Since 2004 we have been reading about BPL [Broadband Over Powerlines] technology and it now appears that the first attempt at offering this new service will be attempted in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Direct TV has partnered with Current Communication Group to offer broadband service via powerlines to some 1.8 million homes. In their press release Current Communication Group states:
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., GERMANTOWN, Maryland, Aug.15, 2007 - DIRECTV, Inc. (NYSE: DTV) and CURRENT Group announced today a wholesale distribution agreement that will enable DIRECTV to offer its customers CURRENT’s innovative BPL (Broadband Over Powerline) high-speed Internet service and VoIP services at the end of 2007/beginning of 2008. DIRECTV customers will be able to access the Internet by plugging a BPL modem into virtually any outlet in their home. This easy-to-use symmetrical service can send data faster than the typical cable modem service in use today. The increased upload speed is particularly important as users rely on greater speeds to play interactive games or send significant volumes of digital content through the Internet.
Under the terms of the agreement, DIRECTV will have access to CURRENT’s BPL network, initially in the Dallas/ Fort Worth BPL network that will cover approximately 1.8 million homes and businesses over the next several years. DIRECTV will be able to market a bundle that includes DIRECTV high-speed Internet and VoIP services to its residential customers. In addition, the agreement provides DIRECTV the ability to add other geographic markets as CURRENT builds out its network. CURRENT’s BPL network enables both Broadband services and Smart Grid solutions designed to improve efficiency and reliability while reducing the environmental impact of electric service.
“We are pleased to partner with DIRECTV to offer them the ability to bundle their world-renowned satellite video services together with BPL high-speed Internet and VoIP services,” said Tom Casey, CURRENT’s chief executive officer. “Consumers in Dallas will have a compelling new choice for their broadband service and, at the same time, feel good about the fact that the same Internet network is helping to improve the efficiency and reliability of the electric grid while reducing its environmental impact.”
“Our agreement with CURRENT gives our customers another high-quality, easy- to-use option to pair broadband services with DIRECTV’s video offerings,” said Evan Grayer, vice president of Broadband for DIRECTV. “By choosing this bundled option, DIRECTV customers will now be able to enjoy fast, reliable and secure high-speed Internet service anywhere they have a power outlet in their homes.”
Hopefully this experiment in bringing broadband service via the power grid will be successful. If so, there will be no underlying reason why this service can not be offered to all in the US regardless of where one lives. Though pricing has not been announced as of yet, one would hope that the service will be reasonable. Direct TV is already offering other broadband services via package deals on their website.
Full story here.
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