. The report includes an overview of the entire industry, as well as detailed sections on the landline, wireless, equipment and international markets.
TIA’s annual review of the health of the telecom industry shows that the U.S. market grew 9.3 percent in 2006 to total $923 billion in revenue, and the worldwide telecommunications market grew 11.2 percent to total $3 trillion. Demand for broadband and high-speed services is fueling this growth, as carriers invest in new fiber, new IP technology and new wireless infrastructure to provide state-of-the-art voice, video and data services.
“Consumers are thirsty for broadband, and this report shows carriers are rushing to meet the demand,” said Grant Seiffert, TIA president. “Technologies like voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) and broadband video, as well as new mobile data services, are sparking new growth in the telecommunications industry. As a result, carriers are offering more competitive all-in-one bundled packages, and consumers are seeing lower prices and more services.”
The publication reports that the U.S. market continues its transition, as both landline and wireless providers upgrade their networks to offer bundled and high-speed services to consumers. As a result, the U.S. network and enterprise equipment markets experienced a double-digit increase in revenue for the third straight year in 2006. Accelerated fiber deployment is a principal catalyst for the market expansion.
The report forecasts growth for competing new broadband technologies such as fiber, satellite, wireless and broadband over powerline, which combined will account for more than 11 percent of broadband subscribers in 2010. However, in 2006, cable modems and digital subscriber line (DSL) technology continued to dominate the U.S. market, capturing 96 percent of the broadband market, which in 2005 overtook dial-up access service. By 2010, 87 percent of Internet connections will be over broadband technology.
Broadband video is one driving force behind deployment of the state-of-the-art fiber needed to carry the high-capacity signal for this new technology, which allows telephone carriers to provide a TV service comparable to cable TV. More than 12 million miles of fiber were deployed in 2006, up 9.1 percent from 2005, with nearly 10 million miles being deployed by the telephone companies.
While growth in voice traffic continues to stimulate the wireless market, data and multimedia applications will drive wireless revenues in the future. Though accounting for just 10 percent of U.S. wireless revenue in 2006, wireless data and multimedia services are forecast to make up 24 percent of all wireless revenue by 2010. Accordingly, wireless carriers are investing in network upgrades to boost speed and availability.
Growth is expected in VoIP, as the broadband-based phone technology is forecast to make up 34 percent of all U.S. residential landlines by 2010, or 25.5 million subscribers, up from just 10 percent and 9.5 million subscribers in 2006. A majority of cable telephone subscriptions use VoIP.
More U.S. businesses are using communication systems based on Internet protocol technology. The adoption of IP-based “converged” enterprise network equipment has surged during the past two years as leases of legacy equipment have expired, the report says. IP/converged systems are expected to overtake traditional enterprise systems by 2009.
Worldwide, Europe has the largest telecommunications market, measuring at $1 trillion, with the U.S. second at $923 billion and Asia/Pacific third at $715 billion. Overall, the international market grew 12.1 percent in 2006. Middle East/Africa was the fastest- growing region, expanding at 21.6 percent. By 2010, the global market is expected to reach $4.3 trillion in revenue.
TIA represents the information and communications technology industry, and its members represent the entire telecommunications supply chain, from infrastructure provider to device maker.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Google's Powerline Play: Google may rely on Broadband Powerline (BPL) due to WI-FI interference problem !!!
Google's Powerline Play
JANUARY 25, 2007
Google (Nasdaq: GOOG - message board) may rely on broadband over power line (BPL) technology to augment its Mountain View, Calif., WiFi network in the face of alleged interference problems, one analyst says.
Google outfitted Mountain View with free WiFi last year (See Mountain View Gets Free Access and Google Takes WiFi Plan to the 'Hood.) But interference with other WiFi networks is creating "security and containability issues," Global Equities Research analyst Trip Chowdhry writes in a report issued earlier this month.
So, apparently, it's BPL to the rescue.
"Contacts feel Google WiFi network interference can be solved when Google rolls out DS2-based, 200 Mbit/s powerline home networking technology," Chowdhry writes.
The company Chowdhry refers to -- Design of Systems on Silicon (DS2) , of Spain -- sells BPL gear, including dongles (the adapters that plug into the wall), based on Universal Powerline Association high speed powerline networking standards. (See Pirelli Uses DS2 for Powerline.) So when might Google make a decision on the technology? "Probably within next 12 to 18 months," Chowdhry tells Light Reading.
Another source tells Light Reading that Google is in the "talking and exploring" phase with powerline home networking.
Google spokesman Brian O'Shaughnessy called any engagement with DS2 "rumor" and declined further comment.
In fact, Google isn't even admitting to the interference problem, despite several reports to the contrary from Mountain View users. (See WiFi Outlook Cloudy in Mountain View.) "You stated that users were having interference problems in their homes; I would take issue with that," O'Shaunessy says. "We haven't seen any evidence of that.”
Google has shown an interest in BPL in the past. The company invested in the BPL vendor Current Communications Group LLC in July 2005. But Current doesn't make home networking gear; its technology is focused on helping electric utilities deliver broadband service over the public power grid. (See Current Comms Raises $130M.)
Google has a foot in home networking as well. In November 2006, it invested in the startup Meraki, which makes in-home wireless mesh routers intended to extend muni WiFi signal into apartment buildings and homes. (See Google Invests in Indoor Mesh.)
Chowdhry believes Google has spent between $1.2 million and $1.5 million on WiFi equipment for Mountain View. The city covers about 12 square miles and is home to around 72,000 people.
— Mark Sullivan, Reporter, Light Reading
Read Previous article: Google, GS, SENSUS,TXU, GE, EarthLink put $230M in Current Communications ~ 10 Mbps Symmetrical speed Broadband over Power Lines Internet service !!!
Broadband Power Line Winter Conference 2007:Ambient Corp`s Ram Rao is moderating "Broadband Technology Showdown" panel & speaking on "Smart Grid Apps"
UPLC Winter Meeting 2007
Ram Rao is moderating the "Broadband Technology Showdown" panel and speaking on the "Smart Grid Applications" panel
Broadband Power Line Winter Conference:
Everything from Smart Grid to Home Networking
February 27 - March 2, 2007
Red Rock Casino - Resort - Spa
Las Vegas, NV
Come see Ambient in Booth #5 & 6 in the Exhibit Hall
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Parks Associates: U.S. Home Controls Market to Exceed $3 Billion in 2007
(23/1/2007)
The U.S. market for home controllers, while not reaching full mass-market deployment, will grow from $3 billion in 2005 to $3.5 billion in 2007, according to Parks Associates' upcoming report Home Systems: Home Controls Update. This growth will come despite a difficult market for new homes and largely because of industry efforts such as Best Buy's new ConnectedLife.Home package, which will raise awareness among consumers of the possibilities and affordability of intelligent home systems.
"Activities like the Best Buy announcement are setting the stage for broad-based adoption of connected home systems," said Bill Ablondi, director of home systems research for Parks Associates. "The market for home controls lacks consumer awareness, not technical capability, and the entry of high-profile companies, together with the increasing adoption of broadband and connected-entertainment services, will help overcome this hurdle."
Home Systems: Home Controls Update states that by 2010, more than 30 million U.S. households will have a network that bridges numerous products and extends the entertainment experience to multiple rooms in the home. Home controls will benefit greatly from this increasing connectivity, and the market will grow steadily over the next six years, exceeding $4 billion in 2010 and reaching $6 billion by 2012.
"Historically home control systems have been associated with the new-home market," Ablondi said. "We will see this trend change dramatically over the next few years as powerline and wireless technologies will eliminate the need to re-wire existing homes in order to provide control and audio/video distribution capabilities. With the population of pre-existing homes open to home controls, this market will have immense potential."
Home Systems: Home Controls Update provides in-depth analysis and a competitive assessment of the home controls market based on surveys and research of all principals in the home systems installation channel, including custom electronic systems designers/integrators, security systems integrators/installers, home builders, and consumers. The report also provides updated forecasts of unit sales and revenues for home controls, presented both in aggregate and in key segments including application, single-family vs. multifamily units, and new vs. existing homes.
www.parksassociates.com
The U.S. market for home controllers, while not reaching full mass-market deployment, will grow from $3 billion in 2005 to $3.5 billion in 2007, according to Parks Associates' upcoming report Home Systems: Home Controls Update. This growth will come despite a difficult market for new homes and largely because of industry efforts such as Best Buy's new ConnectedLife.Home package, which will raise awareness among consumers of the possibilities and affordability of intelligent home systems.
"Activities like the Best Buy announcement are setting the stage for broad-based adoption of connected home systems," said Bill Ablondi, director of home systems research for Parks Associates. "The market for home controls lacks consumer awareness, not technical capability, and the entry of high-profile companies, together with the increasing adoption of broadband and connected-entertainment services, will help overcome this hurdle."
Home Systems: Home Controls Update states that by 2010, more than 30 million U.S. households will have a network that bridges numerous products and extends the entertainment experience to multiple rooms in the home. Home controls will benefit greatly from this increasing connectivity, and the market will grow steadily over the next six years, exceeding $4 billion in 2010 and reaching $6 billion by 2012.
"Historically home control systems have been associated with the new-home market," Ablondi said. "We will see this trend change dramatically over the next few years as powerline and wireless technologies will eliminate the need to re-wire existing homes in order to provide control and audio/video distribution capabilities. With the population of pre-existing homes open to home controls, this market will have immense potential."
Home Systems: Home Controls Update provides in-depth analysis and a competitive assessment of the home controls market based on surveys and research of all principals in the home systems installation channel, including custom electronic systems designers/integrators, security systems integrators/installers, home builders, and consumers. The report also provides updated forecasts of unit sales and revenues for home controls, presented both in aggregate and in key segments including application, single-family vs. multifamily units, and new vs. existing homes.
www.parksassociates.com
New DS2 Powerline Adapter enables Instant Networking at home or in the office
Valencia, 18th January 2007, - DS2, the global leader in powerline communication chipsets today announced the launch of a new power line adapter reference design with a unique built-in power socket that frees up the wall-outlet for other appliances. The reference design is targeted at manufacturers of networking equipment for the retail and IPTV operator markets. Among the features that make this the best of breed reference design for high speed powerline networking in the home or office are a one-touch set-up to create HDTV-speed home networks for PC’s, MAC, Xbox 360, broadband modems or other devices in seconds and an environmentally friendly standby mode for energy saving when not in use.
Based on the most widely adopted Universal Powerline Association high speed powerline networking standards, the DH10PF reference design is fully interoperable with other UPA certified 200 Mbps powerline networking products.
The DH10PF has been designed to ensure that end users have a simple, trouble-free installation experience. The built in power socket ensures that the user does not lose a wall outlet, as well as providing an intuitive mechanism to ensure that the modem is isolated from local noise sources. The enhanced user interface includes a button which can be used to reset the modem to its factory default values or for single-button-security allowing the encryption keys for new modems added to the network to be configured automatically with a single button-press removing the need to use a separate PC for this purpose. The multi-color LED included in the design can be used to indicate the link quality simplifying installation where performance is critical such as high definition video streaming.
