03.06.06
By Bary Alyssa Johnson
U.S. Representative John Campbell (R-Calif.) introduced on Friday legislation to permanently protect Internet commerce from discriminatory taxes and disallow taxation on Internet use.
The new bill amounts to an amendment of the 1998 Internet Tax Freedom Act, which is set to expire in November 2007. Campbell is seeking to extend the deadline on the tax ban indefinitely.
"Members of congress put a 'sunset' in the bill, which means that it remains in effect for a while and then expires," Campbell said in an interview. "I think we have enough experience now with the Internet and what it has done and can do for commerce and communication, that we should make that ban on taxation permanent."
Former California Congressman, and current SEC chairman Chris Cox authored the original bill in a bid to promote and preserve the commercial potential of the Internet. The bill likens the Internet to a form of interstate and international commerce. It prevents the creation of new state and local taxes on Internet access and bans taxes that discriminate against e-commerce.
"We don't want to retard the growth or use of the Internet by having states or localities tax it," said Campbell. "So, if the state of California decided 'we're going to put a tax on shoes sold on the Internet because there are lots of shoes being sold and we want to make money off of that,' this prohibits that from happening."
The Internet Tax Freedom Act prohibits taxes on three different levels: access, use and discriminatory taxes.
In terms of access, the bill would disallow local governments from taxing the traveling of information across a broadband network to the users' computer. In addressing "use," the bill would ban taxation on such services as e-mail. To discourage discriminatory tax practices, the bill would prohibit state governments from mandating a tax on Internet sales.
"I oppose taxes on Internet use, period – from federal, state or any other government," said Campbell. "I think this bill symbolically says that we, the federal government, don't believe that anyone should be taxing the Internet."
new BROADBAND over POWERLINES 200 Mbps BPL Technology
Monday, March 06, 2006
INDIA: BPL at symmetrical upload and download speeds of 20-30 Mbps
Trimax/PLC Network Solutions Signs LOI to Install Broadband Over PowerLine Technology in Avalon Resorts and Avalon Courtyard Residences, India
TORONTO -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 03/06/2006 -- Trimax Corporation (OTC BB: TMXO) and its wholly owned subsidiary, PLC Network Solutions ("PLC"), a leading provider of Broadband over Powerline (BPL) communication technologies, announced today that it has signed an LOI to install its Broadband over PowerLine (BPL) devices and bundled services in Avalon Resorts, Mussoorie, Avalon Courtyard Residences and Avalon Service Apartments, New Delhi, which are affiliated and hold "Gold Crown" status with RCI (Resorts Condominium International), the largest time-share organization in the world with more than 3,700 resorts in 101 countries.
Avalon owner/operator Mr.Naresh Khattar, an accomplished mega-project real estate developer, recognized the need to enhance the resorts' existing wireless internet communications services and chose PLC's Broadband over Powerline technology due to its low cost, minimum disruption and feature-rich applications. The solution offers scalable broadband internet with symmetrical upload and download speeds of 20-30 Mbps. This is enough bandwidth to accommodate services such as VoIP, surveillance cameras, Video on demand and IPTV bundled on PLC's single plug-and-play BPL technology platform. Additional benefits of BPL technology include speed, security, scalability and cost effectiveness.
Trimax/PLC has received many serious inquiries throughout India since the opening of its offices in New Delhi in December. PLC anticipates India to be a major market for BPL technology and is positioning to have the business aggressively expand in certain areas of the country this year. Several of PLC's Business Development Reps are traveling to India and the Middle East for two weeks in March to meet with interested parties and demonstrate the benefits of BPL technology.
"A deployment such as Avalon Resorts is another important installation for PLC's BPL equipment whereby other RCI resort members and channel partners will hear about it or read a white paper and have an opportunity to evaluate the technology," said Derek Pepler, President, Trimax/PLC.
The Government of India recognizes the effect that ubiquitous Broadband service has on growth of GDP and enhancement in quality of life through jobs, net-education, web-medicine, e-government and entertainment. The government has recently finalized a policy to accelerate the growth of broadband connections throughout India.
new BROADBAND over POWERLINES 200 Mbps BPL Technology
Aztech Introduces Ethernet HomePlug Audio Video 200Mbps Solution At CeBIT 2006
Published 6th March 2006
High-speed Powerline Solution provides an ideal platform for High Definition TV and Video on Demand...
