While still in its infancy, Broadband over Power Lines (BPL) will one day soon be a key enabler for advanced metering infrastructure, a necessary communications-centered-utility-side platform that will enable true automated meter reading, and provide for demand response and DSM programs to develop.In addition, many observers see BPL as eventually able to replace other forms of remote asset management to include SCADA, Teleprotection, and the use of narrow bandwidth forms of Power Lines Communications (PLC).
The promise of BPL is perhaps greatest in its potential to extend the broadband network reach to approximately two billion rural inhabitants around the globe who are still "unreachable" for modern voice and data services, and thus they remain without access to modern, high-speed telecommunications services.
While this report proclaims all the favorable reasons this technology should be further mined, it also examines in depth all of the factors inhibiting BPL growth. The biggest factor is who will bear the costs of implementation once all other hurdles are surmounted.
View Table of ContentsPublisher: Newton-Evans