Features
· 200 Mbps throughput
· Built in “pass through” socket for ease of installation
· Embedded powerline noise filter for enhanced performance
· Standby Mode for Energy Saving
· Button for software features such as factory reset and one button security set-up
· Multi-color powerline channel status indicator
· QoS for simultaneous real-time multimedia applications
· Plug-and-play self-configuration
· Multicast for video and audio distribution
· Integrated 802.1D Ethernet bridge
· Automatic repeating function for maximum coverage
· Software configuration application
· Support for UPA Standards:
o DHS Home Networking
o Opera Broadband Powerline Access
· 3DES security for personal privacy and network integrity
· Programmable frequency notching for global regulatory compliance
· Flexible API and software development tools
DS2 reference designs provide everything required to move quickly into production of powerline adapters.
NEW YORK CITY Council to Consider Broadband Accessibility via Broadband over Power Lines in March 2007 meeting !!!
City Council to Consider Broadband Accessibility
High-Speed Connection Presents Challenges, Rewards
Elizabeth Kraushar
Posted: 1/25/07
If a City Council proposal gets passed, New York City residents could receive high-speed broadband Internet access from the same electrical outlets they use to plug in their toasters.
This technology, called broadband over power lines, will be considered by the council's newly established Broadband Advisory Committee in March. The committee's stated goal is to consult with the mayor on increasing access to "Broadband connections [which] are improving the quality of life across all ages and sectors."
According to an article written by Gale Brewer, chair of the Committee on Technology in Government, and her Chief of Staff Bruce Lai and published by the Committee on Technology in Government in December 2005, "New York City cannot expect to retain its place as a leading world city if many of its residents and businesses do not have access to affordable broadband, which is quickly becoming a requirement for successfully competing in today's global information economy."
The council will be considering BPL as one of many possible options for increasing access. Other options include Wi-Fi and Wi-Max technologies that provide wireless Internet access.
Residents of Trump properties are among the few users who currently have access to BPL in New York City.
Lai said the City government has to focus on working with the private sector to figure out how to create more affordable options for making Internet access available to residents.
"One of the focuses is how does government work with the private sector to provide more options to residents," Lai said.
More on New York City for BPL: click here
High-Speed Connection Presents Challenges, Rewards
Elizabeth Kraushar
Posted: 1/25/07
If a City Council proposal gets passed, New York City residents could receive high-speed broadband Internet access from the same electrical outlets they use to plug in their toasters.
This technology, called broadband over power lines, will be considered by the council's newly established Broadband Advisory Committee in March. The committee's stated goal is to consult with the mayor on increasing access to "Broadband connections [which] are improving the quality of life across all ages and sectors."
According to an article written by Gale Brewer, chair of the Committee on Technology in Government, and her Chief of Staff Bruce Lai and published by the Committee on Technology in Government in December 2005, "New York City cannot expect to retain its place as a leading world city if many of its residents and businesses do not have access to affordable broadband, which is quickly becoming a requirement for successfully competing in today's global information economy."
The council will be considering BPL as one of many possible options for increasing access. Other options include Wi-Fi and Wi-Max technologies that provide wireless Internet access.
Residents of Trump properties are among the few users who currently have access to BPL in New York City.
Lai said the City government has to focus on working with the private sector to figure out how to create more affordable options for making Internet access available to residents.
"One of the focuses is how does government work with the private sector to provide more options to residents," Lai said.
More on New York City for BPL: click here
Last Mile magazine an exclusive one-on-one interview with John Joyce, President and CEO of Ambient Corporation !!!
Download the original attachment: 2006 12 Last Mile Ambient.pdf
One of John Joyce statements:
"Our internal conferences with our field engineers are normally conducted as video conferences that are delivered over our BPL network established in Charlotte,he says. Even though it`s not something we market or advertised, typically, we demonstrate weekly in our own internal applications the capability for video conferencing."
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Universal Powerline Association Membership Tripled in 2006 !!!
24 January 2007, 04:00am ET
LONDON, Jan 24, 2007 (BUSINESS WIRE) --
The Universal Powerline Association (UPA) today announced that its membership tripled during 2006, bringing its membership to over 20 premier companies. The new members come from various countries around the world, from diverse market segments and represent the key elements of the Powerline communications value chain including multiple silicon providers, home networking product manufacturers, BPL Access product manufacturers, and system integrators. Driving the recruitment of new members is the UPA vision of openness and a harmonious Powerline communications market based on open standards and regulations globally.
New members include: BPL Global, Commax, Comtrend, Current Technologies, Cypress Semiconductor, D-Link, Naeil Community, Netgear, Open Solutions, Pirelli Broadband and Watteco.
The UPA aligns industry leaders in the global Powerline communications market and covers all markets, including the access market and the in-home Powerline market. The UPA strives to ensure a level playing field for the deployment of interoperable, coexistent Powerline products to benefit consumers worldwide. As the number of UPA product developers continues to grow, so will the global mission of the UPA. The resulting product certification and compliance with UPA specifications will continue to expand. Additional membership, including Powerline Management software and second source silicon companies, strengthens the UPA's ongoing mission and increases the benefits to consumers globally.
"The UPA has further established itself as the Powerline Communications organization that works with leading standard setting bodies to establish global standards. Standards based on coexistence and interoperability are key to the success of this industry," stated Eric Morel, Chairman of the UPA. "We look forward to even greater progress in 2007, where we will have more interoperability events and even greater membership."
Additional members from all UPA membership categories are coming on board with announcements following shortly in 2007. In the 4th Quarter 2006, the UPA enhanced its membership categories to best serve the needs of all market participants ensuring ongoing participation at all levels.
For more information on joining the UPA contact, Donald Pollock at + 44 1780 470003 or donald.pollock@universalpowerlineassociation.com.
About the UPA
The Universal Powerline Association (UPA) is an International not-for-profit trade association working to promote global standards and regulations in the fast developing powerline communications market. The UPA aims to catalyze the growth of powerline technology by delivering UPA certified products that comply with these specified standards and regulations. All products and applications designed around UPA guidelines will communicate, from simple coexistence to full interoperability. The UPA provides all powerline players the opportunity to respond to key customer expectations with open standards, based on interoperability, security and coexistence and supported by exclusive and independent certifications, the only global guarantee of quality and confidence for high-speed power line technology available today.
Members of the UPA include AcBel Polytech Inc., Ambient Corporation, BPL Global, Corinex Communications Corp., Current Technologies International, Cypress Semiconductor, D-Link, DS2, Duke Energy, Ilevo (Schneider Electric Powerline Communications), Itochu Corporation, Netgear, Open Solutions, PCN Technology, Pirelli Broadband, Sumitomo Electric Industries, Tecnocom, Toshiba Electronics Europe GmbH, TOYO Network Systems and Watteco.
Additional information about the UPA is available at www.upaplc.org.
Broadband Powerline Technology Gear-maker Ambient Corp. Announces Highest Recorded Revenue Since Inception !!!
Ambient Announces Significant Increase in Revenue over Previous Fiscal Year
Wednesday January 24, 8:34 am ET
Highest Recorded Revenue Since Inception
BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ambient Corporation (OTCBB: ABTG - News), a leader in Broadband over Power Lines (BPL) solutions, announced today that it expects to report record revenues for its fourth quarter ended December 31, 2006. Ambient released preliminary consolidated revenue figures of approximately $1.45 million (unaudited) for the three months ended December 31, 2006.
Based on preliminary fourth quarter sales results, Ambient expects to report revenues of approximately $2.353 million for fiscal year 2006, an 893% increase over fiscal year 2005 revenues of $236,903.
"We are very pleased with our fourth quarter performance, which represents Ambient's most significant quarter, let alone year, since inception," said John J. Joyce, Ambient's President and CEO. "Our growth over the past couple of quarters, as we continued a strong revenue trend, can be attributed to a combination of factors that includes the availability of working capital from the convertible debt financing that we completed in the second quarter of 2006, our expanded pilot deployments and the launch of our newest generation BPL products."
"We view the latter half of 2006 as a significant turning point for Ambient and are excited about 2007 as we endeavor to build on this momentum and the continued development and launch of our newest products and applications. As we fulfill the purchase order received from Duke Energy in September 2006 and continue to build-out the Charlotte, North Carolina deployment, we expect revenue in the first quarter 2007 to be comparable with the last quarter 2006," continued Mr. Joyce.
The results announced by Ambient today are preliminary in nature and as Ambient reports revenues on a net sales basis, it is possible that reported results may differ in the event of year-end adjustments. Ambient has sustained losses since its inception, and expects to incur additional losses for the immediate future requiring the need to raise additional funds.
About Ambient Corporation
Ambient Corporation, a development stage company and founding member of the Universal Powerline Association (UPA), is a pioneer in the Broadband over Power Lines (BPL) industry. Engaged in the design, development and marketing of patented BPL equipment and technologies, Ambient's proprietary technology and in-depth industry experience is designed to provide optimal solutions for the Utility and Multi-Dwelling Unit (MDU) markets. Headquartered in Newton, MA, Ambient is a publicly traded company (OTC BB: ABTG - News). Visit Ambient at www.ambientcorp.com.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Venture investment rises !!!
Venture investment rises
Md. broadband company is No. 3 in nation in drawing dollars
By Tricia Bishop
Sun reporter
Originally published January 23, 2007
A Germantown company that transfers high-speed data over power lines drew one of the country's biggest venture-capital investments last year, tying an Arizona business for third place, according to year-end information being released today.
The $130 million that Current Communications Group raked in last spring from investors including General Electric Co., Goldman Sachs & Co. and Earthlink Inc. was more than twice the next largest deal for a Maryland company.
"That's cool," Jay L. Birnbaum, Current's vice president, said upon hearing the news. He says he's already working on a way to top it.
The big investment in Current reflected the headway that businesses tied to energy are making in getting venture investment, leading analysts to predict alternative power and fuel sources might be the next big thing down the road.
Four of the seven largest venture capital investments last year, including Current's, were energy-related, according to the quarterly Money Tree Report.
read more Venture investment rises
Md. broadband company is No. 3 in nation in drawing dollars
By Tricia Bishop
Sun reporter
Originally published January 23, 2007
A Germantown company that transfers high-speed data over power lines drew one of the country's biggest venture-capital investments last year, tying an Arizona business for third place, according to year-end information being released today.
The $130 million that Current Communications Group raked in last spring from investors including General Electric Co., Goldman Sachs & Co. and Earthlink Inc. was more than twice the next largest deal for a Maryland company.
"That's cool," Jay L. Birnbaum, Current's vice president, said upon hearing the news. He says he's already working on a way to top it.
The big investment in Current reflected the headway that businesses tied to energy are making in getting venture investment, leading analysts to predict alternative power and fuel sources might be the next big thing down the road.
Four of the seven largest venture capital investments last year, including Current's, were energy-related, according to the quarterly Money Tree Report.
read more Venture investment rises
Monday, January 22, 2007
ENTERGY ANNOUNCES BPL DEPLOYMENT WITH POWERGRID IN LOUISIANA
Entergy Corporation, one of the nation's largest electric utilities serving over 2.7 million retail customers in Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas and Mississippi, announced that it launched a one-year BPL pilot with PowerGrid Communications Inc. in Baton Rouge, LA. The new pilot demonstrates both Smart Grid applications to enhance the reliability and efficiency of Entergy's power distribution grid and the ability to deliver broadband services to businesses and homes.
PowerGrid will work with Entergy to identify ways to use BPL technology to improve its core utility services, reduce operating costs and increase the overall reliability of the electric grid. PowerGrid is demonstrating automatic meter reading, grid outage reporting, Internet Access/ISP, Voice over IP (VOIP) telephone service, Video on Demand and video surveillance. New applications for the broadband network will be introduced as the trial moves to the second phase in Little Rock, AR.