Singapore, 6 March 2006 - Aztech Systems Ltd, a global leader in data communication, voice communication, multimedia, contract manufacturing and retail distribution, will add Ethernet HomePlug AV 200Mbps to its current range of HomePlug products.
Aztech introduced its first HomePlug 14Mbps Ethernet Adaptor that enabled full-fat broadband to be accessible via any power socket in the home in 2004. The following year, Aztech launched its HomePlug 85Mbps Turbo Ethernet Adaptor, which boosted a higher data transfer speed to 85Mbps. At this year’s CeBIT, Aztech will be introducing the next generation of the technology, Ethernet HomePlug Audio Video (AV) that offers a data rate of up to 200Mbps and supports multiple HDTV streams and the distribution of data throughout a home over existing power lines.
Aztech has been selected by the leading HomePlug chip manufacturer, Intellon as an early partner in launching this new cutting edge technology to the market. Intellon’s chips have become the standard in HomePlug Technology.
Said Mr Michael Mun, CEO & President of Aztech Systems Ltd, "We are pleased to partner with Intellon from an early stage regarding Ethernet HomePlug AV". “Besides having secure connectivity and robust security features, Aztech Ethernet HomePlug AV 200Mbps has also designed-in Quality-of-Service that will ensure consumers have a great experience when enjoying multimedia entertainment content. It will enable them to enjoy the benefits of networked digital entertainment, high speed Internet connection, content sharing and integrated services like Voice Over IP in an easy-to-use and easy-to-install package and without being affected by any reduction in transmission quality,” he added.
With transfer rates of 200Mbps, Ethernet HomePlug AV can easily support full multimedia home networking throughout the whole house including simultaneous High Definition (HD) and Standard Definition (SD) video distribution, whole-house audio, Voice Over IP and high speed Internet in addition to data networking and without running new wiring. It uses the power lines already installed in a home as a path to transmit digital data, voice and audio between devices. It is a plug and play solution that can be used wherever there is a wall socket, acting just like a physical network cable, streaming bandwidth to any room in the house.
Aztech welcomes visitors to its booth located at Hall 13, Stand A20 at CeBIT 2006 to view its Ethernet HomePlug AV 200Mbps in addition to its existing range of HomePlug products. There will be a live demonstration of Aztech’s HomePlug products at its booth. The live demonstration will highlight the powerful functionality of HomePlug coupled with the ease of use that will enhance the consumers' digital home experience.
new BROADBAND over POWERLINES 200 Mbps BPL Technology
students at San Diego State University in California: BPL for 21st Century Communities
Broadband Over Power Lines for 21st Century Communities
Mar 05, 2006 By Jennifer Chidester and Jenna Gaspar
Jennifer Chidester and Jenna Gaspar are students at San Diego State University in California
If knowledge is power, the Internet is its embodiment. High-speed Internet pushes this knowledge/technology nexus even further, offering unparalleled access to information and opportunities for economic growth.
Jennifer Chidester
Despite the propagation of broadband technology in the last few years, high-speed Internet has reached a roadblock. There are still parts of the world without Internet access, and even in San Diego there are communities restricted to antiquated dial-up access. In order for broadband to truly reach its full potential as a vehicle for a knowledge-based economy, it needs to evolve into something that is accessible to all users, regardless of infrastructure or the end user's socioeconomic status.
Jenna Gasper
Broadband over Power Lines, or BPL, could be the answer to bring high-speed Internet to the next level.
With BPL, end users have high-speed access to Internet through a common electrical outlet. If broadband could be distributed through power lines, there would be no need to build costly new infrastructure which has limited broadband rollout in rural and sparsely settled areas.
BPL vendors have promoted this solution as a cost-efficient alternative to cable-modem or DSL services. And legislators have hopped on the bandwagon touting BPL as a necessary competitor to phone and cable companies, who currently corner the market on high-speed Internet.
MORE...
new BROADBAND over POWERLINES 200 Mbps BPL Technology
Mar 05, 2006 By Jennifer Chidester and Jenna Gaspar
Jennifer Chidester and Jenna Gaspar are students at San Diego State University in California
If knowledge is power, the Internet is its embodiment. High-speed Internet pushes this knowledge/technology nexus even further, offering unparalleled access to information and opportunities for economic growth.
