Washington Post: Bring On The Exaflood! Broadband Needs a Boost

How U.S. policy can help reduce the broadband gap
By Bruce Mehlman and Larry Irving
Article Launched: 05/31/2007 01:33:09 AM PDT


Electricity reached one-quarter of Americans 46 years after its introduction. Telephones took 35 years and televisions 26 years. Already, in just six years, broadband has reached 25 percent penetration, according to McKinsey & Co.

The exponential explosion of digital content on the Internet is striking. YouTube alone consumes as much bandwidth today as the entire Internet consumed in 2000. Users upload 65,000 new videos every day and download 100 million files daily, a 1,000 percent increase from just one year ago. The market research firm IDC predicts that this year the amount of information created will surpass, for the first time, the storage capacity available. Those fearing a bandwidth shortage are taking pre-emptive actions, such as the Defense Department's recent cutoff of soldiers' access to content-rich sites such as YouTube and MySpace.

Driven by a critical mass of fast connections and the arrival of a "killer application" - video - broadband has arrived. Broadband, or high-speed Internet connectivity, is the transformative technology of our generation. Access to and effective use of broadband affects the ability of individuals, industries and nations to grow, compete and succeed. If we can match the explosion in digital content with the smarter and more robust networks needed to get information to homes, businesses and schools, America stands a good chance of regaining its global leadership in broadband access, innovation and adoption.

Yet as new content proliferates, today's high-speed connection could be tomorrow's traffic jam. The strain on broadband capabilities and the looming data deluge is often called the Internet exaflood. "Exaflood" stems from the term exabyte, or 1.074 billion gigabytes. Two exabytes equal the total volume of information generated in 1999. The Internet currently handles one exabyte of data every hour. This mushrooming amalgamation of data is pushing the Internet to its limits.
We should not fear the exaflood, however. It is key to the innovative new services and applications that appear almost daily. Consider the growing number of universities that are making course lectures available online, often in real time. Or telemedicine programs that are transmitting medical images and linking patients with distant specialists for real-time consultations.

Preparing for the exaflood is critical to the nation's success. The Internet infrastructure must be robust enough to handle all of the new data; this is often a challenge because the Internet is really thousands of privately owned, individual networks stitched together. It requires constant investment so that it will continue to grow and run smoothly. The private companies that maintain the Internet backbone are continually upgrading the network with new computers, routers, fiber optics and software to make sure data gets where it needs to go as fast as possible.

All sides agree that we need ongoing investment in content, massive upgrades of infrastructure and relentless innovation to handle the phenomenal growth in data traffic. We need advancements in how we build and operate networks, including new file compression technologies, upgraded traffic management software, better spam and virus filters, and new delivery platforms. And we need substantial investments in short-haul bandwidth through fiber to homes, broadband over power lines, satellites and fourth-generation wireless networks.

The formula for encouraging such extraordinary investments is clear: minimize tax and regulatory constraints and maximize competition. Policy-makers across the nation have ample opportunity to implement this blueprint right away. They should pass common-sense legislation such as permanently extending the Internet tax moratorium, building broadband-ready public housing, and cutting depreciation schedules for network equipment and infrastructure.

The price of maintaining the status quo would be Internet gridlock that cripples new services, and our country would fall further behind other countries in broadband penetration.

The impending exaflood of data is cause for excitement. It took two centuries to fill the shelves of the Library of Congress with more than 57 million manuscripts, 29 million books and periodicals, 12 million photographs, and more. Now, the world generates an equivalent amount of digital information nearly 100 times each day. The explosion of digital information and proliferation of applications promises great things for our economy and our nation, as long as we are prepared.

Telkonet Provides Powerline Communications Solution to Tampa Convention Center

Wednesday May 30, 11:21 am ET
The largest secure IP-over-powerline networking deployment of its kind in the industry


GERMANTOWN, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Telkonet, Inc. (AMEX:TKO - News), the leader in providing powerline carrier (PLC) networking solutions using existing electrical wiring, today announced that it was awarded a contract by the City of Tampa, Florida to deploy the FIPS 140-2 validated Telkonet iWire System(TM) within the massive Tampa Convention Center. Telkonet's enterprise-grade IP-over-powerline networking solution was selected by Tampa Convention Center leadership over several competing wired and wireless solutions due to its speed of deployment, enhanced security features and overall cost-effectiveness. Recently completed, the Tampa implementation is the largest of its kind to-date of any powerline communications (PLC) product line on the market. More importantly, Telkonet's system enables the delivery of multiple IP applications to virtually all of the electrical outlets within the 600,000 square foot conference and event center, including high-speed Internet access to conference booth areas, Voice over IP to office locations and digital media throughout the facility.


Ronald W. Pickett, President and CEO of Telkonet stated, "Telkonet's recent success delivering high-speed communications over the massive Tampa Convention Center's in-building power system further validates the technical and economic superiority of the company's U.S. government certified Telkonet iWire System and its value within the enterprise IP application market. With this important win, the Telkonet Government Systems (TGS) group will continue to work with the City of Tampa and similar state and local government organizations to provide secure, scalable and cost-effective powerline networking solutions to entities making the transition to converged networked communications. We are pleased to have been selected to support the Tampa Convention Center and the City of Tampa with its IT transition. This project, combined with the recently-announced $4 million Department of Defense program and other sales initiatives using the FIPS 140-2 approved suite of products, is contributing to a significant increase in sales in the second quarter and is expected to continue to ramp up sales in the foreseeable future."

TGS is focused on the marketing and delivery of enterprise-grade IP-over-powerline networking solutions to the federal, state and local government markets. To-date, TGS has secured multiple U.S. Government technology approvals for the company's industry-leading networking solution and is currently managing the design and deployment of Telkonet products and services to hundreds of customer locations as diverse as the Department of the Navy, the Department of Homeland Security, school districts and various state and local government agencies. TGS provides federal, state and local government customers with superior IP-over-powerline networking solutions and professional services encompassing network design, deployment, integration, certification and accreditation, supply chain management, call center support and lifecycle maintenance and management.