"Our objectives in this pilot are to test the technology and its capabilities, validate the economics of deploying BPL, especially in rural areas, and test the ability to use this technology to locate power outages, read electric meters, provide security monitoring, and do remote switching of distribution equipment," Ed Melendreras, Entergy's vice president of sales and marketing said. "PowerGrid was selected after a thorough review process of the different BPL technologies available in the marketplace today. We felt PowerGrid's solution has potential, and are looking forward to appraising the results of this pilot program."
The pilot being developed by PowerGrid will establish the technology and the range of services to be delivered as well as the economics of deploying a BPL network. The initial services will include the use of PowerGrid's GridEye system to locate power outages, read electric meters and do remote switching of distribution equipment. Jeff Schumacher, PowerGrid's Chief Operations Officer added, "Though this pilot, we want to demonstrate the technology and its capabilities and to extend the reach of BPL networks to rural areas economically. Based on our wide experience, PowerGrid has selected Corinex advanced, industry-proven and market leading equipment to for the BPL pilot. Using Corinex's 2nd generation equipment, we are able to build not only a reliable, fast and economic network but one which is designed to comply with FCC rules and which prevents any potential harmful ham radio interference. This is an area in which we have a great deal of experience and one to which we are fully committed." The announcement of the deployment in Baton Rouge, LA follows the announcement last month of another deployment by Entergy in Little Rock, AR.
Also Entergy Corp.(NYSE: ETR) Enters BPL World with Ambient Corp. to Pilot Smart Grid and Triple-Play services !!!
Second attempt of Congressman Mike Ross (D-AR) to pass Anti-BPL Bill
CONGRESS: ANTI-BPL BILL REINTRODUCED
Congressman Mike Ross (D-AR) has introduced legislation "To request a study by the Federal Communications Commission on the interference caused by broadband internet transmission over power lines." The bill, H.R. 462, was introduced on Friday, and the text is not available yet. It is likely that the substance of the bill is similar to the legislation that he introduced last year that was passed by the House of Representatives as an amendment to the telecom rewrite legislation in the 109th Congress. That bill called for a 90-day study by the FCC. The UPLC opposed that bill and a companion amendment never made its way into the draft of the Senate version of the telecom rewrite. Now that Rep. Ross has introduced the bill in the 110th Congress, UPLC will continue to oppose this bill as a waste of taxpayer money and an obstacle to the deployment of BPL for broadband services and enhanced utility applications. For more information, contact the UPLC Legal/Regulatory Department.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATES: INDIANA BPL BILL INTRODUCED
A new BPL bill was introduced in Indiana in January that would allow the Indiana Public Utility Commission (PUC) to create certain incentives for utilities to deploy BPL for utility applications. The bill (HB 1068) was introduced by Eric Koch (R, District 65). Specifically, the bill requires utilities to record and account for the electric utility's capital investment and the operating expenses reasonably incurred to directly support: (1) the electric utility applications; and (2) all other BPL services; used or consumed by the electric utility. The bill authorizes the PUC to authorize 3 different kinds of incentives for BPL deployment. It may allow (1) Cost recovery of BPL expenditures (2) An enhanced return on equity on the capital portion of the electric utility's BPL expenditures for utility applications; or (3) Deferral for subsequent recovery of the electric utility's BPL expenditures for utility applications. A utility may request expedited consideration of the cost allocation of BPL expenses between the utility and its affiliate. The bill also requires BPL to comply with FCC interference rules.
Congressman Mike Ross (D-AR) has introduced legislation "To request a study by the Federal Communications Commission on the interference caused by broadband internet transmission over power lines." The bill, H.R. 462, was introduced on Friday, and the text is not available yet. It is likely that the substance of the bill is similar to the legislation that he introduced last year that was passed by the House of Representatives as an amendment to the telecom rewrite legislation in the 109th Congress. That bill called for a 90-day study by the FCC. The UPLC opposed that bill and a companion amendment never made its way into the draft of the Senate version of the telecom rewrite. Now that Rep. Ross has introduced the bill in the 110th Congress, UPLC will continue to oppose this bill as a waste of taxpayer money and an obstacle to the deployment of BPL for broadband services and enhanced utility applications. For more information, contact the UPLC Legal/Regulatory Department.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATES: INDIANA BPL BILL INTRODUCED
A new BPL bill was introduced in Indiana in January that would allow the Indiana Public Utility Commission (PUC) to create certain incentives for utilities to deploy BPL for utility applications. The bill (HB 1068) was introduced by Eric Koch (R, District 65). Specifically, the bill requires utilities to record and account for the electric utility's capital investment and the operating expenses reasonably incurred to directly support: (1) the electric utility applications; and (2) all other BPL services; used or consumed by the electric utility. The bill authorizes the PUC to authorize 3 different kinds of incentives for BPL deployment. It may allow (1) Cost recovery of BPL expenditures (2) An enhanced return on equity on the capital portion of the electric utility's BPL expenditures for utility applications; or (3) Deferral for subsequent recovery of the electric utility's BPL expenditures for utility applications. A utility may request expedited consideration of the cost allocation of BPL expenses between the utility and its affiliate. The bill also requires BPL to comply with FCC interference rules.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Broadband Power Line Winter Conference 2007:Ambient Corp`s Ram Rao is moderating "Broadband Technology Showdown" panel & speaking on "Smart Grid Apps"
UPLC Winter Meeting 2007
Ram Rao is moderating the "Broadband Technology Showdown" panel and speaking on the "Smart Grid Applications" panel
Broadband Power Line Winter Conference:
Everything from Smart Grid to Home Networking
February 27 - March 2, 2007
Red Rock Casino - Resort - Spa
Las Vegas, NV
Come see Ambient in Booth #5 & 6 in the Exhibit Hall
Ram Rao is moderating the "Broadband Technology Showdown" panel and speaking on the "Smart Grid Applications" panel
Broadband Power Line Winter Conference:
Everything from Smart Grid to Home Networking
February 27 - March 2, 2007
Red Rock Casino - Resort - Spa
Las Vegas, NV
Come see Ambient in Booth #5 & 6 in the Exhibit Hall
Friday, January 19, 2007
Parks Associates: Growth of Broadband over Power Line to Outpace Cable and DSL- from 400,000 in 2007 to 2.5 million households by 2011
January 18, 2007 12:49 PM Eastern Time
Parks Associates: Growth of Broadband over Power Line to Outpace Cable and DSL
Increased Broadband Demand in Rural Areas and Improved Measurement Tools for Utility Companies Will Drive Growth
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The number of U.S. households subscribing to broadband over power line (BPL) services will increase from 400,000 in 2007 to 2.5 million by 2011, according to FTTx and BPL: Analysis and Outlook. This new report from Parks Associates finds consumer and competitive demands will lead to a strong growth rate in residential subscribers for BPL, outpacing other access methods such as DSL and cable over the next five years.
“Both consumer demand and business factors will drive this growth,” said Chris Roden, research analyst at Parks Associates. “On the consumer side, many rural residents don’t have access to DSL or cable, but every house in the U.S. has access to power lines. This technology is often the only option for these residents to receive broadband service. On the business side, utility companies will also drive BPL’s growth. BPL gives utilities more information to better manage power demand and troubleshoot line issues.”
FTTx and BPL: Analysis and Outlook analyzes market trends and significant events that will impact FTTx and BPL deployments over the next five years. It also addresses consumer and competitive pressures that will influence these methods, the economics associated with the deployment of these technologies and the opportunities FTTx and BPL provides for vendors and service providers.
Parks Associates: Growth of Broadband over Power Line to Outpace Cable and DSL
Increased Broadband Demand in Rural Areas and Improved Measurement Tools for Utility Companies Will Drive Growth
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The number of U.S. households subscribing to broadband over power line (BPL) services will increase from 400,000 in 2007 to 2.5 million by 2011, according to FTTx and BPL: Analysis and Outlook. This new report from Parks Associates finds consumer and competitive demands will lead to a strong growth rate in residential subscribers for BPL, outpacing other access methods such as DSL and cable over the next five years.
“Both consumer demand and business factors will drive this growth,” said Chris Roden, research analyst at Parks Associates. “On the consumer side, many rural residents don’t have access to DSL or cable, but every house in the U.S. has access to power lines. This technology is often the only option for these residents to receive broadband service. On the business side, utility companies will also drive BPL’s growth. BPL gives utilities more information to better manage power demand and troubleshoot line issues.”
FTTx and BPL: Analysis and Outlook analyzes market trends and significant events that will impact FTTx and BPL deployments over the next five years. It also addresses consumer and competitive pressures that will influence these methods, the economics associated with the deployment of these technologies and the opportunities FTTx and BPL provides for vendors and service providers.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
The Internet From Your Electrical Outlet !!!
The Internet From Your Electrical Outlet
by Marcus Banks
January, 2007
It is common in Europe, as well as Cincinnati, Ohio and Manassas, Virginia. Cities from Austin to San Diego are about to launch the technology. But in New York City, there are only a few places where you can get Internet access from the same electrical outlet where you plug in your blender.
“Broadband over power lines” is what techies call it. It represents an intriguing juxtaposition of old and new technology. It is not only high-speed, but broadband over power lines may well be less expensive than DSL or cable Internet services.
But this widespread technology has not made any inroads in New York City. According to evidence presented at a recent hearing of the City Council’s Committee on Technology in Government, residents of several Trump buildings and a condominium building on the Upper West Side are the only people currently making use of this alternative for obtaining Internet access.
more: The Internet From Your Electrical Outlet
by Marcus Banks
January, 2007
It is common in Europe, as well as Cincinnati, Ohio and Manassas, Virginia. Cities from Austin to San Diego are about to launch the technology. But in New York City, there are only a few places where you can get Internet access from the same electrical outlet where you plug in your blender.
“Broadband over power lines” is what techies call it. It represents an intriguing juxtaposition of old and new technology. It is not only high-speed, but broadband over power lines may well be less expensive than DSL or cable Internet services.
But this widespread technology has not made any inroads in New York City. According to evidence presented at a recent hearing of the City Council’s Committee on Technology in Government, residents of several Trump buildings and a condominium building on the Upper West Side are the only people currently making use of this alternative for obtaining Internet access.
more: The Internet From Your Electrical Outlet
Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (TTEC) is examining the feasibility of making effective use of broadband services over its power lines.
Thursday, January 18 2007
SPOTLIGHT ON TTEC: FIGHTING A DEFICIT
Thursday, January 18 2007
The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (TTEC), faced with a projected deficit this year of $121 million, is examining innovative measures to earn additional revenue, rather than adopting a defeatist attitude.
In the process it is looking at leasing spare capacity, which is in demand by companies, in an effort to whittle down the deficit. The Act under which the Commission operates does not limit its earning of revenue to the provision of electricity to customers, its raison d’etre. Instead, the company for several years has been renting the use of its light poles to the cable television company and is planning to increase the provision of broadband services.
TTEC’s General Manager, Indarjit Singh, pointed out in a recent interview that TTEC’s fibre optic network was interconnected to all of the Commission’s substations, including via submarine cable running from Trinidad to Tobago.
Already, TTEC supplies one company with this service and is discussing with others the possibility of inking more deals like this. Meanwhile, the Commission is examining the feasibility of making effective use of broadband services over its power lines. Additionally, TTEC is determined that should it have spare capacity with respect to its fibre optic cable it would be another means of earning income and reducing its projected deficit.
What is crucial is not merely that the potential exists for the earning of additional revenue by the State company, but TTEC is seeking to demonstrate its ability to pay its way. It’s a good move: the company has been in the red for too long depending on Government to survive.