Jennifer Chidester
Despite the propagation of broadband technology in the last few years, high-speed Internet has reached a roadblock. There are still parts of the world without Internet access, and even in San Diego there are communities restricted to antiquated dial-up access. In order for broadband to truly reach its full potential as a vehicle for a knowledge-based economy, it needs to evolve into something that is accessible to all users, regardless of infrastructure or the end user's socioeconomic status.
Jenna Gasper
Broadband over Power Lines, or BPL, could be the answer to bring high-speed Internet to the next level.
With BPL, end users have high-speed access to Internet through a common electrical outlet. If broadband could be distributed through power lines, there would be no need to build costly new infrastructure which has limited broadband rollout in rural and sparsely settled areas.
BPL vendors have promoted this solution as a cost-efficient alternative to cable-modem or DSL services. And legislators have hopped on the bandwagon touting BPL as a necessary competitor to phone and cable companies, who currently corner the market on high-speed Internet.
MORE...
new BROADBAND over POWERLINES 200 Mbps BPL Technology
Saturday, March 04, 2006
California PUC Encourages More Competition in the Broadband Market with Broadband over Power Lines
California regulators today took steps to clear a regulatory path for deployment of new broadband technology using electric power lines. The California Public Utilities Commission (PUC), which oversees both the telecommunications and electric industries, took the unusual step of proposing a set of rules in advance for electric utilities wishing to test broadband over power line (BPL) technology in California.
Feb. 10, 2006: Commissioner Chong issues for comment an Opinion Implementing Policy on BPL. Scheduled to come before the Commission at our March 15, 2006 meeting.
new BROADBAND over POWERLINES 200 Mbps BPL Technology
Feb. 10, 2006: Commissioner Chong issues for comment an Opinion Implementing Policy on BPL. Scheduled to come before the Commission at our March 15, 2006 meeting.
new BROADBAND over POWERLINES 200 Mbps BPL Technology
Thursday, March 02, 2006
U.S. Broadband over power lines gets boost
Broadband over power lines gets boost
Mar 2, 2006
By: Al Senia
The broadband-over-powerline market in the United States hasn't yet managed to live up to its promise, despite growing interest by utility companies interested in pursuing new revenue opportunities and support from the FCC.
Now that could change, thanks to a recent deal involving IBM and CenterPoint Energy, a Houston-based utility company. IBM and CenterPoint launched a BPL pilot project last July; last month they decided to take the pilot to a limited deployment that will support the utility, but not supply actual broadband access to customers.
The two companies are pushing an "intelligent grid" concept that will see CenterPoint use IBM expertise to build a network that monitors overall power use, outages and grid trouble spots. The BPL network also allows the utility to quickly and efficiently reroute power around areas that experience any problems.
The good news here for BPL enthusiasts is that IBM has lined up behind the concept. As part of last year's pilot project, which provided BPL services to 50 residents, IBM developed a BPL technology center and used systems integrator IBM Global Services to design, build and implement the center's technology infrastructure, using IBM xSeries servers, PCs, wireless solutions and kiosk technology. IBM also provided project management and support, as well as ongoing assessment and monitoring of equipment usage.
The bad news, of course, is that the pilot effort hasn't proved that BPL is ready for broad commercial acceptance in the US market. In fact, both IBM and CenterPoint are taking a very guarded approach to BPL deployment in this situation. Essentially, they are contending that the cost justification for the BPL network lies in the payback the utility will receive from the internal monitoring.
So the commercial part of the equation is being approached more opportunistically; the partners aren't building a BPL network and then marketing it against DSL, satellite and cable modem broadband technologies as some other utilities have been doing.
Two years ago, for example, North Carolina-based Progress Energy partnered with EarthLink to offer BPL service to more than 500 homes. During the past five years, there have been just two full-fledged BPL commercial deployments in the US, one in Virginia and the other in Ohio.
The fact that IBM has become involved with BPL may give the technology some lift, despite the fact it has had difficulty gaining traction in the highly deregulated US market. BPL has been more widely used in Europe.
BPL proponents are optimistic, in part because they see BPL playing an integral role (especially in rural areas) in fulfilling President George W. Bush's pledge for universal, affordable broadband access by 2007. State regulators across the nation also have been striving to encourage deployment of broadband services, and specifically BPL. Supporters argue that because BPL uses existing electric power lines, it potentially can reach every customer connected to the electric utility grid, an edge over competing broadband technologies.
