ARRL has no vested interest in the financial aspects of BPL. If it weren't for the fact that BPL systems worldwide have caused interference to Amateur Radio (in some cases severe), BPL should succeed or fail on its own merits.
However, although ARRL doesn't have any interest in the business of BPL, locally, amateur operators are also electric-utility ratepayers, and they may have a local interest in whether their utility becomes involved in a financial failure or success.
To help all with an interest in the financial aspects of BPL, this page provides links to financial studies and analyses of the business model of BPL. These include studies that are both pro and con. Any questions about these studies should be directed to the individuals or organizations that have created them.
Anyone planning a BPL system must recognize the interference problem and must provide in their business plan for the significant costs of mitigating interference as it arises, including termination of operation if that proves to be the only solution. Business plans must also include the not-inconsequential costs of identifying, troubleshooting and correcting power-line noise sources before BPL can be deployed reliably. If these costs have not been adequately recognized in a business plan, the plan is fundamentally flawed and incomplete.
Most recent business-case studies and reports
Public domain BPL business-case and financial reports
BPL financial reports and analyses that can be purchased
News about BPL business and financial aspects
BPL Not Ready for Prime Time Smart Grid
October 1, 2009, PowerGrid International - Although this article, written by the CEO of a major BPL/Smart Grid company, is not exactly a financial study, it accurately describes some of the financial and interference aspects of BPL technology. Electric utility companies are looking for sound information relating to the nascent Smart Grid technology. This issue of PowerGrid focuses on a number of aspects of the developing Smart Grid. Scroll down to page 43 for the article on BPL.
Europe Smart Grid Opportunity: Analysis and Market Forecasts
London, UK, 8/15/2009 - Although written with European markets in mind, this report by companiesandmarkets.com outlines the current state of Smart Grid deployments and technology (Table of Contents). Its summary page about BPL outlines the reasons BPL has not been successful in Europe: "Broadband Over Power Line to Lose out to competing Technologies: The European market for Broadband over Power Line (BPL) will decline rapidly during the period 2009-2015. BPL was under test for a while in Europe to deliver online content over utility distribution lines. Practically, all of these test projects yielded undesired results such as interference with the radio waves forcing the utilities to abandon most of these projects. The disastrous results of the BPL pilot projects undertaken have cast a dark shadow over the viability of BPL as competing internet technologies such as DSL, WiFi, and WiMAX . With all these disadvantages, the report predicts a steady demise for BPL technology that provides internet connectivity over power lines."
FCC High-Speed Services for Internet Access: Status as of June 30, 2008
July 1, 2009, FCC - This report shows that as of June 30, 2008 the number of BPL lines in the United states had declined slightly, to 5197 lines. The report shows that there were approximately 132,800,000 broadband lines in the US, with BPL having a market share of 0.0039% for broadband Internet access. Previous versions of this report can also be downloaded from the FCC site.
BPL Not Ready for Prime Time Smart Grid
October 1, 2009, PowerGrid International - Although this article, written by the CEO of a major BPL/Smart Grid company, is not exactly a financial study, it accurately describes some of the financial and interference aspects of BPL technology. Electric utility companies are looking for sound information relating to the nascent Smart Grid technology. This issue of PowerGrid focuses on a number of aspects of the developing Smart Grid. Scroll down to page 43 for the article on BPL.
FCC High-Speed Services for Internet Access: Status as of June 30, 2008
July 1, 2009, FCC - This report shows that as of June 30, 2008 the number of BPL lines in the United states had declined slightly, to 5197 lines. The report shows that there were approximately 132,800,000 broadband lines in the US, with BPL having a market share of 0.0039% for broadband Internet access. Previous versions of this report can also be downloaded from the FCC site.