In theory, all State Enterprises are required to pay their way. Unfortunately, other state entities — WASA, Public Transport Service Corporation, for instance, continue to tug at the Treasury’s purse strings.
Of additional and clearly critical interest is that the Power Generation Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (PowerGen) which supplies electricity to TTEC’s national grid is listed, in early February, to commission the first of two 104 megawatts simple cycle gas turbine units at its Point Lisas power station. The second unit is carded to be commissioned a fortnight later.
TTEC, with an eye on the future is planning to begin negotiations early aimed at guaranteeing yet further additional capacity what with our plans for facilitating greater industrial development, including construction of the second major steel plant by Essar. All in all, TTEC needs to keep its eye in the light.
SPOTLIGHT ON TTEC: FIGHTING A DEFICIT
Thursday, January 18 2007
The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (TTEC), faced with a projected deficit this year of $121 million, is examining innovative measures to earn additional revenue, rather than adopting a defeatist attitude.
In the process it is looking at leasing spare capacity, which is in demand by companies, in an effort to whittle down the deficit. The Act under which the Commission operates does not limit its earning of revenue to the provision of electricity to customers, its raison d’etre. Instead, the company for several years has been renting the use of its light poles to the cable television company and is planning to increase the provision of broadband services.
TTEC’s General Manager, Indarjit Singh, pointed out in a recent interview that TTEC’s fibre optic network was interconnected to all of the Commission’s substations, including via submarine cable running from Trinidad to Tobago.
Already, TTEC supplies one company with this service and is discussing with others the possibility of inking more deals like this. Meanwhile, the Commission is examining the feasibility of making effective use of broadband services over its power lines. Additionally, TTEC is determined that should it have spare capacity with respect to its fibre optic cable it would be another means of earning income and reducing its projected deficit.
What is crucial is not merely that the potential exists for the earning of additional revenue by the State company, but TTEC is seeking to demonstrate its ability to pay its way. It’s a good move: the company has been in the red for too long depending on Government to survive.
In theory, all State Enterprises are required to pay their way. Unfortunately, other state entities — WASA, Public Transport Service Corporation, for instance, continue to tug at the Treasury’s purse strings.
Of additional and clearly critical interest is that the Power Generation Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (PowerGen) which supplies electricity to TTEC’s national grid is listed, in early February, to commission the first of two 104 megawatts simple cycle gas turbine units at its Point Lisas power station. The second unit is carded to be commissioned a fortnight later.
TTEC, with an eye on the future is planning to begin negotiations early aimed at guaranteeing yet further additional capacity what with our plans for facilitating greater industrial development, including construction of the second major steel plant by Essar. All in all, TTEC needs to keep its eye in the light.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
BPL-Broadband over Powerline- bill introduced in Indiana legislature !!!
BPL bill introduced in Indiana legislature
1/17/2007
Indiana State Rep Eric Koch ("cook"), R-65th District, introduced House Bill 1068 last week -- calling it the "Broadband Over Power Lines Deployment Act
read:
1/17/2007
Indiana State Rep Eric Koch ("cook"), R-65th District, introduced House Bill 1068 last week -- calling it the "Broadband Over Power Lines Deployment Act
read:
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Revenue From Home Networking LAN Hardware & Stationary Network-capable Consumer Electronics Devices will Approach $50 Billion in 2010
Revenue From Home Networking LAN Hardware & Stationary Network-capable Consumer Electronics Devices will Approach $50 Billion in 2010
DUBLIN, Ireland--(Business Wire)--Research and Markets has announced the addition of In-Depth Analysis: Digital Domicile 2006: Is China the Next Gold Mine? to their offering.
Early adopters have added a home network to their broadband modems for primarily sharing Internet access, but have begun to bridge the traditional PC content world and legacy entertainment components. An increasing number of consumer electronics devices will become available that are network capable.
Wireless products are transitioning from 802.11b to 802.11g, and from 802.11g to pre-802.11n products. Alternative wired technologies are beginning to make strides with telcos deploying IPTV services, especially those that can use more than one medium. HomePNA now offers communication over coax as well as phoneline for added flexibility. High-speed powerline, such as HomePlug AV and UPA, also has the capability to offer high throughput over coax, adding to a potential increased opportunity than powerline alone.
The total revenue of equipment derived from home networking LAN hardware and from stationary network-capable consumer electronics devices will approach $50 billion in 2010.
more...
DUBLIN, Ireland--(Business Wire)--Research and Markets has announced the addition of In-Depth Analysis: Digital Domicile 2006: Is China the Next Gold Mine? to their offering.
Early adopters have added a home network to their broadband modems for primarily sharing Internet access, but have begun to bridge the traditional PC content world and legacy entertainment components. An increasing number of consumer electronics devices will become available that are network capable.
Wireless products are transitioning from 802.11b to 802.11g, and from 802.11g to pre-802.11n products. Alternative wired technologies are beginning to make strides with telcos deploying IPTV services, especially those that can use more than one medium. HomePNA now offers communication over coax as well as phoneline for added flexibility. High-speed powerline, such as HomePlug AV and UPA, also has the capability to offer high throughput over coax, adding to a potential increased opportunity than powerline alone.
The total revenue of equipment derived from home networking LAN hardware and from stationary network-capable consumer electronics devices will approach $50 billion in 2010.
more...
The electrical power grid- The World’s Biggest Machine is Breaking Down
Thursday, January 11th, 2007 by Jason Godesky
Many of the so-called "alternatives" to fossil fuels rely on the electrical grid. We have seen the problems that nuclear and photovoltaics will face even delivering on their production promises, but even if they were to somehow solve those problems, there is still the problem of the grid itself. Most of the energy sources offered are simply means of generating electricity; this is applied to necessities like transportation through innovations like hydrogen batteries or electric cars. Even so, the electricity itself must be transported from the nuclear power plant, PV cell, or other means by which it is produced, to the car it will power, or the home it will heat, or whatever other task the energy is needed for.
That transportation is provided by the electrical power grid. Sometimes called "the world's biggest machine" by engineers, most of the energy "alternatives" proposed will require it to not only continue supplying us with the energy we use now (and the energy we'd need for economic growth anyway), but additionally to also carry the energy load we will need to replace our fossil fuel usage. This will be an impossible feat, since the current load alone is already breaking down "the world's biggest machine" under the weight of its own complexity.
...
Read more: The World’s Biggest Machine is Breaking Down
Many of the so-called "alternatives" to fossil fuels rely on the electrical grid. We have seen the problems that nuclear and photovoltaics will face even delivering on their production promises, but even if they were to somehow solve those problems, there is still the problem of the grid itself. Most of the energy sources offered are simply means of generating electricity; this is applied to necessities like transportation through innovations like hydrogen batteries or electric cars. Even so, the electricity itself must be transported from the nuclear power plant, PV cell, or other means by which it is produced, to the car it will power, or the home it will heat, or whatever other task the energy is needed for.
That transportation is provided by the electrical power grid. Sometimes called "the world's biggest machine" by engineers, most of the energy "alternatives" proposed will require it to not only continue supplying us with the energy we use now (and the energy we'd need for economic growth anyway), but additionally to also carry the energy load we will need to replace our fossil fuel usage. This will be an impossible feat, since the current load alone is already breaking down "the world's biggest machine" under the weight of its own complexity.
...
Read more: The World’s Biggest Machine is Breaking Down
New: Devolo dLAN 200 AVdesk HomePlug AV network adaptor
By Tony Smith
Published Monday 15th January 2007 12:02 GMT
Review Driving data over mains power cables is nothing new, but products based on the latest, fastest incarnation of the HomePlug Ethernet-over-powerline standard have only recently started to appear, over a year after the specification was finalised, in August 2005. The new version of the standard delivers a claimed bandwidth of 200Mbps and is called HomePlug AV. The 'AV' is the clue to what it's for - this is the version of powerline networking designed for the HD era...
Here's the pitch: a 1080 HD stream fills about 20 megabits (Mb) of network capacity every second, HomePlug AV has the bandwidth to deliver multiple HD streams around the home today, while a wireless equivalent isn't due to be formally standardised until late next year.
That said, there are 802.11n-derived wireless products on the market, even if they're based on early drafts of the specification and not its final implementation. And they're not yet guaranteed to be interoperable with similar kit from other vendors.
HomePlug AV kit is here, however. Devolo began shipping its dLAN 200 AVdesk adaptor in November 2006, and the product arrived in the Reg Hardware office on the same day as UK supplier Solwise's own 200Mbps powerline Ethernet adaptor. Both are based on powerline networking chip maker Intellon's recently released INT6000 chipset. That should be enough to ensure compatibility with each other, though not with non-HomePlug devices such as Netgear's HDX101 unit, which is based on different technology but one that also claims to deliver a 200Mbps raw - aka PHY - throughput.
Netgear's product has been out for some time, getting to market earlier than HomePlug AV-based offerings by using an incompatible chipset from DS2 which uses technology originally designed to deliver broadband over mains transmission lines. I'll be looking at the HDX101 and Solwise's HomePlug AV product in the very near future, but it's worth stressing the compatibility aspect up front.
Netgear's HDX101 is incompatible with the HomePlug AV-based kit, which in turn are incompatible with the older HomePlug 1.0 14Mbps and 85Mbps - aka HomePlug Turbo and HomePlug 1.0 Plus - specifications. They are, however, all capable of co-existing on the same cabling, so if you're connected your Xbox to the internet using a pair of 85Mbps units, you can still plug in a pair of 200Mbps to link, say, a set-top box and a remote media player.
more...
BPL Global Expands into Latin America
BPL Global Expands into Latin America
Monday January 15, 8:30 am ET
- Leading Smart Grid and Power Line Communications Company Acquires Tyron Technology -
- Appoints Industry Leader, Antonio Pedrosa, to Position of General Manager, BPL Global Brazil -
PITTSBURGH, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- BPL Global(TM), Ltd., an international leader in "Smart Grid" technologies and broadband services over power lines (BPL), announced today the acquisition of Tyron Technology a company specializing in providing Power Line Communications (PLC) products and services to customers in Brazil. This acquisition is the next step in the company's global expansion strategy and will accelerate business development in Latin America. The company has further appointed PLC industry leader Antonio Pedrosa as General Manager, BPL Global Brazil with a new Latin American presence headquartered in Sao Paulo.
"I am excited to join BPL Global's impressive management team," said Antonio Pedrosa, General Manager of Tyron Technology. "Tyron approved the purchase by BPL Global because of the importance of Smart Grid utility applications being a key driver of innovation for electric utilities, as well as the company's ability to bring comprehensive, innovative solutions through to full execution. As part of the BPL Global team, we are poised to capitalize on a rich pipeline of commercial opportunities in Latin America."
Mr. Pedrosa has 18 years of experience in the telecommunications industry. Before managing Tyron Technology, he was responsible for business development at Tecnocom. He was partner and founder of Primarion Telecom and sales director of EBA PLC. Mr. Pedrosa earned his degree from UMC - Sao Paulo in computer science with a specialization in telecommunications.
"Antonio and his team are well respected experts in the field with strong industry connections and a well-developed pipeline of opportunities," said Keith Schaefer, Chief Executive Officer, BPL Global. "This is the latest in the execution of our global strategy to establish commercial hubs around the world. Both Internet connectivity and improved electric grid reliability and efficiency are key economic drivers in Brazil and other Latin American countries. Our robust set of Smart Grid Applications and Power Line Communications solutions can benefit these economies."