IBM's approach in emphasizing BPL's worth as an application for a utility company might just end up giving the technology a much-needed lift.
new BROADBAND over POWERLINES 200 Mbps BPL Technology
Mar 2, 2006
By: Al Senia
The broadband-over-powerline market in the United States hasn't yet managed to live up to its promise, despite growing interest by utility companies interested in pursuing new revenue opportunities and support from the FCC.
Now that could change, thanks to a recent deal involving IBM and CenterPoint Energy, a Houston-based utility company. IBM and CenterPoint launched a BPL pilot project last July; last month they decided to take the pilot to a limited deployment that will support the utility, but not supply actual broadband access to customers.
The two companies are pushing an "intelligent grid" concept that will see CenterPoint use IBM expertise to build a network that monitors overall power use, outages and grid trouble spots. The BPL network also allows the utility to quickly and efficiently reroute power around areas that experience any problems.
The good news here for BPL enthusiasts is that IBM has lined up behind the concept. As part of last year's pilot project, which provided BPL services to 50 residents, IBM developed a BPL technology center and used systems integrator IBM Global Services to design, build and implement the center's technology infrastructure, using IBM xSeries servers, PCs, wireless solutions and kiosk technology. IBM also provided project management and support, as well as ongoing assessment and monitoring of equipment usage.
The bad news, of course, is that the pilot effort hasn't proved that BPL is ready for broad commercial acceptance in the US market. In fact, both IBM and CenterPoint are taking a very guarded approach to BPL deployment in this situation. Essentially, they are contending that the cost justification for the BPL network lies in the payback the utility will receive from the internal monitoring.
So the commercial part of the equation is being approached more opportunistically; the partners aren't building a BPL network and then marketing it against DSL, satellite and cable modem broadband technologies as some other utilities have been doing.
Two years ago, for example, North Carolina-based Progress Energy partnered with EarthLink to offer BPL service to more than 500 homes. During the past five years, there have been just two full-fledged BPL commercial deployments in the US, one in Virginia and the other in Ohio.
The fact that IBM has become involved with BPL may give the technology some lift, despite the fact it has had difficulty gaining traction in the highly deregulated US market. BPL has been more widely used in Europe.
BPL proponents are optimistic, in part because they see BPL playing an integral role (especially in rural areas) in fulfilling President George W. Bush's pledge for universal, affordable broadband access by 2007. State regulators across the nation also have been striving to encourage deployment of broadband services, and specifically BPL. Supporters argue that because BPL uses existing electric power lines, it potentially can reach every customer connected to the electric utility grid, an edge over competing broadband technologies.
IBM's approach in emphasizing BPL's worth as an application for a utility company might just end up giving the technology a much-needed lift.
new BROADBAND over POWERLINES 200 Mbps BPL Technology
India: Broadband Over PowerLine Technology in the Hotel Combermere
Trimax/PLC Network Solutions Finalizes Agreement to Install Its Broadband Over PowerLine Technology in the Hotel Combermere, Shimla, India
TORONTO -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 03/02/2006 -- Trimax Corporation (OTC BB: TMXO), and its wholly owned subsidiary, PLC Network Solutions ("PLC"), a leading provider of Broadband over Powerline (BPL) communication technologies, today announced that it has closed on its LOI and finalized an agreement with the Hotel Combermere located in Shimla, India, to install its Broadband over PowerLine (BPL) devices and bundled services.
Trimax/PLC signed an LOI with the Hotel Combermere in early January. Since that time the Hotel has completed its due diligence, evaluating the many benefits of BPL technology including speed, security, scalability and cost effectiveness. PLC's Business Development Reps are traveling through India in March, meeting with interested parties and demonstrating the benefits of BPL technology.
The Hotel Combermere deployment will also serve as a showcase for PLC's BPL technology where potential customers, government officials and channel partners will have an opportunity to evaluate the BPL equipment and its applications.
Located on the outskirts of the Himalayas, The Hotel Combermere is a 4-Star Deluxe business and leisure Hotel with 40 rooms and luxury suites that are equipped with personal bars, Jacuzzis and roof top gardens. Hotel Combermere recognized the need to enhance its existing communication services and chose Trimax/PLC's Broadband over PowerLine technology because of its low cost, minimum disruption to guests and feature rich applications. The solution offers scalable symmetrical broadband capable of speeds of 20-30 Mbps. The technology accommodates applications such as VoIP, Video on demand and IPTV, which can all be bundled on PLC's single plug-and-play BPL technology platform.