ConEdison filing to the NY State Public Service Commission - Automated Meter Reading plan
March 28, 2007, NYSPSC -- This filing by ConEd outlines the reasons that ConEd has chosen wireless technology instead of BPL for its new automated meter-reading program. ConEd is a major stockholder in the company that has been involved with it with a BPL trial for several years in Briarcliff Major, NY, but ConEd states that this program is in the "early stages" of evaluation. ConEd says that BPL does "offer(s) some key advantages" and that it will "continue to evaluate" It notes, however, that the costs of the technology and meters "make this technology significantly more costly than the other AMR methods considered." ConEd concluded that BPL "may be" compatible with radial-distribution power networks, but also said that "this communications technique has a high level of uncertainty both in technical and total functionality in Con Edison’s network distribution grid."
Top 22 U.S. ISPs by Subscriber: Q3 2006
1/1/2007 -- ISP Planet
The top 22 ISPs are listed. First Communications, involved in both DSL and in-premise BPL, is #22, with 0.1% of the total market share. The report does not cite what percentage of their business is BPL, but they do not appear in the industry access BPL database, so their involvement is entirely within building.
Progress Report: Broadband in the Sticks
11/8/2006 - Information Week --Broadband over power lines (BPL), offered through electric utilities, offers the ability to piggyback digital data signals over existing power distribution networks (using much of the infrastructure that already exists to supply electrical power to most U.S. households) to send high-speed data. While an intriguing concept, once past the hype, a range of thorny technical and regulatory issues make this an option that will not be widely available for at least several years, if ever.
San Diego Smart Grid Study Final Report
10/1/2006 - ASIC Smart Grid Team -- San Diego Gas and Electric is unique in that it has been studying and testing BPL from muliple vendors, including Ambient, Current Technologies, Motorola and Mitsubishi, among others. This independent report outlines the practicalities of BPL for grid control, leaning strongly toward HomePlug technology as a viable solution.
5.2 Economics of Deploying Municipal Networks
4/27/2006, infoDev -- The economics of deploying municipal networks depends on a number of factors including the technology to be used, the geography/topography of the location, the market to be addressed, the services to be offered and the level of competition. All of these factors are interrelated, in that the type of services to be offered will depend on market demand and this will to a great extent dictate the technology platform that has to be used. The provision of high-speed Internet services can be accomplished using a number of platforms, whereas, a “triple-play” service of broadband Internet, video and telephony currently requires a wire line network.
New Board of Directors, management and financing at Main.Net
2/6/2006, Business Wire excerpt: "MainNet Communications Ltd., the pioneer and international leader in broadband power line communication technology ("BPL or "PLC"), today announced that the Company has experienced a renaissance on all fronts - with a significant equity investment made by the McGehee Group LLC, a new and highly respected Board of Directors, an incoming experienced management team with successful track records in the private and public technology sectors, a clean balance sheet and no debt."
White Paper on Power Line Communications (PLC)
PLC Utilties Alliance (Report by Arthur D. Little) -- This report gives a through overview of PLC and was commissioned by the PLC Forum, a European organization described in the document as "an international organisation created in early 2000, through the merger of two existing Associations. It has 63 members: 48 regular members and 15 permanent guests. Of these, 37% are Utilities, 42% are manufacturers and 21% are other PLC stakeholders." As of the of the date of the report, 10/12/2004. the PLC Forum had signed memoranda of understanding with APTEL, ETSI PLT, PLCA, PLC-J, PUA, and the UPLC (through the UTC). While downplaying interference, it is nonetheless mentioned 23 times in the text.
Rural Broadband Internet Use
February 2006 -- The PEW Internet and American Life project published this general study or rural Internet use and access.
Broadband Adoption in the United States: Growing but Slowing
9/21/2005 - PEW Internet and American Live Project -- The report argues that, while broadband adoption has grown quickly in recent years, there are reasons to believe that it is slowing. The report develops a model of broadband adoption that hypothesizes that the intensity of online use is the critical variable in understanding the home high-speed adoption decision and the trajectory of the adoption curve. Using national survey data from 2002 and 2005, the paper shows that the role of online experience in explaining intensity of internet use has vanished over this time frame; the explanatory effect of having a broadband connection has grown. This suggests that relative to 2002 there is not much pent-up demand for high-speed internet use at home.