BPL Global forms joint ventures with electric utilities and Internet service providers (ISPs), providing data, voice and eventually video broadband services over power lines to multi-occupancy buildings, businesses, government agencies, and consumers, while ensuring heightened reliability and efficiency of utility grids through Smart Grid initiatives. The company's integrated platform of Smart Grid applications includes demand and load management; outage management; grid monitoring and device control; as well as energy theft prevention.
Monday January 15, 8:30 am ET
- Leading Smart Grid and Power Line Communications Company Acquires Tyron Technology -
- Appoints Industry Leader, Antonio Pedrosa, to Position of General Manager, BPL Global Brazil -
PITTSBURGH, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- BPL Global(TM), Ltd., an international leader in "Smart Grid" technologies and broadband services over power lines (BPL), announced today the acquisition of Tyron Technology a company specializing in providing Power Line Communications (PLC) products and services to customers in Brazil. This acquisition is the next step in the company's global expansion strategy and will accelerate business development in Latin America. The company has further appointed PLC industry leader Antonio Pedrosa as General Manager, BPL Global Brazil with a new Latin American presence headquartered in Sao Paulo.
"I am excited to join BPL Global's impressive management team," said Antonio Pedrosa, General Manager of Tyron Technology. "Tyron approved the purchase by BPL Global because of the importance of Smart Grid utility applications being a key driver of innovation for electric utilities, as well as the company's ability to bring comprehensive, innovative solutions through to full execution. As part of the BPL Global team, we are poised to capitalize on a rich pipeline of commercial opportunities in Latin America."
Mr. Pedrosa has 18 years of experience in the telecommunications industry. Before managing Tyron Technology, he was responsible for business development at Tecnocom. He was partner and founder of Primarion Telecom and sales director of EBA PLC. Mr. Pedrosa earned his degree from UMC - Sao Paulo in computer science with a specialization in telecommunications.
"Antonio and his team are well respected experts in the field with strong industry connections and a well-developed pipeline of opportunities," said Keith Schaefer, Chief Executive Officer, BPL Global. "This is the latest in the execution of our global strategy to establish commercial hubs around the world. Both Internet connectivity and improved electric grid reliability and efficiency are key economic drivers in Brazil and other Latin American countries. Our robust set of Smart Grid Applications and Power Line Communications solutions can benefit these economies."
BPL Global forms joint ventures with electric utilities and Internet service providers (ISPs), providing data, voice and eventually video broadband services over power lines to multi-occupancy buildings, businesses, government agencies, and consumers, while ensuring heightened reliability and efficiency of utility grids through Smart Grid initiatives. The company's integrated platform of Smart Grid applications includes demand and load management; outage management; grid monitoring and device control; as well as energy theft prevention.
Friday, January 12, 2007
ARRL website: BPL System Could Be Deployed In Concord, Massachusset
BPL System Could Be Deployed In Concord
By k9hi - Date: 2007-01-10 10:33:20
Amateurs in Concord, MA are closely monitoring plans by the Town's electric utility to implement a Broadband over Power Line (BPL) system supplied by PowerGrid Communications of Meridian, Idaho.
"We've had meetings with them, with Ed Hare, W1RFI and we're also working closely with [Concord Municipal Light Plant]," says Steve Telsey, N1BDA of the Colonial Wireless Association.
Telsey notes that there are currently no BPL operations in Concord at the present time, and that any pilot program would not commence "until at least February or March."
"[PowerGrid's] Chief Technology Officer has met with us and he brought samples of the equipment to demonstrate." N1BDA describes their relationship with the company as "cordial and very cooperative."
"They know the hams are very concerned about this system. They're willing to notch out the ham bands. This won't address problems faced by shortwave listeners and users of time signal stations, however."
Ed Hare, W1RFI, is Laboratory Manager at ARRL Headquarters. He is also considered by many in the telecommunications industry as an expert on BPL.
According to Hare, "This is a DS2-chipset system made by Corinex. Such a system has been recently installed in Houston, Texas, operated by CenterPoint, the electric utility. Although there was one complaint to a home Amateur station, it was quickly resolved by notching the Amateur bands. At this point, in Houston the Amateur bands are notched in the entire system. I evaluated the Houston system a few months ago and found that with good communication between hams and the BPL operator and careful operation and notching, it is possible to operate DS2-based BPL system without major interference problems. The same cooperation exists in Concord."
The BPL database indicates that the system will include "the entire community with some overhead and underground installation." Approximately 130 nodes would be deployed.
N1BDA says that the light company is still exploring a possible business model. "It's possible the whole thing might get canceled."
Although Concord Municipal Light "technically doesn't need permission" from other Town governmental entities, Telsey doubts whether an operational BPL system would go forward without approval from the Town's Board of Selectman and Town Manager.
For now, Colonial Wireless Association officers are requesting that the matter be kept "low key" so that negotiations can move forward in a spirit of cooperation.
By k9hi - Date: 2007-01-10 10:33:20
Amateurs in Concord, MA are closely monitoring plans by the Town's electric utility to implement a Broadband over Power Line (BPL) system supplied by PowerGrid Communications of Meridian, Idaho.
"We've had meetings with them, with Ed Hare, W1RFI and we're also working closely with [Concord Municipal Light Plant]," says Steve Telsey, N1BDA of the Colonial Wireless Association.
Telsey notes that there are currently no BPL operations in Concord at the present time, and that any pilot program would not commence "until at least February or March."
"[PowerGrid's] Chief Technology Officer has met with us and he brought samples of the equipment to demonstrate." N1BDA describes their relationship with the company as "cordial and very cooperative."
"They know the hams are very concerned about this system. They're willing to notch out the ham bands. This won't address problems faced by shortwave listeners and users of time signal stations, however."
Ed Hare, W1RFI, is Laboratory Manager at ARRL Headquarters. He is also considered by many in the telecommunications industry as an expert on BPL.
According to Hare, "This is a DS2-chipset system made by Corinex. Such a system has been recently installed in Houston, Texas, operated by CenterPoint, the electric utility. Although there was one complaint to a home Amateur station, it was quickly resolved by notching the Amateur bands. At this point, in Houston the Amateur bands are notched in the entire system. I evaluated the Houston system a few months ago and found that with good communication between hams and the BPL operator and careful operation and notching, it is possible to operate DS2-based BPL system without major interference problems. The same cooperation exists in Concord."
The BPL database indicates that the system will include "the entire community with some overhead and underground installation." Approximately 130 nodes would be deployed.
N1BDA says that the light company is still exploring a possible business model. "It's possible the whole thing might get canceled."
Although Concord Municipal Light "technically doesn't need permission" from other Town governmental entities, Telsey doubts whether an operational BPL system would go forward without approval from the Town's Board of Selectman and Town Manager.
For now, Colonial Wireless Association officers are requesting that the matter be kept "low key" so that negotiations can move forward in a spirit of cooperation.
Porto Alegre, Brazil tests internet via power lines !!!
Porto Alegre tests internet via power lines
Telecom Paper (subscription), Netherlands - Jan 10, 2007
The council of Brazilian city Porto Alegre is testing broadband over power line communications (PLC) as a possible means for boosting internet use.
fyi Needs to subscribe to read more...
http://www.telecom.paper.nl/news/article.aspx?id=153730&nr=
Telecom Paper (subscription), Netherlands - Jan 10, 2007
The council of Brazilian city Porto Alegre is testing broadband over power line communications (PLC) as a possible means for boosting internet use.
fyi Needs to subscribe to read more...
http://www.telecom.paper.nl/news/article.aspx?id=153730&nr=
Thursday, January 11, 2007
“Powerline Networking has arrived!”
DS2 unveils largest display of market ready products for HD Video and Audio networking over home wiring at CES 2007
Demo showcases the range of applications supported by powerline networking products for home and business available from major brand names through leading stores nationwide
Booth #25907, South Hall 2, Consumer Electronic Show, Las Vegas, NV, 8th January 2007 - DS2, the global leader in powerline communication chipsets today unveiled the largest display of commercially available 200Mbps Powerline Communications products at CES 2007 showing that Powerline Networking has arrived with whole home HD and audio networking. The demo highlights the ease and simplicity of powerline home networking using a mix of readily available and new to market products from a range branded manufacturers including new products from Averlogic, Acbel, CORINEX Communications, D-Link, DEFIDEV, Conceptronic, NETGEAR and Texas Instruments.
DS2´s 200 Mbps Powerline Communications chipsets deliver room-to-room HD streaming that allow consumers to instantly connect devices like computers, HDTV’s and gaming consoles to each other over existing home wiring. By simply plugging the DS2 based powerline networking devices into any electrical outlet around the home, the wires in the walls network the devices together to deliver high-definition media streaming, online gaming and other next-generation digital home applications including networked security cameras, and audio and digital photo file sharing.
“DS2 has a clear market lead in the delivery of high speed powerline solutions. Visitors to our booth can see the vast range of product already available and 2007 promised to be just as exciting with new product in the pipeline. Manufacturers who are investing in developing powerline products are opting to carry the Universal Powerline Association, “UPA Plug tested” logo. This certifies compliance with UPA standards for performance and interoperability. UPA Plugtested products incorporating DS2´s chipsets provide a great networking solution for any home or business and are also a great complement to a wireless home network or as an extension to cable or phone line systems”, said Jorge Blasco, CEO of DS2.
Visitors to DS2's booth will see how these chipsets inside retail product available from leading manufacturers deliver a range of applications including:
IPTV Home Networks Powerline enables IPTV subscribers to receive content in any room of the home without adding expensive cabling or the lag and pixelation of other technologies.
Audio and Video Streaming for Home Networking Powerline networking is an excellent networking solution for streaming HD-grade videos or send audio files and digital photos from room-to-room without the disruption.
Home Security Systems PLC is ideal for networking video surveillance cameras around your home, and to create a central monitoring station to send surveillance monitoring and alarm signals to e-mail, hand held’s etc
Simultaneous and online gaming With DS2 based chipsets, UPA Plug tested powerline communications product online gaming finally lives up to its potential without the threat of video pixelation or freezing.
DS2´s Director of Strategy and Standardization, Victor Dominguez, will explain why its time to take a serious look at Powerline during the Connections™ at CES special session on “Powerline Networking: Has its Day Arrived” which will take place on Wednesday January 10th at 10.30am,at the LVCC, S106-107.
UWB, Wi-Fi, and powerline vie for position on which technology is most suitable for streaming high-definition video.
UWB, Wi-Fi, and powerline vie for position
Nancy Gohring
Jan. 11, 2007
San Francisco (IDGNS) - While many networking vendors, both wireless and wireline, diplomatically agree that no single networking technology will prevail in the connected home of the future, they are still battling over which technology is most suitable for streaming high-definition video.
"A home hybrid network of different technologies is the solution that will be the network topology," said Andy Melder, senior vice president of marketing and business development for Intellon, a developer of chips for powerline products. Powerline networking delivers data or video over existing power lines in a home through adaptors plugged into regular wall outlets.
Melder, along with other powerline networking executives who spoke on a panel on Wednesday at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), said that wireless technologies, even the latest 802.11n standard, just won't do for streaming high definition television. "With content you have to have quality of service and that's very difficult to do with wireless," he said.
The powerline executives said 802.11n and other Wi-Fi technologies are best used in the home to share data while streaming video should be left to higher speed technologies like powerline.