PLC Network Solutions anticipates India to be a major market for its BPL technology and is anticipating having its business aggressively expand within the country throughout the year. The Government of India has recognized the effect that ubiquitous Broadband service has on growth of GDP and enhancement in quality of life through net-education, web-medicine, e-government and entertainment. The government has recently finalized a policy to accelerate the growth of broadband connections throughout India.
new BROADBAND over POWERLINES 200 Mbps BPL Technology
TORONTO -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 03/02/2006 -- Trimax Corporation (OTC BB: TMXO), and its wholly owned subsidiary, PLC Network Solutions ("PLC"), a leading provider of Broadband over Powerline (BPL) communication technologies, today announced that it has closed on its LOI and finalized an agreement with the Hotel Combermere located in Shimla, India, to install its Broadband over PowerLine (BPL) devices and bundled services.
Trimax/PLC signed an LOI with the Hotel Combermere in early January. Since that time the Hotel has completed its due diligence, evaluating the many benefits of BPL technology including speed, security, scalability and cost effectiveness. PLC's Business Development Reps are traveling through India in March, meeting with interested parties and demonstrating the benefits of BPL technology.
The Hotel Combermere deployment will also serve as a showcase for PLC's BPL technology where potential customers, government officials and channel partners will have an opportunity to evaluate the BPL equipment and its applications.
Located on the outskirts of the Himalayas, The Hotel Combermere is a 4-Star Deluxe business and leisure Hotel with 40 rooms and luxury suites that are equipped with personal bars, Jacuzzis and roof top gardens. Hotel Combermere recognized the need to enhance its existing communication services and chose Trimax/PLC's Broadband over PowerLine technology because of its low cost, minimum disruption to guests and feature rich applications. The solution offers scalable symmetrical broadband capable of speeds of 20-30 Mbps. The technology accommodates applications such as VoIP, Video on demand and IPTV, which can all be bundled on PLC's single plug-and-play BPL technology platform.
PLC Network Solutions anticipates India to be a major market for its BPL technology and is anticipating having its business aggressively expand within the country throughout the year. The Government of India has recognized the effect that ubiquitous Broadband service has on growth of GDP and enhancement in quality of life through net-education, web-medicine, e-government and entertainment. The government has recently finalized a policy to accelerate the growth of broadband connections throughout India.
new BROADBAND over POWERLINES 200 Mbps BPL Technology
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Networking Over Power Lines Coming Soon
David Richards - Thursday, 2 March 2006
Networking company Netgear is promising to turn your home's electrical system into a high speed network capable of carrying high-definition video around the home.
At the recent KickStart Media Conference Netgear boss Ian McLean alluded to Netgear being in the market for networking over power lines.
Now we can reveal that Netgear has teamed up with chipset company Design of Systems on Silicon (DS2) and developed homeplug style device that will pump content around the home at 200Mbits/sec without having to lay any cables. Using DS2's Powerline HD chipset the new products will turn your plug socket into a high-speed broadband connection.
Additional devices plugged in around the home will create a flexible network to stream content to and from PCs, set-top boxes, hifis, games consoles and TVs. This is not the first technology to use the electrical wiring system to create a communications network, but it is the first to promise high-speed delivery of high-definition content.
The first products will be on preview at the upcoming Cebit show and will be available to buy in Q2.
new BROADBAND over POWERLINES 200 Mbps BPL Technology
Networking company Netgear is promising to turn your home's electrical system into a high speed network capable of carrying high-definition video around the home.
At the recent KickStart Media Conference Netgear boss Ian McLean alluded to Netgear being in the market for networking over power lines.
Now we can reveal that Netgear has teamed up with chipset company Design of Systems on Silicon (DS2) and developed homeplug style device that will pump content around the home at 200Mbits/sec without having to lay any cables. Using DS2's Powerline HD chipset the new products will turn your plug socket into a high-speed broadband connection.
Additional devices plugged in around the home will create a flexible network to stream content to and from PCs, set-top boxes, hifis, games consoles and TVs. This is not the first technology to use the electrical wiring system to create a communications network, but it is the first to promise high-speed delivery of high-definition content.