BPLTODAY.com: Duke Energy's Rogers sees own smart grid plan as most advanced

What's up with BPL at Duke? Duke CEO James Rogers -- famed BPL booster as CEO of Cinergy, the first US IOU to deploy the technology widely -- now feels the need to tone down his advocacy . . . (to read the remainder of this article you need subscription to www.bpltoday.com

Read previous article: EarthLink to offer internet to 6,000 DUKE ENERGY and Ambient Corp. Broadband over Power Line`s customers !!!

Duke to open commercial trial with Ambient gear
October 3, 2006

EarthLink to offer internet to 6,000

New DS2 Powerline Ethernet Adapter shortlisted for major IEC award

Environmentally friendly One-Touch Set-Up and ‘Pass Through’ technology creates HDTV-speed networks without a PC

Results to be announced at Broadband World Forum Asia, 6th June 2007

Valencia, SPAIN – 29 May, 2007 – DS2, the world’s leading Powerline Chipset provider, has been shortlisted for the IEC InfoVision Broadband Appliances, Devices and Home Networking Award. Its new Powerline DH10PF Ethernet Adapter brings a revolutionary One-Touch Set-Up, enabling users, for the first time, to create HDTV-speed home networks in seconds – and without the need for a PC. DS2 technology helps to create a digital home through the electrical cabling existent in any house. Other nominees for the award are Samsung Electronics, Huawei Technologies, Infineon Technologies and BT Mobility.


The new Adapter incorporates key design innovations in addition to the One-Touch Set-Up. It is the only product on the market with an integrated plug socket, so that consumers don’t lose a power outlet when connecting to the electrical circuit. It also has an environmentally friendly standby mode, which saves energy when the product is not in use. The new adapter, along with all DS2 technology, complies fully to the Universal Powerline Association (UPA) standards for high speed Powerline networking, making it interoperable with all other certified products and applications.

“The powerline industry is growing rapidly as the underlying technology is becoming more mature – our 200Mbps chipset has been available now for over three years,” commented Victor Dominguez, Director of Strategy and Standardisation at DS2. “We are currently increasing our focus on the applications themselves, and the new socket adapter helps us to do this. Consumers without PCs can easily create an instant, high-definition home network – and the device itself is more convenient for home users because it retains the electrical outlet. These innovations are the next big step for the industry, and we are happy that this product has been identified by the IEC as being a part of that.”

IEC Vice President of Conference Development, Tom Costello, commented: “The IEC’s InfoVision Awards programme gives tribute to the paramount broadband innovations in deployment today in the Asia-Pacific region. We are pleased to recognise DS2 as an InfoVision Finalist for its new DH10PF Adapter, which we appreciate as a significant contribution to the industry.”

The product will be available globally through a range of application vendors partnered with DS2 and affiliated to the UPA.

S. Korean firm signs MOU to develop next generation BPL with EarthLink

SEOUL, May 27 (Yonhap) -- A South Korean power line communications firm said Sunday that it has signed a deal to jointly develop its next generation broadband over power line (BPL) technology with a U.S. Internet company.

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Exscoms Corp. and Atlanta-based EarthLink Inc. calls for the joint effort to commercialize the XPNet system developed by the South Korean venture start-up.

Exscoms President Lee Seong-an said the business arrangement is expected to bring in at least 200 billion won (US$214 million) in royalty earnings from its partner.

EarthLink is a leading Internet and communications firm that offers dial-up, high-speed, voice, web hosting, wireless, and home networking and security services to over 5 million users.

"It is a joint endeavor to put XPNet into wide-scale use, but Exscoms is recognized as the patent holder of the basic technology," he said.

BPL refers to technology that uses regular power lines to provide broadband services including ultra highspeed Internet, home networking and plant automation.

Currently, only telephone lines, fiber optic cables and specially modified power lines can be used to transmit broadband data.

Power cables require expensive devices to be used as broadband communication conduits.

Lee said EarthLink had taken part in a successful experiment in March to check the stability and effectiveness of the BPL technology developed by Exscoms.

"In the test, visual, real-time, chatting took place between operators who were 32 kilometers apart, and connected only by a power line using the XPNet system," he said.

The executive said XPNet has considerable growth potential because it can be used in countries that are in the process of setting up national broadband communication links and may be interested in supplementing optic fiber cables with power lines, and those that have yet to move down this road and do not have adequate resources.

He said the technology behind the broadband system has been submitted for intellectual property protection in South Korea, the United States and several other industrialized countries.

AMBIENT DISCUSSES THE FUTURE AT ITS ANNUAL MEETING

Boston, MA, May 24, 2007 - Ambient Corporation (OTCBB: ABTG), a leader in Broadband over Power Lines (BPL) solutions, announced that it held its annual meeting of stockholders today. The meeting included a recap of the Company’s activities in 2006 and a discussion of its future plans. Additionally, the Company announced that all proposals to be voted on by stockholders at the meeting passed with a greater than 88% approval.

Ambient’s President and CEO, John J. Joyce, outlined in his annual presentation the Company’s four main goals and objectives over the next year:

• Grow Revenue
• Enhance Ambient’s Technology and Protect its Intellectual Property
• Foster the Creation of Industry Standards
• Stabilize the Capital Structure

Mr. Joyce’s presentation given at the annual meeting is viewable at www.ambientcorp.com.
Ambient is currently conducting field trials, pilot demonstrations and commercial roll outs with major electric utilities that serve in aggregate over 15 million electric customers. These projects, which involve Ambient’s suite of BPL products, are directed towards a variety of goals including developing and demonstrating a BPL communication channel that enables Smart Grid utility applications, residential and multi-dwelling unit consumer broadband Internet access, and successful operation of Ambient’s next generation hardware products and network management software.