High-Speed Services for Internet Access: Status as of December 31, 2005
July 1, 2006, FCC -- This is the latest report from the FCC about high-speed digital lines in the United States. It shows that as December 31, 2005, there were approximately 5900 BPL lines in the United States out of a total of 50,200,000 broadband lines. After several years of trying, BPL enjoys 0.012% market penetration..
Powering the Broadband Market in 2005 and Beyond
2/1/2005, New Millennium Research Council -- Views on the emergence of Broadband Over Power Line technology. Ambient (Briarcliff Manor, NY) and ComTEK (Manassas, VA) are discussed.
BPL: Under 0.5 Percent of Broadband Market -- And likely to stay there...
07-25-2005, DSL Reports -- Despite the FCC's hope that broadband over powerlines will become a considerable player in the broadband market, new data indicates it sits at under 0.5 percent of the market - and will remain there. CommsDesign offers up this stat sheet - which among other things - notes that 30 of the 80 global BPL trials are taking place in the United States. According to IMI research, "the volume of BPL deployments will have to increase substantially during the next 12-18 months if this technology is going to gain any ground.”
Utilities should apply Internet caution - analysts
8/22/05, Reuters India -- "For cable and telephone companies, providing broadband Internet access is crucial, but electric utilities should not jump onto the Internet bandwagon just because they have a pipe into a home, many analysts say. Long-touted as a third alternative to cable modems and DSL service, broadband-over-power-line (BPL) technology has until recently not met expectations. But while BPL may now be technologically reliable, many analysts say utilities should be cautious about entering the sector."
Report of the Broadband Over PowerLine Task Force
National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners -- "The Task Force recommends that State commissioners take the time now to learn more about BPL technology. Policy makers will want to monitor BPL to see whether and how it actually delivers on its many promises. States with BPL trials or small commercial deployments are encouraged to remain vigilant in their oversight of the offering and to share their observations with the Task Force."
Government Entry Into the Telecommunications Business: Are the Benefits Commensurate With the Costs?
February 3, 2004, The Progress Freedom Foundation, by Thomas M Lenard -- This paper outlines the pitfalls of government entities such as municipal-owned electric utilities entering the telecommunications market. It focuses more on fiber than BPL.
Caslon Analytics Note: Powerline Communication
http://www.caslon.com.au/powerlinenote1.htm -- This report was written by Caslon Analytics, an Australian internet research, analysis and strategies consultancy. It may be one of the more definitive business and scientific treatments of BPL. It starts with a brief BPL tutorial, and then covers the technical and reliability aspects of BPL. It outlines the reasons for ongoing interference issues and describes the key impediments to BPL deployment, including interference, competition from other technologies, consumer anxieties and indifferent electric-utility industry support. Although written from an Australian perspective, its findings and conclusions have widespread application to BPL/PLC worldwide.
Federal Communications Commission Releases Data on High-Speed Internet Access Services
July 2005 -- The FCC is reporting that there are 32,000,000 high-speed lines in the US. The BPL industry has been promoting BPL for several years now. If it is generously assumed that there are 3,000 paying BPL customers, after several years of trying, BPL has captured less than 0.01% of the high-speed subscriber market. BPL is not specifically mentioned in the report.
Earthlink analyzes the technical and financial components of several broadband technologies
This report analyzes numerous broadband technologies from a technical and financial perspective. It was presented by Earthlink to the FCC on November 16, 2004. Earthlink concluded that "wireless and BPL technologies are not likely to be competitive in cost and performance with cable and DSL over the last mile to the home. ADSL 2+, deployed through UNE-L copper, is the most promising technology for Earthlink." The analysis from page 18 shows that BPL is the most expensive of the broadband technologies evaluated. Other technical deficiencies in one or more of the BPL technologies evaluated are also mentioned.
