Improved technology is driving fresh interest in high-speed Internet systems that can be grafted to existing power grids. Known as Broadband over Powerlines, this technology offers utilities incremental revenue sources and can enhance grid operation. Over the past several years, power utilities' attempts at piloting and testing Broadband over Powerlines (BPL) services have mainly been failures or inconclusive. In most cases they have found themselves outgunned in the highly competitive market of providing Internet access to the home by both telcos and cable companies. However, utilities have started taking a second look at this unique technology and with recent advances have found that this communications transport offers a unique solution enabling them to control and manage their power infrastructure to an unprecedented level.
展开▼