“By enabling BPL technology for utilities to improve energy and operational efficiency, especially in an aging grid infrastructure, Ambient has positioned itself as a leading innovator in delivering Smart Grid capabilities. Ambient will continue to focus on the development of new applications and products for the Smart Grid as well as deployments with our utility and technology partners. We also continue to strengthen our existing relationships and will seek additional partners as needed,” stated Mr. Joyce.

CONGRESS: ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROMOTION ACT INTRODUCED IN THE SENATE

Tuesday, May 15, 2007 issue

Last month, a bipartisan bill (S.1115) was introduced that would require "state utility regulatory commissions and non-regulated utilities to consider federal standards to promote energy efficiency," as well as promote other energy efficiency initiatives. The bill is targeted primarily towards energy efficiency by consumers, particularly in using appliances and cars; but there are provisions for utilities, such as funding for battery storage research and advanced lighting technologies. Specifically, the bill authorizes $500 million over 10 years for basic research for batteries, and $800 million to transition the basic research to first-of-a-kind batteries that the automobile and electric utility industries can use to improve energy storage. Additionally, the bill authorizes $1 billion over ten years for four centers to work with the private sector to develop advanced manufacturing technologies to make sure the batteries will be competitive globally. With regard to advanced lighting, the bill would authorize a $10 million Bright Tomorrow Lighting program to replace the 60 watt incandescent light bulb, and a $5 million award for replacing flood lights. Finally, the bill also would authorize "a program to provide workforce training to meet the demand for skilled workers in the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries." For more information on the bill, contact the UPLC Legal/Regulatory Department.

Universal Powerline Association (UPA) Standards Leading the Delivery of Global Interoperable Powerline Products and Services

UPA's "Complete Suite" of Powerline Solutions for In-Home, In-Building and Access provide Global Markets with reliable end-to-end connectivity


May 23, 2007 - San Jose, California, - The Universal Powerline Association (UPA) (www.upaplc.org), a leading international body that develops and implements specifications and compliance testing for interoperable Powerline communication, today announces the most complete suite of UPA qualified products for the emerging and growing global market of high-speed 200Mbps Powerline networking. "The use of UPA qualified products by leading IPTV operators, Utilities, networking companies, system integrators, Audio/Video retailers/installers and retailers around the world coupled with the large range of interoperable UPA products now available to the consumer signify the beginning of critical mass for Powerline communications," said Eric Morel, Chairman of UPA.

UPA certified products have been deployed by Telecom Operators since 2005 and UPA technology is the only 200Mbps Powerline technology being deployed in volume by Telecom companies today. UPA technology offers Operators the ability to deliver high bandwidth services, such as IPTV, via a flawless, consumer-installed Powerline network. Morel assessed that "UPA compliant products are now in use in almost all commercial rollouts of IPTV over Powerlines by incumbent operators."

The UPA recently displayed its wide range of 200Mbps commercially available products at the CONNECTIONS 2007 Digital Living conference in Santa Clara, California. The display included 15 interoperable high-speed Powerline products from 10 different manufacturers; by far the largest high speed, interoperable, and Plugtested powerline product range available today. Driving the demand for the latest 200Mbps UPA products is video connectivity in the home, including a high bandwidth "video network" offering guaranteed quality of service and the ability to share multimedia content throughout the home. Products based on UPA technology deliver a solid video network that supports the streaming of multiple channels of High Definition content between multiple devices in the home. UPA technology connects televisions, PCs, game consoles, media servers, TV Set-Top-Boxes, Digital Video Recorders, and all other IP-enabled devices.

"The UPA Plugtested seal is a guarantee of compliance and interoperability between products. All UPA Plugtested products meet the demanding requirements for all the new In-Home applications such as IPTV, Multi-Room Video streaming, and Real-Time Online Gaming. When the consumers see the UPA Plugtested logo, they can be sure the products are guaranteed to work", said Peter Sobotka, Chairman, UPA Digital Home Standard group.

UPA member companies have seen significant growth of their customers and marketplace over the last year. Additionally, the UPA has added a new board member and additional silicon sources. Members attribute their growth in big part to the UPA and its continued endorsement of global open and interoperable standards and to the fact that the UPA is the only organization that has developed 200Mbps specifications for In-Home, In-Building, Access, and Coexistence.

UPA technology is the only Powerline technology being deployed today for 200Mbps connectivity in multi dwelling units, offices, schools, hospitals, and over medium and low voltage Powerlines owned by Utilities. Lower speed Powerline technologies have been on the market for many years offering point-to-point data communication but this is the first major launch of high-speed Powerline networking products ready for immediate adoption in global markets.

DS2 appoints dedicated customer and technical support in Taiwan

Local support increases competitive edge of DS2 based manufacturers by enabling innovation and product differentiation

Taipei, 22 May, 2007 - DS2, the leading supplier for Universal Powerline Association (UPA) technology, announced today a dedicated customer service and technical support office in Taiwan that will provide a high level of value-added services for its OEM and ODM customers in Taiwan and the greater Asian market.

The new service recognises the importance of partnering with OEMs and ODMs to drive the adoption of high speed Powerline Communications. The local Taiwan office complements the design and customer support team at DS2 by boosting real-time technical support for customers. Design and manufacturing customers will benefit from improved time-to-market that will further increase their competitive edge by enabling innovation and product differentiation.

Jose Maria Llopis, DS2´s Director of Marketing and Sales, stated that: "Taiwan is a key player in the development of branded high-speed Powerline product for the retail and operator markets worldwide. We want to give our customers a competitive edge by providing them with dedicated resources to have more control over real-time design choices when developing their solutions."