The first products will be on preview at the upcoming Cebit show and will be available to buy in Q2.
new BROADBAND over POWERLINES 200 Mbps BPL Technology
OPINION IMPLEMENTING POLICY ON CALIFORNIA BROADBAND OVER POWER LINES
Decision DRAFT DECISION OF COMMISSIONER CHONG
(Mailed 2/10/2006)
BEFORE THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Order Instituting Rulemaking concerning Broadband Over Power Line deployment by electric utilities in California.
Rulemaking 05-09-006
(Filed September 8, 2005)
OPINION IMPLEMENTING POLICY ON
BROADBAND OVER POWER LINES
I. Summary
With this decision we adopt a regulatory framework that fosters competition in the broadband market by giving regulatory certainty to California companies seeking to provide broadband over power lines (BPL). The framework adopted today provides the needed regulatory certainty so that BPL can provide Californians with a new "wired" broadband pipe to the home, which can provide additional competition in the broadband market. Also, BPL has the potential to meet the goals of Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 19961 by promoting universal access to broadband services. Through new "smart grid" technologies, BPL also may improve reliability of electrical systems and decrease California consumers' energy expenses.
The regulatory framework adopted today protects electric ratepayers from the business risks associated with BPL, aligns shareholder risks and rewards, and provides benefits to ratepayers. Specifically this decision: (1) allows third-parties or electric utility affiliates (subject to our existing affiliate reporting requirements) to provide BPL services; (2) protects ratepayers and aligns financial risks and rewards; (3) adopts a mechanism for sharing any additional revenues received from BPL providers; (4) provides non-discriminatory access to utility poles and rights of way for BPL and other broadband providers via our existing pole attachment and right-of-way rules; (5) maintains the safety and reliability of the electric distribution system; and (6) adopts a policy of exempting BPL-related transactions, with conditions, from the requirements of Pub. Util. Code § 851 pursuant to our authority under Pub. Util. Code § 853(b).
A. BPL Provides High Speed Digital Communications Over Existing Power Lines
In this decision, we principally discuss what the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) calls "Access BPL" systems, which carry high speed data signals to neighborhoods from a point where there is a connection to a telecommunications network.2 BPL data is transmitted at a much higher frequency than electricity, so the BPL signal can occupy the electric wires without interfering with electric transmission. The power delivery system does, however, potentially interfere with the BPL signal. A variety of BPL technologies have been developed to address these technical challenges.3
B. Benefits of BPL
1. BPL Provides an Opportunity to Increase Broadband Competition
This Commission is taking the proactive step to set up a "BPL-friendly" regulatory framework because of our belief that BPL has the clear potential to bring valuable, additional competition to the California broadband market. At present, the California broadband market is principally dominated by digital subscriber line (DSL) service on conventional phone lines and cable modem services over upgraded cable television lines.4 This Commission believes that more broadband competition will bring lower prices, innovative services, and the potential for new rate plans to consumers.
2. BPL Could Expand Broadband Access to More Californians
BPL has the potential to provide a new broadband pipe to California's communities because existing electrical wires run to each home and business (the so-called critical "last mile"). Thus, electric utilities own valuable rights-of-way to consumers. The nation's power grid may be an untapped resource to provide another path for the delivery of broadband service to citizens.
Based on our review of current technology, technical and economic constraints may initially limit the potential of BPL to serve dispersed populations in rural areas.5 We believe, however, that technology advances where there is a need. New strides in BPL technology soon may bring additional advanced broadband services to underserved areas in California. In general, we believe that increasing the number of broadband delivery platforms and facilitating broadband competition is one of the best ways to extend broadband access to rural areas. While some broadband providers may focus on urban markets, it is conceivable that others may adopt a business plan to serve niche markets which may include rural or other underserved communities. The support given for rapid BPL deployment by rural electric and telephone utilities in the FCC's BPL rulemaking reaffirms this potential.6 By encouraging new facilities-based broadband platforms in our state, the Commission will enable our state to continue as a technology leader.
3. BPL Provides Reliability and Cost Savings to Electricity Consumers
BPL technology also can provide benefits to electrical customers by enabling valuable "smart grid" applications that could improve electrical system reliability and support the implementation of money-saving energy management systems. Potential utility applications include automatic meter reading, voltage control, equipment monitoring, remote connect and disconnect, power outage notification and the ability to collect data on time-of-day power demand.7 We strongly encourage electric utilities to study BPL as a way to provide "smart grid" applications to California consumers.