But some wireless providers think differently. D-Link introduced on Monday its latest router that is expected to comply with the 802.11n standard. The router operates in the less crowded 5GHz frequency as well as the 2.4GHz band that is used in the popular 802.11g standard, said George Cravens, technical marketing engineer for D-Link. In addition, the router includes quality of service technology that prioritizes voice and video to help improve video streaming, he said.
D-Link also sells powerline adaptors but Cravens offers one good reason, also conceded by other powerline developers, why customers might not choose powerline over 802.11: price.
The cost of a pair of powerline adapters is about the same as an 802.11n router. The router can be used to stream data and video to a variety of devices around the home. But if users want to link more than two devices over the powerline network, they must buy additional adaptors.
Consumers will soon have another option to stream high-definition video, though only over short distances, with ultrawideband (UWB) technology. Tzero Technologies criticized both 802.11n and powerline networking for low quality compared to UWB. Power spikes and poor condition of lines can affect the quality of powerline networking and wireless, even 802.11n is just too slow, said Matthew Keowen, senior director of corporate marketing for Tzero. While 802.11n offers the speed necessary to transmit high-definition streaming, it might be stretched to support some additional services like fast forward and rewind, he said.
Tzero showed off at CES a new external UWB device made by Asustek Computer that includes Tzero chips. Users connect the small box to their high-definition television display to wirelessly stream data from a set-top box.
Keowen expects that later this year manufacturers will start selling televisions and set-top boxes with embedded UWB.
In addition to UWB, 802.11n and powerline, other wired networking standards are jockeying for position. For example, the Multimedia over Coax Alliance is working on a specification to transport entertainment content over coaxial cable and both UWB and powerline technology can run over coaxial cables.
The variety of options presents a dizzying array of options for end users. Keowen expects that there will be some shakeout among the different technologies. "There will be some standards that persist and others that go by the wayside," he said.
Nancy Gohring
Jan. 11, 2007
San Francisco (IDGNS) - While many networking vendors, both wireless and wireline, diplomatically agree that no single networking technology will prevail in the connected home of the future, they are still battling over which technology is most suitable for streaming high-definition video.
"A home hybrid network of different technologies is the solution that will be the network topology," said Andy Melder, senior vice president of marketing and business development for Intellon, a developer of chips for powerline products. Powerline networking delivers data or video over existing power lines in a home through adaptors plugged into regular wall outlets.
Melder, along with other powerline networking executives who spoke on a panel on Wednesday at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), said that wireless technologies, even the latest 802.11n standard, just won't do for streaming high definition television. "With content you have to have quality of service and that's very difficult to do with wireless," he said.
The powerline executives said 802.11n and other Wi-Fi technologies are best used in the home to share data while streaming video should be left to higher speed technologies like powerline.
But some wireless providers think differently. D-Link introduced on Monday its latest router that is expected to comply with the 802.11n standard. The router operates in the less crowded 5GHz frequency as well as the 2.4GHz band that is used in the popular 802.11g standard, said George Cravens, technical marketing engineer for D-Link. In addition, the router includes quality of service technology that prioritizes voice and video to help improve video streaming, he said.
D-Link also sells powerline adaptors but Cravens offers one good reason, also conceded by other powerline developers, why customers might not choose powerline over 802.11: price.
The cost of a pair of powerline adapters is about the same as an 802.11n router. The router can be used to stream data and video to a variety of devices around the home. But if users want to link more than two devices over the powerline network, they must buy additional adaptors.
Consumers will soon have another option to stream high-definition video, though only over short distances, with ultrawideband (UWB) technology. Tzero Technologies criticized both 802.11n and powerline networking for low quality compared to UWB. Power spikes and poor condition of lines can affect the quality of powerline networking and wireless, even 802.11n is just too slow, said Matthew Keowen, senior director of corporate marketing for Tzero. While 802.11n offers the speed necessary to transmit high-definition streaming, it might be stretched to support some additional services like fast forward and rewind, he said.
Tzero showed off at CES a new external UWB device made by Asustek Computer that includes Tzero chips. Users connect the small box to their high-definition television display to wirelessly stream data from a set-top box.
Keowen expects that later this year manufacturers will start selling televisions and set-top boxes with embedded UWB.
In addition to UWB, 802.11n and powerline, other wired networking standards are jockeying for position. For example, the Multimedia over Coax Alliance is working on a specification to transport entertainment content over coaxial cable and both UWB and powerline technology can run over coaxial cables.
The variety of options presents a dizzying array of options for end users. Keowen expects that there will be some shakeout among the different technologies. "There will be some standards that persist and others that go by the wayside," he said.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
CES 2007: Network AQUOS promises HD over power lines
By John Morris on 10 January 2007
Many companies at CES are working on products that combine TV programming with related content from the Internet and distribute it throughout the home (Microsoft demonstrated some of these capabilities with Vista and Media Center Extenders during its keynote on Sunday). But Sharp is the first company to demonstrate a prototype product that can stream two simultaneous HD feeds and Internet content over the existing power lines in your home.
The technology, called Network AQUOS, uses PowerLine Communication modems to connect the TV and PC, and transmit high-quality audio, video and online content over Homeplug AV, a high-speed networking standard. At its booth, Sharp is demonstrating how you can watch a NASCAR race, for example, on an AQUOS high-definition LCD TV, and simultaneously download ticket information and directions (via Yahoo! Maps) through the computer and view it in the living room, without getting up off the couch--all through power lines.
Sharp hasn't said when Network AQUOS might find its way into the company's LCD TV line, but this working prototype is promising enough to pique our curiosity.
Many companies at CES are working on products that combine TV programming with related content from the Internet and distribute it throughout the home (Microsoft demonstrated some of these capabilities with Vista and Media Center Extenders during its keynote on Sunday). But Sharp is the first company to demonstrate a prototype product that can stream two simultaneous HD feeds and Internet content over the existing power lines in your home.
The technology, called Network AQUOS, uses PowerLine Communication modems to connect the TV and PC, and transmit high-quality audio, video and online content over Homeplug AV, a high-speed networking standard. At its booth, Sharp is demonstrating how you can watch a NASCAR race, for example, on an AQUOS high-definition LCD TV, and simultaneously download ticket information and directions (via Yahoo! Maps) through the computer and view it in the living room, without getting up off the couch--all through power lines.
Sharp hasn't said when Network AQUOS might find its way into the company's LCD TV line, but this working prototype is promising enough to pique our curiosity.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
World leader in Broadband PowerLine Communication- DS2 at Booth #25907 at CES 2007 !!!
CNET NEWS TV updates
CES 2007
Las Vegas, US: 8-11 January 2007
Previous article: AMBIENT uses DS2 Symmetrical 200Mbps BPL technology which is Ham-friendly
Transportation Security Administration To Test Broadband Over Powerline Technology
By J. Nicholas Hoover
InformationWeek
Sat Jan 6, 12:00 AM ET
Using the powerlines in a building as cabling for an office LAN isn't common today, but a powerline networking project by the Transportation Security Administration could be a harbinger of things to come.
The TSA is piloting powerline communications technology at several airports starting later this month. The agency will use products from Telkonet to help speed up network communications--some still at the dial-up stage--between field operatives at airports and Washington headquarters. The TSA plans eventually to wire airport passenger and other screening systems, cameras at ticket counters, and passport readers for Internet access using the technology. Though the project will start at only a few airports, it could spread to 380 as TSA embarks on a $100 million project to wire all airports internally for broadband access.
There are two types of powerline communications systems: those that provide Internet access via outside powerlines, and those that act like LANs by using a building's internal electrical wiring for network transmission, which is what the TSA is doing. Broadband-over-powerline technology is carrier-operated; in-building systems are set up by end users.
NO DIRTY HANDS
Home versions of in-building powerline products have been on the market for several years, and there's an established standard called HomePlug. Large companies, though, haven't shown interest in the technology as a replacement for LAN cabling until recently, in part because of concerns about interoperability, interference, and security. That's where the TSA deal may help. For security reasons, Telkonet's products had to be certified as FIPS 180-2-compliant before being used by the TSA, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology tested them for several months.
Since powerline networking uses a building's existing infrastructure, there's no need for extra cabling or digging through materials like asbestos (common in older airports). It requires a gateway from the Internet access point (DSL or cable) into the electrical system and modems on the back end to translate the signal from the powerline into the Ethernet cable hooked up to users' computers. It doesn't interfere with electrical signals because it runs in a different frequency range. It's also relatively easy to set up. Most installations are done in a day or less, says Telkonet CEO Ron Pickett. "Try wiring a building in less than three months, let alone a day," he says.
However, most new buildings are built with Cat 5 or Cat 6 network cabling, which is faster than current networking technology. And wireless is a viable alternative. "If you're not rewiring, you'd never choose it over your cabling," says Forrester Research analyst Maribel Lopez.
Still, an early corporate convert was the Trump Corp., which has been using in-building powerline communications for residential Internet access in several hotels and apartment buildings for more than two years. About six months ago, Trump started using Telkonet's powerline products to connect IP security cameras in places where there was no wiring and as a cheaper replacement where existing cabling is worn. "We can add security cameras wherever there's a plug," says Tom Pienkos, Trump's VP of operations.
Motorola has jumped into in-building powerline communications with a line of gateways and modems, released in October. But speed is still a problem--Motorola end users only get 8- to 15-Mbps performance today. However, the company plans to increase bandwidth in future releases, and Telkonet says it will have a 200-Mbps product on the market by year's end.
Better technology--and some high-profile users--may help in-building powerline technology find its network niche.
InformationWeek
Sat Jan 6, 12:00 AM ET
Using the powerlines in a building as cabling for an office LAN isn't common today, but a powerline networking project by the Transportation Security Administration could be a harbinger of things to come.
The TSA is piloting powerline communications technology at several airports starting later this month. The agency will use products from Telkonet to help speed up network communications--some still at the dial-up stage--between field operatives at airports and Washington headquarters. The TSA plans eventually to wire airport passenger and other screening systems, cameras at ticket counters, and passport readers for Internet access using the technology. Though the project will start at only a few airports, it could spread to 380 as TSA embarks on a $100 million project to wire all airports internally for broadband access.
There are two types of powerline communications systems: those that provide Internet access via outside powerlines, and those that act like LANs by using a building's internal electrical wiring for network transmission, which is what the TSA is doing. Broadband-over-powerline technology is carrier-operated; in-building systems are set up by end users.
NO DIRTY HANDS
Home versions of in-building powerline products have been on the market for several years, and there's an established standard called HomePlug. Large companies, though, haven't shown interest in the technology as a replacement for LAN cabling until recently, in part because of concerns about interoperability, interference, and security. That's where the TSA deal may help. For security reasons, Telkonet's products had to be certified as FIPS 180-2-compliant before being used by the TSA, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology tested them for several months.
Since powerline networking uses a building's existing infrastructure, there's no need for extra cabling or digging through materials like asbestos (common in older airports). It requires a gateway from the Internet access point (DSL or cable) into the electrical system and modems on the back end to translate the signal from the powerline into the Ethernet cable hooked up to users' computers. It doesn't interfere with electrical signals because it runs in a different frequency range. It's also relatively easy to set up. Most installations are done in a day or less, says Telkonet CEO Ron Pickett. "Try wiring a building in less than three months, let alone a day," he says.
However, most new buildings are built with Cat 5 or Cat 6 network cabling, which is faster than current networking technology. And wireless is a viable alternative. "If you're not rewiring, you'd never choose it over your cabling," says Forrester Research analyst Maribel Lopez.