Broadband Over Power-Line a Mid-Term Grade
Virchow, Krause & Company, LLP -- Interference is among the many issues covered by this financial and technical analysis of BPL. The analysts note: "Technical Performance: D - The interference issue has not been completely addressed. It seems that many of the pilots would rather ignore the question rather than address the question directly. For example, Alliant Energy prematurely ended its BPL trial in Cedar Falls, Iowa. When the trial began, it was one of the most cooperative between amateur radio and the electric industry. However, interference issues sparked the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) to file a formal complaint with the FCC. Shortly afterwards, the trial was ended. We believe that there are ways to address the interference issues, but the BPL industry has not been forthcoming, nor proposed cost-effective solutions."
Is Broadband Power Line Technology Ready for Widespread Deployment ...
Virchow, Krause & Company, LLP -- "The already deployed and ubiquitous nature of the Power Line infrastructure would make it an attractive technology for the distribution of broadband Internet services. Field trials of power line broadband technology are leading to competing claims from vendor communities and electric utilities as to the advisability of delivering broadband Internet services over the existing power line infrastructure. A few electric utilities are now taking the step to more widely deploy Internet service over their power grid. But the question remains--- Is Broadband Power Line Technology Ready for Widespread Deployment?
Lompoc Broadband Services Feasibility Study
McKibben Consulting -- This financial and technical report explains the reasons that the City of Lompoc, CA chose a fiber/wireless broadband system. "There is an on-going controversy with respect to PLT. The controversy revolves around the fact that PLT equipment shares the radio spectrum with many other users. Examples are amateur radio (HAM), public safety, shortwave broadcasters, maritime service operators, aeronautical services and military. PLT generates and receives interference in this spectrum. . . . We took at hard look at the equipment available in the marketplace. We studied reports on tests that were conducted with PLT technology in Europe and in the U.S. One study, conducted by the BBC in England, made it clear that there is very good reason to be concerned about R.F. interference. ... We also took a look at the promise of PLT with respect to potential benefits. W e discovered that even the most optimistic projections of the data rates available using PLT technology limit the per-subscriber average throughputs to roughly 1 Mbps. In most cases, it's significantly less. This level of throughput is comparable to DSL. It may support Internet access, but we don't see it being viable for telephony and video applications."
Does the Residential Broadband Market Need Fixing?
Congress of the United States: Congressional Budget Office -- This report is an impartial overview of the state of residential access to broadband and the various technologies that can be used to deliver it.
Energy Industry Update
Scott Madden Associates -- One page of this 24-page report is dedicated to BPL. Part of that was the "business case" for BPL. It described two "monkey wrenches." Neither of the monkey wrenches was interference. They were: "Few potential customers were interested in BPL at $30/month" and "The utility-provided BPL market may be limited by the strong incumbency of DSL and cable"
Electric Power Research Institute -- This report is a mixed bag. Its executive summaries are somewhat positive about BPL, but the meat of the report states in several ways that the economic viability of BPL is far from certain. The report addresses interference with the claim that it can be corrected by "notching." In most BPL areas where this has been tried, the result has still left moderate interference on amateur spectrum, leaving other spectrum such as international shortwave broadcast and/or CB with strong interference at full-strength Part-15 levels.
Promises and False Promises of PowerLine Carrier (PLC) Broadband Communications -- A Techno-Economic Analysis -- This paper by Rahul Tongia, Ph.D., an Assistant Research Professor at Carngie Mellon University analyzes the pros and cons of BPL technology. It concludes that BPL has several unique features, but that the nature of the technology and the US power grid make its economics "less compelling than recent statements by its proponents."
Exploiting Broadband Over PowerLines
IBM -- This rather upbeat presentation about BPL by IBM outlines the expectations that IBM has for the future of BPL. No specific business-case information is included and the concerns about interference are given little page space.
Europe Smart Grid Opportunity: Analysis and Market Forecasts
London, UK, 8/15/2009 - Although written with European markets in mind, this report by companiesandmarkets.com outlines the current state of Smart Grid deployments and technology (Table of Contents). Its summary page about BPL outlines the reasons BPL has not been successful in Europe: "Broadband Over Power Line to Lose out to competing Technologies: The European market for Broadband over Power Line (BPL) will decline rapidly during the period 2009-2015. BPL was under test for a while in Europe to deliver online content over utility distribution lines. Practically, all of these test projects yielded undesired results such as interference with the radio waves forcing the utilities to abandon most of these projects. The disastrous results of the BPL pilot projects undertaken have cast a dark shadow over the viability of BPL as competing internet technologies such as DSL, WiFi, and WiMAX . With all these disadvantages, the report predicts a steady demise for BPL technology that provides internet connectivity over power lines."