READ MORE...
new BROADBAND over POWERLINES 200 Mbps BPL Technology
(Mailed 2/10/2006)
BEFORE THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Order Instituting Rulemaking concerning Broadband Over Power Line deployment by electric utilities in California.
Rulemaking 05-09-006
(Filed September 8, 2005)
OPINION IMPLEMENTING POLICY ON
BROADBAND OVER POWER LINES
I. Summary
With this decision we adopt a regulatory framework that fosters competition in the broadband market by giving regulatory certainty to California companies seeking to provide broadband over power lines (BPL). The framework adopted today provides the needed regulatory certainty so that BPL can provide Californians with a new "wired" broadband pipe to the home, which can provide additional competition in the broadband market. Also, BPL has the potential to meet the goals of Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 19961 by promoting universal access to broadband services. Through new "smart grid" technologies, BPL also may improve reliability of electrical systems and decrease California consumers' energy expenses.
The regulatory framework adopted today protects electric ratepayers from the business risks associated with BPL, aligns shareholder risks and rewards, and provides benefits to ratepayers. Specifically this decision: (1) allows third-parties or electric utility affiliates (subject to our existing affiliate reporting requirements) to provide BPL services; (2) protects ratepayers and aligns financial risks and rewards; (3) adopts a mechanism for sharing any additional revenues received from BPL providers; (4) provides non-discriminatory access to utility poles and rights of way for BPL and other broadband providers via our existing pole attachment and right-of-way rules; (5) maintains the safety and reliability of the electric distribution system; and (6) adopts a policy of exempting BPL-related transactions, with conditions, from the requirements of Pub. Util. Code § 851 pursuant to our authority under Pub. Util. Code § 853(b).
A. BPL Provides High Speed Digital Communications Over Existing Power Lines
In this decision, we principally discuss what the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) calls "Access BPL" systems, which carry high speed data signals to neighborhoods from a point where there is a connection to a telecommunications network.2 BPL data is transmitted at a much higher frequency than electricity, so the BPL signal can occupy the electric wires without interfering with electric transmission. The power delivery system does, however, potentially interfere with the BPL signal. A variety of BPL technologies have been developed to address these technical challenges.3
B. Benefits of BPL
1. BPL Provides an Opportunity to Increase Broadband Competition
This Commission is taking the proactive step to set up a "BPL-friendly" regulatory framework because of our belief that BPL has the clear potential to bring valuable, additional competition to the California broadband market. At present, the California broadband market is principally dominated by digital subscriber line (DSL) service on conventional phone lines and cable modem services over upgraded cable television lines.4 This Commission believes that more broadband competition will bring lower prices, innovative services, and the potential for new rate plans to consumers.
2. BPL Could Expand Broadband Access to More Californians
BPL has the potential to provide a new broadband pipe to California's communities because existing electrical wires run to each home and business (the so-called critical "last mile"). Thus, electric utilities own valuable rights-of-way to consumers. The nation's power grid may be an untapped resource to provide another path for the delivery of broadband service to citizens.
Based on our review of current technology, technical and economic constraints may initially limit the potential of BPL to serve dispersed populations in rural areas.5 We believe, however, that technology advances where there is a need. New strides in BPL technology soon may bring additional advanced broadband services to underserved areas in California. In general, we believe that increasing the number of broadband delivery platforms and facilitating broadband competition is one of the best ways to extend broadband access to rural areas. While some broadband providers may focus on urban markets, it is conceivable that others may adopt a business plan to serve niche markets which may include rural or other underserved communities. The support given for rapid BPL deployment by rural electric and telephone utilities in the FCC's BPL rulemaking reaffirms this potential.6 By encouraging new facilities-based broadband platforms in our state, the Commission will enable our state to continue as a technology leader.
3. BPL Provides Reliability and Cost Savings to Electricity Consumers
BPL technology also can provide benefits to electrical customers by enabling valuable "smart grid" applications that could improve electrical system reliability and support the implementation of money-saving energy management systems. Potential utility applications include automatic meter reading, voltage control, equipment monitoring, remote connect and disconnect, power outage notification and the ability to collect data on time-of-day power demand.7 We strongly encourage electric utilities to study BPL as a way to provide "smart grid" applications to California consumers.