Eivind Christensen, Director of Asian operations in DS2's Japan office, stated: "This new service in Taiwan will support local manufacturers in the design of new cutting edge multimedia products for networking using high speed UPA technology. Adding full-time customer and technical support in Taiwan will help DS2 manufacturers based in Taiwan and Asia to meet the growing demand for DS2-based high-speed Powerline products worldwide."

CTS and Ambient Enter into Strategic Alliance !!!

"According to Ambient's Web site, its proprietary coupling and telecommunications technology will allow utilities to use their existing medium and low-voltage power lines as high-speed data pipelines, capable of delivering broadband Internet and telephony along with utility services such as outage reporting."


===
CTS and Ambient Enter into Strategic Alliance
05.21.07, 7:03 AM ET

CTS Corporation (NYSE: CTS), a leading provider of electronic manufacturing services (EMS), and Ambient Corporation (OTCBB: ABTG), a leader in Broadband over Power Lines (BPL) solutions, announced today that they have entered into a strategic alliance, strengthening their relationship to meet Ambient's projected market demand and future requirements.

"CTS is excited about the potential of the BPL market and is pleased to be partnering with Ambient," stated Don Schroeder, President of CTS EMS. "Our EMS capabilities and expertise well compliment Ambient's engineering and design expertise, and together we are confident we can meet Ambient's scalability needs while still delivering the superior product Ambient requires."

This newest agreement allows Ambient to ensure volume production capability of its FCC-certified X2 BPL Access Node, for the foreseeable future. CTS provides full turnkey EMS services, including printed circuit board (PCB) assembly, box build integration and direct-ship logistics, from its facilities around the world.

John J. Joyce, President and CEO of Ambient stated, "Building from our experience with CTS and positioning Ambient with a strategic and global contract manufacturer is another important factor in building long-term stability for this market.

"Securing such a strong supply-chain partner has been crucial in the successful rollout of our deployments to date and demonstrates our ability to build the relationships necessary for ensuring a reliable long-term source for the manufacturing of our X2 node. CTS, as our contract manufacturer, reaffirms the commitment of delivering quality products to our customers," continued Mr. Joyce.

About CTS

CTS is a leading designer and manufacturer of electronic components and sensors and a provider of electronics manufacturing services (EMS) to OEMs in the automotive, computer, communications, medical and industrial markets. CTS manufactures products in North America, Europe and Asia. CTS' stock is traded on the NYSE under the ticker symbol "CTS." To find out more, visit the CTS Web site at www.ctscorp.com.

Letter from Ambient Corp. CEO to shareholders !!!

May 15, 2007
To our Shareholders,

We began this year by issuing a letter to our shareholders, reviewing the progress of
2006. This letter is to bring you up to date of the Company’s progress since then.
The Company announced in September 2006 that we received a purchase order from
Duke Energy for BPL equipment in the aggregate amount of approximately $3.5 million.
We have fulfilled about 95% of that purchase order and continue to work towards the
completion of it. The commercial deployment of our BPL communications platform in
Charlotte, North Carolina continues.


As announced this month, the Company has entered into a new research and
development project with Consolidated Edison of New York. This project is based in
Manhattan and is focused on Con Edison’s underground system. The Company had
also announced early last year that it had moved to the grid management phase in our
Westchester, New York deployment with Con Edison. We have completed the work
there as defined by the contract with the New York State Energy Research and
Development Authority (NYSERDA) and have received payment accordingly.


The Company continues to work with San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) in San
Diego, CA, Entergy Corporation in Little Rock, Arkansas and FirstEnergy Service
Company in Akron, Ohio. Albeit small in nature, these pilots are important to the proof of
concept phase many utilities are exploring.


The introduction of Ambient’s newest intelligent grid applications, current and voltage
sensing, enhancing our Smart Grid capabilities was unveiled in April. These applications
are vital in improving energy and operational efficiency for utilities. Ambient has also
introduced our newest medium-voltage inductive coupler to our utility partners, which is
significantly reduced in size and weight. Additionally, we have progressed to the third
generation of our network management system, AmbientNMS, and added a service
management system into it.


By enabling BPL technology for utilities to improve energy and operational efficiency,
especially in an aging grid infrastructure, Ambient has positioned itself as a leading
innovator in delivering Smart Grid capabilities. Ambient will continue to focus on the
development of new applications and products for the Smart Grid as well as
deployments with our utility and technology partners. We also continue to strengthen our
existing relationships and will seek additional partners as needed.


I am pleased to report that based on first quarter sales results included in our quarterly
report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, Ambient is reporting
revenues of approximately $1.8 million for first quarter 2007. The quarterly report
contains other important financial information.


At the Annual Meeting we will review our performance in 2006, our current financial
condition and our plans to position the Company for the future to enhance your
investment. Our 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is scheduled to be held on
Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. (EDT) at the Hyatt Regency, 575 Memorial Drive,
Cambridge, MA. For those unable to attend, we will be posting a copy of my
presentation immediately following the meeting.


While we have challenges ahead of us, we believe that we have achieved many
milestones. As is the case with many companies focused on a nascent and evolving
field, the advancements in our BPL technology and its prospects are not fully reflected in
the market cap of the company today. We are enormously excited by the tremendous
possibilities that lie ahead.

We thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,
John J. Joyce
President and CEO
Ambient Corporation

Ambient is a pioneer in the Broadband over Power Lines (BPL) industry and is engaged in the design,
development and marketing of patented, FCC-certified BPL equipment and technologies. Ambient utilizes
proprietary technology and in-depth industry experience to provide optimal green solutions for the Smart
Grid and the Access and In-Premise markets. Headquartered in Newton, MA, Ambient is a publicly traded
company (OTCBB: ABTG).«ÒÍã/

Entergy Corp.-Arkansas and Ambient BPL 6-month trial is almost up !!!