Still, an early corporate convert was the Trump Corp., which has been using in-building powerline communications for residential Internet access in several hotels and apartment buildings for more than two years. About six months ago, Trump started using Telkonet's powerline products to connect IP security cameras in places where there was no wiring and as a cheaper replacement where existing cabling is worn. "We can add security cameras wherever there's a plug," says Tom Pienkos, Trump's VP of operations.
Motorola has jumped into in-building powerline communications with a line of gateways and modems, released in October. But speed is still a problem--Motorola end users only get 8- to 15-Mbps performance today. However, the company plans to increase bandwidth in future releases, and Telkonet says it will have a 200-Mbps product on the market by year's end.
Better technology--and some high-profile users--may help in-building powerline technology find its network niche.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
FirstEnergy begins Broadband over Power Line -BPL- trial with Ambient Corporation !!!
FirstEnergy begins BPL trial with Ambient
IOU FirstEnergy of Akron signed with Ambient to do a BPL trial passing 500 homes in Ohio, Ambient CEO John Joyce told
Syracuse,NY-National Grid testing Internet service via wire- $28.95 per month for high-speed Internet service (up to 5 Mbps, upstream and downstream)
News Video
Thursday, January 04, 2007
By Tim Knauss
Staff writer
National Grid plans to let a small Syracuse company offer low-cost, high-speed Internet service over its power lines in several suburbs of Syracuse.
If all goes well in those areas, the service could be expanded throughout the utility's Upstate service territory. That would give customers the option to plug into their electrical outlets for Internet access, phone service and - potentially - TV programs.
Under an agreement with National Grid to be announced today, New Visions Powerline Communications Inc., a seven-person company based in Armory Square, would lease pole space from the utility for its equipment and use medium- and low-voltage electric wires to send data to homes and businesses.
The deal calls for New Visions to provide service in Geddes, Fairmount and parts of Camillus. Down the road, if both companies agree, the service could be expanded to other areas.
"We're excited that National Grid is affording us this opportunity," said Carmen N. Branca Jr., president of New Visions.
State regulators must approve the deal before it can be implemented. The companies could not predict how long that would take.
New Visions has been working since 2004 to establish Internet service on the village of Solvay's municipal electric system. Solvay was the first utility in the state to attempt widespread deployment of broadband service over power lines.
New Visions expects the long-delayed launch of its service in Solvay to begin within weeks, Branca said.
The National Grid deal would allow New Visions to expand beyond Solvay to serve National Grid customers in adjacent towns.
Broadband over power lines, or BPL, works by coupling radio frequency energy to the alternating current in electric distribution wires. Internet data travel at frequencies different from the electrical current.
To use the service, customers simply attach their computer to a modem that plugs into any electrical outlet.
Thanks to technological improvements over the past few years, BPL advocates like Branca expect the electric grid to compete with phone and cable systems as a third major provider of Internet access, including voice and video services.
Just this week, Gov. Eliot Spitzer drew attention to the lack of affordable high-speed Internet in some New York communities and promised to find solutions. Branca said broadband over power lines could be a solution.
New Visions advertises a price of $28.95 per month for high-speed Internet service (up to 5 megabits per second, upstream and downstream). If customers combine Internet with phone service, the monthly bill is $56.90 a month.
Unlike many providers, New Visions charges the same price for residential or small business customers, Branca said.
But the Internet business is increasingly competitive in many areas, and power line providers face a tough fight for customers, said Brett Kilbourne, director of regulatory affairs and associate counsel at the United Power Line Council in Washington, D.C. He predicted that consumer demand would be strongest in rural areas that are under-served by other providers.
Consumerdemand is not the only factor driving adoption of the technology, however. Many utilities are interested in what BPL can do for their internal operations by improving their ability to read meters, detect outages and manage equipment maintenance, Kilbourne said.
"A lot of what's driving it is utility applications," Kilbourne said.
A year ago, TXU Corp., the nation's sixth-largest electric utility, announced plans to establish broadband over power lines across most of its Texas network, making it a "smart grid" while also supporting Internet service for its customers.
National Grid has no immediate plans to use New Visions' equipment for internal applications, but it might consider that option, said Alberto Bianchetti, speaking for the utility.
In September 2004, then-Gov. George Pataki came to New Visions' office at 227 W. Fayette St. to announce a $300,000 state grant to help the company establish its network operations center. At the time, New Visions expected to begin providing service by January 2005.
But the launch of service has been delayed repeatedly by changing conditions in the industry, Branca said.
Technology improvements have multiplied the power of the equipment while shrinking its size, a mixed blessing in that it spurred Branca to thoroughly redesign his Solvay network twice during the past two years.
At the same time, the Federal Communications Commission has developed regulations for BPL equipment to prevent interference among BPL systems, ham radio operators and certain government agencies, all of which operate in the same range of frequencies.
New Visions had connected only a few customers in Solvay before FCC rules issued in July required re-certification of the equipment used there. The manufacturer expects certification soon, after which New Visions can resume connecting customers, Branca said.
New Visions will hire about 10 employees in the coming month to support the rollout, he said
Thursday, January 04, 2007
By Tim Knauss
Staff writer
National Grid plans to let a small Syracuse company offer low-cost, high-speed Internet service over its power lines in several suburbs of Syracuse.
If all goes well in those areas, the service could be expanded throughout the utility's Upstate service territory. That would give customers the option to plug into their electrical outlets for Internet access, phone service and - potentially - TV programs.
Under an agreement with National Grid to be announced today, New Visions Powerline Communications Inc., a seven-person company based in Armory Square, would lease pole space from the utility for its equipment and use medium- and low-voltage electric wires to send data to homes and businesses.
The deal calls for New Visions to provide service in Geddes, Fairmount and parts of Camillus. Down the road, if both companies agree, the service could be expanded to other areas.
"We're excited that National Grid is affording us this opportunity," said Carmen N. Branca Jr., president of New Visions.
State regulators must approve the deal before it can be implemented. The companies could not predict how long that would take.
New Visions has been working since 2004 to establish Internet service on the village of Solvay's municipal electric system. Solvay was the first utility in the state to attempt widespread deployment of broadband service over power lines.
New Visions expects the long-delayed launch of its service in Solvay to begin within weeks, Branca said.
The National Grid deal would allow New Visions to expand beyond Solvay to serve National Grid customers in adjacent towns.
Broadband over power lines, or BPL, works by coupling radio frequency energy to the alternating current in electric distribution wires. Internet data travel at frequencies different from the electrical current.
To use the service, customers simply attach their computer to a modem that plugs into any electrical outlet.
Thanks to technological improvements over the past few years, BPL advocates like Branca expect the electric grid to compete with phone and cable systems as a third major provider of Internet access, including voice and video services.
Just this week, Gov. Eliot Spitzer drew attention to the lack of affordable high-speed Internet in some New York communities and promised to find solutions. Branca said broadband over power lines could be a solution.
New Visions advertises a price of $28.95 per month for high-speed Internet service (up to 5 megabits per second, upstream and downstream). If customers combine Internet with phone service, the monthly bill is $56.90 a month.
Unlike many providers, New Visions charges the same price for residential or small business customers, Branca said.
But the Internet business is increasingly competitive in many areas, and power line providers face a tough fight for customers, said Brett Kilbourne, director of regulatory affairs and associate counsel at the United Power Line Council in Washington, D.C. He predicted that consumer demand would be strongest in rural areas that are under-served by other providers.
Consumerdemand is not the only factor driving adoption of the technology, however. Many utilities are interested in what BPL can do for their internal operations by improving their ability to read meters, detect outages and manage equipment maintenance, Kilbourne said.
"A lot of what's driving it is utility applications," Kilbourne said.
A year ago, TXU Corp., the nation's sixth-largest electric utility, announced plans to establish broadband over power lines across most of its Texas network, making it a "smart grid" while also supporting Internet service for its customers.
National Grid has no immediate plans to use New Visions' equipment for internal applications, but it might consider that option, said Alberto Bianchetti, speaking for the utility.
In September 2004, then-Gov. George Pataki came to New Visions' office at 227 W. Fayette St. to announce a $300,000 state grant to help the company establish its network operations center. At the time, New Visions expected to begin providing service by January 2005.
But the launch of service has been delayed repeatedly by changing conditions in the industry, Branca said.
Technology improvements have multiplied the power of the equipment while shrinking its size, a mixed blessing in that it spurred Branca to thoroughly redesign his Solvay network twice during the past two years.
At the same time, the Federal Communications Commission has developed regulations for BPL equipment to prevent interference among BPL systems, ham radio operators and certain government agencies, all of which operate in the same range of frequencies.
New Visions had connected only a few customers in Solvay before FCC rules issued in July required re-certification of the equipment used there. The manufacturer expects certification soon, after which New Visions can resume connecting customers, Branca said.
New Visions will hire about 10 employees in the coming month to support the rollout, he said
Intellon Announces 12 Service Providers Worldwide Now Deploying Intellon HomePlug(R) ICs for IPTV Applications
01.02.07, 8:02 AM ET
Intellon Corporation, the world leader in standards-based powerline communications (PLC) integrated circuits (ICs), today announced that 12 service providers in Europe and Asia are now using Intellon's HomePlug ICs for in-home IPTV distribution. Operators now deploying Intellon's ICs for IPTV include 1&1, Chung Hwa Telecom, Club Internet, France Telecom, Free, Hanaro Telecom, neuf cegetel, PCCW, Simmin, Tele2, Telecom Italia France and TPSA.
As with any pay television service, IPTV has to be carrier grade in terms of performance. Service providers in Europe and Asia typically began installing IPTV service by running new Ethernet cable to distribute the broadcast TV and Video on Demand content from the residential gateways to the IP Set Top Boxes near the customers' TVs. Before deploying Intellon's solution, operators were consistently reporting that 10%-30% of their customers were canceling the newly-ordered IPTV service when new Ethernet wiring was required for the installation.
more: Forbes.com
Intellon Corporation, the world leader in standards-based powerline communications (PLC) integrated circuits (ICs), today announced that 12 service providers in Europe and Asia are now using Intellon's HomePlug ICs for in-home IPTV distribution. Operators now deploying Intellon's ICs for IPTV include 1&1, Chung Hwa Telecom, Club Internet, France Telecom, Free, Hanaro Telecom, neuf cegetel, PCCW, Simmin, Tele2, Telecom Italia France and TPSA.
As with any pay television service, IPTV has to be carrier grade in terms of performance. Service providers in Europe and Asia typically began installing IPTV service by running new Ethernet cable to distribute the broadcast TV and Video on Demand content from the residential gateways to the IP Set Top Boxes near the customers' TVs. Before deploying Intellon's solution, operators were consistently reporting that 10%-30% of their customers were canceling the newly-ordered IPTV service when new Ethernet wiring was required for the installation.
more: Forbes.com
Benton Calls for National Broadband Plan
January 02, 2007
Today Benton Foundation Chairman and CEO Charles Benton sent President George Bush a letter asking him to create a national broadband strategy.
On March 26, 2004, during a campaign appearance in Albuquerque, New Mexico, President Bush said, “We ought to have universal affordable access for broadband technology by the year 2007.”
Universal broadband availability would not only unleash an estimated $500 billion in economic growth and more than 1.2 million high-wage jobs, but it could help bridge the digital divide and unleash a new wave of innovations, transforming almost every aspect of our lives. But, as 2007 begins, we appear to be far from achieving the President’s broadband goal.
