MODEST COMMERCIAL BPL DEPLOYMENT GROWTH SEEN NEXT YEAR

摘要

Broadband over powerline (BPL) technology remains in the very nascent stage, analysts said. The industry is upbeat about 2006, but researchers predict moderate growth, if any. Heightened awareness, investments by Google and others and less ham radio operator resistance in 2005 won’t be enough to trigger large-scale 2006 commercial BPL deployments, most said. Bruce Leichtman of the Leichtman Research Group sees only a “smattering” of deployments next year: “I don’t even think it is a consumer proposition at this point.” BPL presents utilities a challenge, he said. With more than 40 million broadband subscribers to cable and DSL in the U.S., being the 3rd provider is a “very difficult position to be in,” he said.