Remember: Entergy Corp.(NYSE: ETR) Enters BPL World with Ambient Corp. to Pilot Smart Grid and Triple-Play services !!!
Source: www.BPLTODAY.COM
12/05/2006

"The Entergy pilot will begin during the fourth quarter of this year, said Ambient, and will last six months at Entergy's West Markham office in Little Rock, Ark. Ambient will support Entergy in the design, management and maintenance of the BPL network. Entergy will make its substation and distribution facilities available to provide the power line links."


Entergy enters BPL world with Ambient pilot

DirecTV may try broadband over power lines (BPL) in top 50 cities !!!!!

DirecTV ponders broadband over power lines
By Reuters
Published: May 14, 2007, 5:00 PM PDT

Satellite television provider DirecTV may test delivering high-speed Internet service through power lines in a major U.S. city in the next year, its chief executive said Monday.

DirecTV and others are talking to companies that specialize in providing broadband through the electrical grid, Chief Executive Chase Carey said at the Reuters Global Technology, Media and Telecoms Summit in New York.

"We're not the only ones talking to them," Carey said, in response to a question on whether DirecTV would consider a test in a major city. "I think you'll see some meaningful tests in this arena."

DirecTV would like to test delivering Internet access on power lines in a "top 50 city where you're covering at least half the city."

Testing the service on several hundred thousand people would provide the company with "challenges and positives," he said.

Delivering broadband access through power lines is something that companies have been testing for some years. Most U.S. residents get broadband service through their cable television or telephone companies.

US Government sees key role for BPL in national security

US Government sees key role for BPL in national security

The US National Communications System (NCS) reports BPL's role in national security/emergency preparedness (NS/EP) -- and the latest report was in January . . .

read full article:(need to subscribe to BPLTODAY.com)

Ireland: Broadband via power lines on the way for Irish surfers

11.05.2007 - Later this year Irish internet users could be able to receive broadband services via the electrical wiring in their homes following agreements between US communications giant Motorola and at least two Irish broadband providers Azotel and Ice Broadband.

The sales director for Europe for Motorola’s family of MOTOwi4 wireless broadband products Ian Bayly told siliconrepublic.com that the company would be rolling out broadband over power lines across Europe.

“By installing a gateway inside a meter bank in an apartment block it is possible to distribute broadband throughout a building over existing electricity circuits. All the broadband user needs is a modem from our Wi4 product portfolio,” Bayly said.

He said that Cork-based internet service provider Azotel and Dublin-based broadband player Ice Broadband will be among the first to deploy the service.

Vincent Kennedy, director of Motorola Networks Ireland, told siliconrepublic.com that the plan is to use Motorola’s Canopy pre-WiMax technology that operates on an unlicensed 2.5GHz frequency.

“Canopy is a 2.4GHz point-to-multipoint system capable of transmitting up to 300MB of data. We can put one of these on top of a phone exchange and shoot that signal 30km into an area and use Canopy to share out the broadband in the last mile.”

Bayly said that once the signal reaches an apartment block speeds of 25Mbps can then be shared out among 55 users, providing between 1MB and 3MB per user.

Kennedy added: “An apartment block or hotel in Westport could link to a high site 30km away. A Canopy device on the rooftop would suck down the broadband and push it through the electricity grid providing broadband to around 55 users.”

Yesterday, Ice Broadband signed a deal with Motorola to expand its wireless broadband services across Ireland using Canopy technology and point-to-point backhaul products.

Ice Broadband chairman Fran Rooney said the deal would enable Ice to maintain the momentum of its network rollout and provide broadband and voice over IP services.

“Demand for broadband in Ireland is booming,” said Rooney “Wireless technology gives us the means to quickly and efficiently create a network that will reach customers across the entire country, regardless of the quality of fixed line infrastructure.

“Motorola’s solution is quick and simple for our engineers to install, reliable, offers excellent range and delivers high-quality data and voice transmission. It enables us to maintain the high rate of service rollout we’ve established and the quality standards our customers have come to expect,” Rooney said.

By John Kennedy

PowerGrid Communications and GridPoint Announce Collaboration for Smart Grid Solutions at UTC Expo 2007

Monday May 7, 1:48 pm ET

BROADBAND OVER POWER LINE SYMPOSIUM

MAY 6-9, 2007
AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER
AUSTIN, TEXAS

From Smart Grids to Better Access to Broadband – Driving Next-Generation Utility Telecom

U.S Congress wants "Smart Metering" through a "Smart Grid" !!!

Congress Wants To Cut Your Electric Bill
Brian Wingfield, 05.04.07, 6:00 AM ET
Forbes.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. - What if you could log on to your electric company's Web site to find out when power is cheapest so you could can plan your energy use accordingly?

That day might not be so far off. In some parts of the country, utilities have already begun to install so-called "smart meters" in people's homes. These devices record your energy use in frequent intervals (sometimes every 15 minutes), letting you know when you're using the most expensive electricity.

Smart metering is part of an increasingly popular trend in energy efficiency called "demand response" in which customers voluntarily cut back on their power consumption during times of highest electricity demand, like the hottest days of summer, when air conditioners are running at full blast.

Now lawmakers on Capitol Hill are looking to take this technology a step further in an effort to develop a "smart" electric grid for the entire country. This would help consumers save on their energy use, reduce the number of new power plants that need to be built, and provide more accurate information to grid operators about how to allocate electricity use.

A House of Representatives subcommittee chaired by Rep. Rick Boucher, D-Va., met Thursday to consider ways to implement a smart grid. Boucher hopes to use some of the committee's findings to help craft a new energy bill within the coming weeks.