• The United States has now fallen to 15th among industrialized nations in deploying broadband services.
• Only 25 percent of U.S. adults in rural areas have broadband services in their homes, reflecting too few choices, unaffordable prices, and limited (or lack of) service availability.
• The broadband penetration rate in rural areas is almost half the rate in urban and suburban households. Though growing, rural Internet penetration has remained roughly 10 percentage points behind the national average
• In addition, less than 10 percent of households with incomes below $25,000 have a broadband connection.
In his letter, Charles Benton urges the President to:
1) create a national broadband strategy with set benchmarks, deployment timetables, a commitment to demand drivers, and measurable thresholds;
2) with analog phone penetration nearly universal, develop federal policies to transition us to fully digital communication technologies – making broadband-based communication as universal as telephones are today; and
3) protect our traditional values in the 21st century – providing opportunities for all, including people with disabilities, to participate in the digital economy, using information age tools to ensure public safety, and respecting the privacy of all Americans.
Benton writes, “To achieve your goal, we need broadband pipes that are bigger, go faster, and extend further into every corner, community, and city in America – and we need them now.”
Read the full text of the letter at: http://www.benton.org/benton_files/
bentonfoundationbroadband.pdf
The Benton Foundation is a private foundation that is committed to articulating a public interest vision for the digital age and demonstrating the value of communications for solving social problems. Along with media policy, the foundation is also committed to strengthening public service media, including community media. Further information regarding the foundation and its work can be found at its website, www.benton.org.
Today Benton Foundation Chairman and CEO Charles Benton sent President George Bush a letter asking him to create a national broadband strategy.
On March 26, 2004, during a campaign appearance in Albuquerque, New Mexico, President Bush said, “We ought to have universal affordable access for broadband technology by the year 2007.”
Universal broadband availability would not only unleash an estimated $500 billion in economic growth and more than 1.2 million high-wage jobs, but it could help bridge the digital divide and unleash a new wave of innovations, transforming almost every aspect of our lives. But, as 2007 begins, we appear to be far from achieving the President’s broadband goal.
• The United States has now fallen to 15th among industrialized nations in deploying broadband services.
• Only 25 percent of U.S. adults in rural areas have broadband services in their homes, reflecting too few choices, unaffordable prices, and limited (or lack of) service availability.
• The broadband penetration rate in rural areas is almost half the rate in urban and suburban households. Though growing, rural Internet penetration has remained roughly 10 percentage points behind the national average
• In addition, less than 10 percent of households with incomes below $25,000 have a broadband connection.
In his letter, Charles Benton urges the President to:
1) create a national broadband strategy with set benchmarks, deployment timetables, a commitment to demand drivers, and measurable thresholds;
2) with analog phone penetration nearly universal, develop federal policies to transition us to fully digital communication technologies – making broadband-based communication as universal as telephones are today; and
3) protect our traditional values in the 21st century – providing opportunities for all, including people with disabilities, to participate in the digital economy, using information age tools to ensure public safety, and respecting the privacy of all Americans.
Benton writes, “To achieve your goal, we need broadband pipes that are bigger, go faster, and extend further into every corner, community, and city in America – and we need them now.”
Read the full text of the letter at: http://www.benton.org/benton_files/
bentonfoundationbroadband.pdf
The Benton Foundation is a private foundation that is committed to articulating a public interest vision for the digital age and demonstrating the value of communications for solving social problems. Along with media policy, the foundation is also committed to strengthening public service media, including community media. Further information regarding the foundation and its work can be found at its website, www.benton.org.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Letter from the Ambient Corp.`s CEO: Highlighting 2006 and Looking Forward to 2007
As we close out 2006 and look forward to 2007, I want to take this opportunity to update you, our shareholders, on the significant progress Ambient Corporation has made over the course of the last year.
This past year has been both productive and rewarding for Ambient. As we started off 2006, we were negotiating with Duke Energy to advance to a limited field trial. We had already announced a limited trial with San Diego Gas & Electric in 2005, but both relationships were just beginning to build momentum. The success and momentum realized throughout 2006 were the result of these seemingly small steps taken in 2005. This past year’s more significant momentum however, sets a solid foundation for an even more eventful 2007 and beyond.
As we look to this New Year, we can now boast expanding relationships with both Duke Energy and San Diego Gas & Electric. Additionally, we have added to our strategic relationships two additional large North American utilities: Entergy Corporation and First Energy Service Company.
Consolidated Edison remains our largest shareholder and has been an important partner throughout our development phase. We continue to work with Consolidated Edison on various projects.
With the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) confirming their support for BPL in general, and granting certification to Ambient’s Broadband over Power Lines (BPL) equipment, Ambient is now able to market, sell and install our products to utilities throughout the fifty states.
This past year’s results demonstrates our ability to grow and strengthen our strategic utility relations, continue to advance BPL technology for the access market – what we strongly believe to be the key to BPL’s widespread adoption, advance to commercial deployment and add the strategic and commercial relationships necessary to assure our ability to meet future projected market growth.
2006 HIGHLIGHTS:
Utility Relationships
In January, we entered into the second phase of our ongoing relationship with Duke Energy, one of the largest investor owned utilities (IOU) in the United States, initiating a pilot program of our BPL technologies to over 500 homes. In connection with this pilot, we generated approximately $508,000 in revenue from the sale of BPL equipment and services to Duke.
During September, our relationship with Duke entered the third phase, an expanded commercial deployment, where we were contracted to build BPL connectivity to approximately 6,000 homes in the Charlotte area. In connection with this deployment, we received a purchase order for BPL equipment in the aggregate amount of approximately $3.5 million, which we are in the process of fulfilling with completion planned by the end of February 2007.
Later in the year, we extended our agreement with San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E). SDG&E is a regulated public utility company with 1.3 million electric customers. Ambient was the first vendor selected by SDG&E for a BPL trial that began in July 2005. In accordance with the extended agreement, SDG&E has deployed our FCC-certified BPL Nodes and the latest version of our internally developed Network Management Software (NMS).
Expanding our utility relationships, the Company recently launched a pilot program with Entergy Corporation, an integrated energy company with 2.7 million electric customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Ambient will support Entergy in the design, management and maintenance of its BPL pilot in Little Rock, Arkansas. Ambient will be looking for ways to help Entergy use BPL technology to improve its core utility services.
The Company also entered into an initial deployment agreement with Akron, Ohio based First Energy Service Company for a pilot of several hundred homes on its Ohio electric power distribution grid. Ambient has developed a network design for the deployment area and will provide all equipment used in the deployment, as well as engineering support and technical services to assist the utility as needed. The network will utilize Ambient’s NMS, a carrier-class solution for configuring and monitoring all elements and capabilities of our BPL product suite. The agreement also provides the framework for the negotiation and development of a commercial deployment agreement.
During the first quarter 2006, we also progressed to the grid management phase in our Westchester, NY deployment, amending our agreement with Consolidated Edison of New York and initiating the work with New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), a public benefit corporation which oversees many phases of research and development efforts of New York’s energy programs.
Expanding Opportunities
We recorded approximately $725,000 in revenue during the first quarter of 2006, surpassing by far any previous quarter since inception.
In May, we announced the availability of our X2 BPL Access Node, representing our second generation of communication products. Additionally, we closed on a $10 million funding, which allowed us the opportunity to continue to develop both our product and strategic relationships.
Continuing our progress in positioning our company as an industry leader, September proved to be a very important month for us, as our X2 BPL Access Node became the first high-speed BPL equipment to receive certification by the FCC. The FCC certification effectively allows us to market, sell and install our latest generation of communication products opening up additional commercial opportunities.
The United Power Line Council’s annual conference was held in Charlotte, N.C. where we showcased our entire product line and acted as host for a tour of our deployed equipment on the Duke Energy grid.
Additionally, in the fourth quarter, we obtained a global supply-chain partner in CTS Corporation, a New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CTS) company with multi-national and multi-plant capabilities and a leading provider of electronic manufacturing services. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) entered into with CTS allows for volume production of our X2 Node, necessary to meet anticipated increase in marketplace demands. CTS will provide full turnkey electronics manufacturing solutions (EMS) and services, including PCB assembly, box build integration and direct-ship logistics, initially from its New Hampshire facility.
Patent Management Strategy
Our Global Patent Management and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) strategies continue to expand. In December, Ambient was granted our fifth and sixth patents issued in 2006. Today Ambient was issued our 1st patent of 2007, bringing our U.S. patent portfolio to fourteen internally developed patents covering more than 187 claims allowed in the BPL industry. Ambient’s BPL-related patents, dating back to 1999, encompass such areas as data couplers on medium voltage power lines, coupler enhancements, data coupler usage, coupler placement in buildings, coupler construction and solutions to overcoming challenges of high voltage stress and high current.
Strategic Relationships
We continue to work closely with our partner, Design of Systems on Silicon S.A. (DS2), the leading supplier of silicon and software for BPL products, to enhance their products for the North American access market. EarthLink, the nation’s next generation Internet service provider with over five million subscribers, continues to work with us in several of our deployments to evaluate market services on the consumer or end-user side. This includes such services as VoIP and high-speed Internet connectivity. We continue to work with all of our strategic relationships to develop, market and deploy our BPL products.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors was strengthened in October with the addition of a financial expert, Mr. Thomas Higgins. Mr. Higgins, who also serves as Senior Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer of the College Board, brings vast financial experience to Ambient. Mr. Higgins is a member of the American Institute of CPAs as well as the New Jersey and New York State Society of CPAs. Mr. Higgins was also appointed the Chairman of our Audit Committee.
FCC Actions
Of great importance to both Ambient and the BPL industry were two FCC actions in the second half of this year. In August, the FCC affirmed its rules for Access BPL systems set forth in October of 2004. In its Memorandum Opinion and Order, the FCC’s action generally affirmed its rules for Access Broadband over Power Line (Access BPL) systems, which helps in eliminating the regulatory uncertainty created by the various requests for reconsideration.
In November, the FCC ruled Broadband over Power Line-enabled Internet access service to be an information service. This ruling places BPL-enabled Internet access service in the same regulatory category with other broadband services such as cable and DSL services and will promote fair competition among the broadband services available to consumers today.
Important Publications
Two publications have garnered much notice in the industry with two key figures in the BPL world publicly stating their enthusiasm for the potential of BPL. Recently The New York Times published excerpts of an interview with James E. Rogers, CEO of Duke Energy, titled “How to Untangle The Power Grid, Digitally.” Mr. Rogers stated that BPL “could increase [their] ability to detect faults in their system.” Mr. Rogers also stated that the goal of Duke using BPL is to create a smarter grid.
In the most recent United Telecom Council’s UTC Journal Ms. Judith Warrick, senior advisor at Morgan Stanley, was also recently published in an article titled “BPL Can Change The World”. As Ms. Warrick has been in the electric industry since 1971 and is well respected, we feel that her statement: “What can be accomplished with BPL is a whole new set of options, of power, of energy efficiency and control, of choices and smart grids, of solutions to the energy problems that are central to all of civilization’s problems” is a great way to sum up the potential of BPL technology as we close out 2006.
In closing, I want to share with you my excitement about the developments of Ambient during 2006. We are now in an intense period of activity in our company's life as we carve out our place in the world's enormous, and growing, broadband services industry.
I personally would like to thank each of you for your continued interest and support of our company, as we all look forward to an even more productive 2007.
On behalf of the entire Ambient team, may you and your families have a healthy and prosperous New Year!
With best regards,
John J. Joyce
President and CEO
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