Newswire Today - 2007 Global BPL - Utilities Moving Towards Broadbanded Smart Grids
London, UK, 04/28/2008 - Report Buyer has added a new report showing that after trials, Broadband Over Power Lines (BPL) is performing well up to standard, when compared with most other technologies. The next step is to make the transition from the current trial status to the commercial arena, and this will require the establishment of an appropriate regulatory framework to support the technological developments that are occurring.
Business Wire
Dublin, Ireland, 04/14/2008 - Research and Markets has announced the addition of “2008 Global Broadband Market - Demand for Faster Networks” to their report offerings. This annual report offers a wealth of information on the worldwide development of the broadband sector. The market for BPL remains positive, despite the several obstacles that continue to hinder the industry. A solid growth is expected for this sector in 2008.
Europe - Broadband - Broadband over Power Line (BPL)
6/29/07, Paul Budde -- Europe has an enormous potential market for BPL, with more than 200 million homes and businesses connected directly to utility networks. There are a number of deployments in several European countries, yet developments in both the cable and DSL sectors have weakened the business case for BPL, while technical difficulties still hamper large-scale. This report examines the business models for BPL in Europe in 2006, and provides an analysis of the technology’s potential following the EC’s moves towards lifting restrictive regulatory barriers, and the formalisation of standards earlier in the year. The report also reviews ongoing BPL trials and analyses existing deployments, $40 non members, free to Budde.com members.
Opportunities for Electric Utilities; Broadband over Power Lines
United Power Line Council -- Utilities are looking at Broadband over Power Line (BPL) communications not only as a means towards diversification, but a necessity to survive and thrive in the changing landscape of utility telecommunications. UTC's new research study, Opportunities for Electric Utilities: Broadband over Power Line, offers expert information on the market for BPL development as it approaches a critical juncture in both large-scale commercial deployments and smart-grid applications. UTC and consultant SHS Technologies examine opportunities and present the most complete, accurate and up-to-date industry information about the state of this industry. $995 UPLC members, $1295 non-members.
FTTx and BPL: Analysis and Outlook
1/1/2007, Parks Associates -- This report analyzes market trends and significant events that will impact FTTx and BPL deployments over the next five years. It also addresses consumer and competitive pressures that will influence these methods, the economics associated with the deployment of these technologies and the opportunities FTTx and BPL provides for vendors and service providers.
UTC Research Announces: Substation Communications Study Released:
12/5/2005, UTC -- UTC is very proud to announce the release of the long awaited but highly valuable report, Substation Communications: Enabler of Automation, which arms critical infrastructure (CI) with information regarding automation trends in substation, and between substations; this definitive assessment defines automation as an essential element of next-generation, intelligent infrastructures that will revolutionize the way utilities deal with their assets, their workforces and their customers. Some of the major findings from the study include: o Primary drivers for communication upgrades are regulatory compliance - such as the NERC cyber security standards - and the need for "big pipe" applications such as video surveillance; o Many utilities have no formal or system-wide substation automation plans. Instead, they have implemented substation integration on a case-by-case basis; and most utilities have found that private communications facilities, rather than leased, are better from the standpoint of cost and reliability; however, each utility should do its own cost benefit analysis. For more information, or to order a copy of the report, please contact UTC Research at 202.872.0030 or research@utc.org..
USA - Broadband Market - Broadband over Power Line
4/2006, Paul Budde Communication Pty Ltd. -- BPL is a potentially disruptive last mile technology, which delivers broadband Internet access via powerlines to power outlets in the home. The technology potentially enables electric utilities to become triple play communications providers with minimal infrastructure investment. With support from the US government and the FCC, ongoing resolution of technology problems, the development of global standards, major equipment suppliers entering the market, and over 100 trials around the country some of which are becoming commercial, the USA is ideally placed to become a world leader in BPL deployment. Nevertheless, a number of significant technological hurdles face the BPL industry both in the US and globally.