In the U.S., California is unquestionably leading the way in smart meter installation. Within the last year, state regulators have approved smart meter programs for PG&E (nyse: PCG - news - people ) subsidiary Pacific Gas & Electric (amex: PCG.PR.A - news - people ) and San Diego Gas & Electric (amex: SDO.PR.A - news - people ), an affiliate of Sempra Energy (nyse: SRE - news - people ). Southern California Edison (amex: SCE.PR.B - news - people ) is also pioneering a new type of technology that will allow remote activation of smart meters. The company is awaiting approval from California regulators for the project.

Last year, Pepco Holdings (otcbb: PMLCP.OB - news - people ) announced a two-year pilot program for smart meters, which will give customers several different pricing options. And earlier this week, Constellation Energy Group (nyse: CEG - news - people ) said Maryland regulators have given the green light to a smart meter pilot for its subsidiary Baltimore Gas & Electric Co.

"A high-tech world can no longer afford a low-tech electricity grid," says Edison International (nyse: EIX - news - people ) Chairman John Bryson, who testified before the subcommittee Thursday. Because electronic equipment is increasingly sophisticated, standard meters--and the people who read them--are becoming obsolete. "Old power-delivery technologies are no longer good enough," he says.

Critics have argued that utilities are fleecing customers by ultimately charging them for the installation of smart meters, which can easily run $100 or more per household. And make no mistake, outfitting an entire customer base with state-of-the art technology is not cheap. For example, Southern California Edison plans to invest $1.2 billion in its smart meter project over the next several years. Pacific Gas & Electric will spend $1.7 billion to upgrade and install new meters between now and 2011.

But the benefits of such a program seem to outweigh the costs. In a "smart" grid, the meters allow the various information points to "talk" to each other, providing more transparent information to everyone connected to the grid. Because a consumer would be able to see when electricity prices are cheapest, he could decide that, say, 10 a.m. is the best time to do a load of laundry. Pricing information aside, utilities and grid operators could more accurately pinpoint the location of a problem in the electrical network--eliminating the need for repair crews to scramble for hours to determine where a power failure has occurred.

So why isn't everyone installing smart meters in homes and businesses? At the federal level, Congress doesn't have the power to mandate a nationwide smart metering program, and many states don't have the programs or the political will to foster such programs. And because the public is largely uneducated on smart metering and energy price fluctuations, there hasn't been much of a demand, says Robert Lieberman of the Illinois Commerce Commission.

"No one's going, 'Damn, I want one of those meters,' " he says.

Additionally, utilities and regulators are challenged with simultaneously putting in place metering programs and time-based prices, says Dan Delurey, executive director of the Demand Response and Advanced Metering Coalition here.

So what is Congress to do? Experts testifying Thursday encouraged lawmakers to provide financial incentives to utilities and states to encourage smart metering programs. They also stressed the need for standardization of the smart grid components, to avoid a patchwork of technologies across the country.

Although the country continues to grapple with rising oil prices and experiments with expensive ways to clean up coal, energy consumption can be significantly reduced through energy efficiency. That's why it's important for Congress to get right the implementation of a smart grid the first time around.

As Brad Gammons, vice president of IBM's (nyse: IBM - news - people ) global energy and utility industry, told the subcommittee, "It will literally bring power to the people."

Home apps drive broadband over powerline, or BPL, use !!!

This article was printed from Telecoms Asia on 2007-05-04.

Home apps drive powerline use

For years, many have hoped that broadband over powerline, or BPL, would allow utility companies to become a viable third alternative to the cable and telephone companies providing high-speed data access to the Internet. While the promise of extending broadband access via the ubiquitous electricity grid fueled the early deployment of BPL, the technology's broadband access capabilities have failed to gain much ground in the market due to technical limitations and interference.

However, with technological advancements in BPL technologies and questions of BPL-caused radio frequency interference being resolved, BPL is gaining renewed interests on a global basis.
Already more than 100 commercial BPL trials are being conducted in 40 countries, with about a third taking place in the US and a large majority in Europe. While it's no secret that Asia is the least mature market when it comes to BPL deployments, the technology is also gaining traction in the region with a handful of utility companies launched commercial trials in Australia, China, India, Korea, Japan and Malaysia.

Asian deployment

In Australia utility firms Aurora Energy and Country Energy, and local ISP AusNet have conducted a number of small-scale commercial trials of BPL in New South Wales and Tasmania over the past two years.

Aurora Energy recently completed two commercial BPL trials in the south and north-west of Tasmania through its telecom subsidiary TasTel. The 12-month trials, which started in 2005, provided over 1,200 customers access to high-speed Internet and telephony services over powerlines via power points in the home, with customers connecting to the service via a BPL modem (200 Mbps) developed by Mitsubishi Electric in Japan.

Peter Davis, CEO of Aurora Energy, said the take-up rate during the trial period had exceeded expectations and stage one of commercialization is scheduled later this year.

Reliance Energy in India is also conducting pilot BPL tests in Mumbai and Delhi. In the Mumbai trial, Reliance is offering broadband Internet access, voice and data services to 5,000 customers, using low-voltage BPL (underground) together with fiber optics. Similar services are offered to 200 customers in the Delhi trial using mid-voltage and low-voltage (overhead) BPL.

Research firm In-Stat predicts that BPL subscribers in Asia will grow from less than half a million in 2006 to over 1.8 million by 2011.

While the majority of BPL trials are for access, Gartner analyst Juan Ignacio noted that BPL has no chance of becoming a mainstream competitor to other broadband access technologies, partly due to the conservative attitude of utility firms, regulatory uncertainties and slow development of the technology itself.

Stephen Jay, senior consultant at BMP-TC, concurs, saying that the majority of utility firms deploying BPL are more focusing on utility applications like automated metering and energy management rather than becoming a broadband service provider. That said, in the long term, BPL will be used as a niche broadband access application, except in underserved areas with established power grids and by utilities for their internal communication networks.