READ MORE...
new BROADBAND over POWERLINES 200 Mbps BPL Technology
MapInfo Meets the Needs of Today's Newest Networks with Broadband over Power Line Solution for Electric Utilities
MapInfo(R) Location Intelligence Enables Electric Utility Providers to Enhance their Networks and Understand Potential Markets for Increasing New Technology
TAMPA, Fla.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Feb. 7, 2006— MapInfo Corporation (NASDAQ: MAPS), the leading global provider of location intelligence solutions, today announced a suite of new solutions designed to provide electric utility providers with a comprehensive view of their networks, customers and potential customers as they enter the rapidly increasing Broadband over Power Line (BPL) market. Using many of the same core technologies which have made MapInfo the leader in location intelligence in the communications industry, electric utility providers can now better evaluate and deploy new revenue sources such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), advanced video services and broadband access. MapInfo will be demonstrating the new solutions at the DistribuTECH 2006 Conference and Exhibition, booth number 645.
"Broadband over Power Line technology, which moves data at roughly the same speed as cable or DSL lines, provides new capabilities to the nation's power grid, especially as demand for premium data services continues to skyrocket. Broadband over Power Line represents a major profit potential for power utilities," says Christopher Cherry, strategic industry manager for communications at MapInfo. "At the same time, utility companies are now faced with the unprecedented challenge of understanding an entirely new set of residential and business demographics, market boundaries and rate centers. MapInfo enables these utilities to be location intelligent, giving them an automatic advantage when it comes to finding success in these new untapped markets."
Based on industry-proven location intelligence offerings including MediaPrints, RateCenterInfo(R), PSAP Pro(R), MapMarker Plus(R) and StreetPro(R), MapInfo technology lends itself to virtually every aspect of BPL planning. For example, with MapInfo, utility companies can geographically identify areas that are under-served by competing providers but have favorable demographics, such as rural areas where access to traditional broadband has lagged. Companies can also determine, based on demographics, where existing customers are likely to take advantage of new, more profitable services of products, and then overlay aerial photography to make more accurate design and planning decisions. As networks complexity grows, MapInfo can help utility companies accurately design E-911 trunking relationships for VoIP, manage market and node boundaries and predict future demand for new products and services, resulting in maximized return on network investments and targeted sales and marketing campaigns.
new BROADBAND over POWERLINES 200 Mbps BPL Technology
TAMPA, Fla.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Feb. 7, 2006— MapInfo Corporation (NASDAQ: MAPS), the leading global provider of location intelligence solutions, today announced a suite of new solutions designed to provide electric utility providers with a comprehensive view of their networks, customers and potential customers as they enter the rapidly increasing Broadband over Power Line (BPL) market. Using many of the same core technologies which have made MapInfo the leader in location intelligence in the communications industry, electric utility providers can now better evaluate and deploy new revenue sources such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), advanced video services and broadband access. MapInfo will be demonstrating the new solutions at the DistribuTECH 2006 Conference and Exhibition, booth number 645.
"Broadband over Power Line technology, which moves data at roughly the same speed as cable or DSL lines, provides new capabilities to the nation's power grid, especially as demand for premium data services continues to skyrocket. Broadband over Power Line represents a major profit potential for power utilities," says Christopher Cherry, strategic industry manager for communications at MapInfo. "At the same time, utility companies are now faced with the unprecedented challenge of understanding an entirely new set of residential and business demographics, market boundaries and rate centers. MapInfo enables these utilities to be location intelligent, giving them an automatic advantage when it comes to finding success in these new untapped markets."
Based on industry-proven location intelligence offerings including MediaPrints, RateCenterInfo(R), PSAP Pro(R), MapMarker Plus(R) and StreetPro(R), MapInfo technology lends itself to virtually every aspect of BPL planning. For example, with MapInfo, utility companies can geographically identify areas that are under-served by competing providers but have favorable demographics, such as rural areas where access to traditional broadband has lagged. Companies can also determine, based on demographics, where existing customers are likely to take advantage of new, more profitable services of products, and then overlay aerial photography to make more accurate design and planning decisions. As networks complexity grows, MapInfo can help utility companies accurately design E-911 trunking relationships for VoIP, manage market and node boundaries and predict future demand for new products and services, resulting in maximized return on network investments and targeted sales and marketing campaigns.
new BROADBAND over POWERLINES 200 Mbps BPL Technology
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