Opportunities in the home

Indeed BPL, combined with other technologies such as broadband wireless access and fiber optics provide a cost-effective and innovative last-mile solution for broadband Internet access to flats in high-rise building. This has been proven in mature markets like Hong Kong, where a large number of households are now connected to BPL services with speeds ranging from 8 Mbps to 10 Mbps. Meanwhile, incumbent carrier PCCW is reportedly deploying network adapters based on Intellon's HomePlug 1.0 to capture broadband customers unwilling to install new wiring in their homes.

As broadband markets develop, new services and applications are being introduced that the end-user will want to distribute to numerous end devices scattered around the home, and it will become increasingly important to have broadband access available in virtually every room in the house.

Although wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi already provide some freedom to the end-user, it runs into problems with indoor coverage, especially in houses and flats made of brick and concrete. A wired technology is therefore preferred.

"Even with wireless technology there is no guarantee that you can get through walls and structure to get that wireless signal inside," says Dr Ray Owen, director of wireless broadband for Motorola Asia Pacific. "If you look at fiber or cable, one of the issues is that the cost to wire every room is prohibited. A key benefit of powerline that you cannot get with any other technology economically is guaranteed data communication in every power socket in the room."
Another advantage, says Michael Philpott, an analyst at Ovum, is that it is simple for the end-user to install and set up: inserting two transceivers into two electrical plug-sockets makes a network connection.

"Such simplicity is vital to service providers, which want to avoid the expense of sending engineers to individual homes to deliver new services," he noted.

To help service providers achieve this chip vendors such as DS2 have self-installation software burnt into chipsets before they leave the factory.

Part of the jagsaw

If nothing else, IPTV is also driving the adoption of BPL as a networking technology in the home. IPTV over BPL is already on the way, and significant investments are being made by the vendors to develop technologies that accelerate speeds of commercialization.

France Telecom, for instance, is selling its IPTV subscribers powerline wall adapters to connect its ADSL modem router with its IPTV decoder. The adapters, made with Devolousing IntellonTurbo chips, support a speed up to 85 Mbps.

In bid to compete against cable rival Telent in Belgium's fierce fixed-line market, Belgacom in Q4 last year launched IPTV within the home over existing electrical wiring using powerline technology, or through the air using a proprietary Wi-Fi solution from Ruckus. The two solutions are offered alongside traditional Ethernet cable solutions as three network options for Belgacom's IPTV customers, according to Ovum's Philpott.

While there is not yet any commercial deployment of IPTV over BPL in Asia, telecom operators in the region like Chinese fixed-line carriers, China Telecom and China Netcom, have shown increasing interest in adopting BPL as a complementary in-home network option, according to Radomir Jovanovic, president of French chipmaker Spidcom Technologies. Jovanovic said Spidcom, which provides chips for powerline modem makers including some Chinese manufacturers, is now in talks with Chinese telecom operators to bring broadband Internet access over power lines to Chinese households.

"IPTV services could offer a big opportunity for the uptake of powerline communications," he said, adding that it could boost deregulation of the technology.

Co-existence and interoperability

Philpott said the case of Belgacom showed that BPL provides a useful and credible home network solution for IPTV services, when Ethernet cabling is not already installed and Wi-Fi is not a suitable solution.

However, the lack of a single standard for the technology will continue to hinder a wider adoption of BPL in this market, he warned.

On the whole, Belgacom sees powerline as one technology in its home network portfolio, but doesn't see the technology developing fast enough to become anything bigger, as it may eventually lose out to the faster developing radio technologies, he said.

"Standardization of the technology would definitely help powerline's cause, and its chances may be even further advanced if it becomes part of a wider standard that covers a number of home networking mediums - similar perhaps to what HomePNA have done with coaxial and home phone cabling."

Currently there is no single standard for home powerline technology. The two main specification bodies are the HomePlug Powerline Alliance (HPPA) and the Universal Powerline Alliance (UPA). As such there is incompatibility issues between equipment using different specifications. In other words, a HomePlug-stamped product will not work with a UPA-stamped product.

Although the IEE is working to take specifications from these and other groups to create a single standard, no time frame has yet been announced.

Con Ed Hires NYC Cab Drivers to Guard Stray Voltage `hot Spots' That Could Harm Pedestrians !!!

Con Ed Gets Cabbies to Guard Hot Spots
Thursday May 3, 12:29 pm ET
Con Ed Hires NYC Cab Drivers to Guard Stray Voltage `hot Spots' That Could Harm Pedestrians


NEW YORK (AP) -- Utility crews have discovered so many stray voltage areas where pedestrians walk that Consolidated Edison Inc. has hired hundreds of cab drivers to park and stand guard until repairs are done.

More than 1,900 hot spots with stray current -- manholes, grates or other items that can deliver shocks -- were found last year by roving vans as part of a safety program prompted by the 2004 electrocution of a woman walking her dogs.

The utility has been unable to guard all the areas with its own vehicles, so in the past six months it has turned to livery cab drivers for help, company spokesman Chris Olert said Thursday.

The drivers park near marked-off danger spots. Placards on their cars explain that the area contains "an extremely dangerous electrified object or structure" and the driver is there to guard it from pedestrians.

"It's an efficient way to protect the public," said Olert, noting that it might cost more to hire someone else -- say, a security guard -- to stand vigil.

"I just watch and make sure no one goes near it," driver Zafrul Islam told the Daily News. Islam, a driver for Brooklyn-based Executive Transportation, has guarded several hot spots around the city.

The company would not say how much it was spending on hiring the drivers or how much individual drivers were paid. About 1,000 livery cab drivers have been involved since the effort began, the company said.

Con Edison agreed to spend about $10 million on stray-voltage detectors and other safety programs following the death of Jodie Lane, 30, who was killed when she stepped on the metal cover of a utility box in Manhattan's East Village in January 2004.

"Cones and cabs, policemen and firemen -- whoever they put there that will protect the pedestrian from inadvertently walking on top of it is fine with me," said Lane's father, Roger Lane.

Broadband Over Power Lines - Is It for Real?

By Chris Roden
TechNewsWorld
05/01/07 4:00 AM PT

While broadband services have penetrated a large portion of the United States, many rural communities still have few options beyond dial-up. Forty-four percent of dial-up subscribers live in rural areas. Only 23 percent of rural residents subscribe to broadband services. This low broadband penetration is not due to lack of demand.


The use of power lines as a medium for communication services has been widely discussed for many years. Similar to the characteristics that led to the development of DSL (digital subscriber line), the use of surplus frequency space on power lines for communication is a simple concept that has been difficult to implement.

However, as the broadband gap between rural and more densely populated areas in the United States continues to widen, the idea of sending signals over power lines is gaining ground as a viable broadband option. Utility companies' interest in BPL (broadband over power lines) has increased as well because this technology provides a possible tool for improving overall power management.


The Rural Divide
While broadband services have penetrated a large portion of the United States, many rural communities still have few options beyond dial-up. Parks Associates' "Managing the Digital Home: Installation and Support Services" showed that 44 percent of dial-up subscribers live in rural areas. Furthermore, only 23 percent of rural residents subscribe to broadband services.

Parks Associates research also shows that this low broadband penetration is not due to lack of demand. Twenty-four percent of rural residents using dial-up are very interested in upgrading to broadband services, a number similar to the percentage of high intenders in suburban and urban areas (27 percent and 22 percent, respectively).

These findings show an opportunity is available for alternative broadband providers that can balance the capital expenditures and the revenue structure associated with serving these populations.

Utility Company Perspective
For BPL to become a legitimate broadband option in the United States, the utility companies must be involved. The use of their infrastructure is the key to making BPL a profitable enterprise.

Past failures in providing new services and an overall industry tendency to be slow in adopting new technology have limited their adoption of BPL in the United States. However, utility companies are beginning to understand the benefits that BPL can provide not only to their own power networks but also to their customers.

For utilities, the most attractive feature of BPL is the use of "smart grid" services. As energy prices continue to rise, the utility industry is being pressured to manage its grid more efficiently in terms of cost and power demand.

Because of BPL's duplex communication functions, it can provide the metrics needed to reduce costs by automating many tasks that are currently being performed manually.

Some of these duties include outage detection, automated meter reading, remote monitoring, and voltage monitoring throughout the system and security functions. These types of measurement solutions will ultimately persuade utility companies to use BPL equipment and services.

Factors for BPL Success
Most telcos and cable companies have chosen not to expand their networks to rural areas because of the high installation costs and reduced revenue potential.

Some BPL vendors are filling this void and beginning to find success by minimizing installation and operating costs while providing a high level of service comparable to that offered by existing broadband options.

To ensure future success, BPL vendors and service providers will need to do the following:


Minimize capital and operating expenditures by developing solutions that can transmit broadband signals over long distances with minimal line degradation and injection points.

Most of the typical expenditures associated with installing broadband service are eliminated when using existing utility lines. However, BPL providers incur costs each time equipment is installed to boost and/or transmit the signal down the line.

The successful companies in this space have continually improved equipment such as couplers and regenerators that can pass on signals over long distances, thus lessening the interaction with line equipment.

Other vendors have developed solutions that bypass the medium-voltage lines altogether and send broadband signals wirelessly from the central office directly to the low-voltage lines and into the home. These solutions result in even lower maintenance costs and less grid disruption than the medium-voltage solutions.


Offer a suite of products and services that provide utility companies with "smart grid" metrics.

For BPL to become successful, utility companies must see benefits outside the stream of revenue generated from the delivery of broadband communications to their consumers. "Smart grid" services can provide the added incentive for utility companies to embrace the integration of BPL on their networks.


Develop partnerships with service providers and utility companies to deliver broadband services to consumers.

Most power companies do not have the experience or the capital funds to pursue a business model in which they provide both the back-end and the front-end broadband services to their customers. By outsourcing the retail broadband services like marketing and customer service to other firms, utility companies will still capture a portion of the broadband revenue without having to incur the financial and administrative burdens associated with retail service.

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Chris Roden is a research analyst at Parks Associates.

Canada's 3One Networks Selects Intellon's HomePlug AV Technology for BPL Smart Grid Solutions

Tuesday May 1, 9:00 am ET
Intellon's HomePlug(R) AV Chipset Enables Broadband Over Powerline and Intelligent Utility Grid Management Applications


OCALA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Intellon Corporation, a world leader in standards-based powerline communications integrated circuits (ICs), today announced that 3One Networks Inc. (3One), a leading Broadband over Powerline (BPL) technology firm, has selected Intellon's HomePlug® AV chipset for the company's BPL and intelligent power grid management solutions.

3One recently deployed a BPL-based Intelligent Grid System with its joint venture partner, Fujian Great Power PLC Equipment Co., in Anhui Province, China. The network enables automated meter reading, SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition), broadband Internet access, and video surveillance capabilities as part of a comprehensive Distribution Management System across the medium-voltage and low-voltage power grid.

"Intellon's HomePlug AV technology proved to be the best solution for enabling our BPL based smart grid system," said Oliver Ding, CEO of 3One Networks. "Intellon's solution is based on the HomePlug industry standard, thus ensuring end-to-end compatibility with existing and future HomePlug-enabled devices, while providing a cost-effective 200Mbps infrastructure solution."

"Our HomePlug AV ICs have the bandwidth and robustness necessary for utilities to realize the promise of BPL technology," said Rick E. Furtney, President and Chief Operating Officer of Intellon. "Utilities are recognizing the value of using Intellon's industry standard HomePlug chipsets for last mile access, in-home connectivity and intelligent power grid management.