2006 Global Broadband Powerlines - Moving into Home Management 3rd Edition
7/2006, Paul Budde Communication Pty Ltd. -- This report provides information on the latest developments and trends in the BPL market, with a detailed analysis of the sector. It includes a SWOT analysis, business models, forecasts, an update on the regulatory environment and information on key projects and pilots taking place around the world.
Promising Future for Power-Line Broadband
9/11/2006, InStat.com -- The demand for using traditional electrical lines as a medium for broadband technology in the residential sector is rising worldwide and will continue to grow, according to a study by market research firm In-Stat. Broadband service over power lines (BPL), which allows an Internet connection to be established through a standard electrical outlet, is seen as a potential rival to coaxial (coax) and twisted-pair wiring, the fixed-line technologies most commonly used for cable and telephone service, respectively. Incorporating BPL into a residence or business requires no additional wire installation. It may sound too good to be true, and indeed BPL has had a rocky history because of technical limitations, high development costs and its potential for interference with ham radio and emergency radio signals. But according to In-Stat's research, it's catching on. The number of broadband power-line equipment units sold passed the 2 million mark in 2005, and the research firm expects that the number will increase by 200 percent this year.
Broadband Powerline Networking to be King in Residential Networking
9/11/2006 - InStat.com -- This study outlines the growing in-premise and access BPL industry, especially in less-developed countries not well served by cable and DSL.
Municipal Broadband: An Opportunity for Growth
Research Reports International -- The report is a comprehensive 90-page overview of Municipal Broadband. It provides a look at the problems faced by municipalities in ensuring adequate broadband access for citizens, the forces driving development of municipal broadband networks, and the results of municipal broadband efforts to date. Topics covered in the report include: An overview of broadband communications; A review of the history of municipal telecom projects; A discussion of current municipal efforts to implement broadband networks; An analysis of the key business factors that are driving increased interest in municipal broadband; An evaluation of the barriers that are hindering the implementation of municipal broadband; A comparison of broadband access technologies; A review of key business and economic factors impacting municipal broadband decisions; Profiles of key municipal broadband networks that have already been implemented. It is in PDF format and is available via electronic download, CD-ROM, or Hardcopy for $299. To order, click on the following link or call us at 303-670-0296.
Broadband over Power Lines: Challenging existing broadband dynamics
Lead Analyst: Sherman Fridman Publication Date: 10/11/05
Broadband over Power Lines, also known as the "third wire" for delivering broadband communications to users, has been gaining traction on a global basis. Since, more than 100 trials in 40 different countries worldwide have confirmed the viability of BPL technology, and visiongain sees the technology building momentum. Find out what market impact BPL will have by buying this latest visiongain report, "Broadband over Power line: Challenging existing broadband dynamics".
Price: £1,299, single user license
The Market For Broadband Over Powerline
The report looks at the past, present, and future state of Broadband over Powerline (BPL) in the U.S. and provides a forecast of the market for BPL through 2013. The Scope of the Report includes the following topics: Description of the history of powerline communications and broadband over powerline (BPL); Analysis of key drivers of BPL within the electric utility and internet access industries; Overview of BPL technology and architecture; Comparison of BPL with alternative broadband access methods; Analysis of technological, regulatory, and business barriers to BPL's success; Identification of the key applications and markets for BPL; Description of business models for BPL; Analysis of key market trends in broadband internet access; Review of the market development of cable modem broadband access; Forecast of the market for BPL through 2013; Profiles of major U.S. BPL market participants; Profiles of major U.S. BPL projects. The Market For Broadband Over Powerline report comes in Adobe Acrobat PDF format and is available via electronic download, CD ROM or Hardcopy for $399.
The Future of HomePlug In-house PLC and Access BPL
ABI Research -- HomePlug/In-house PLC and Access BPL face steep challenges in building their relevance to home networking and broadband access markets, respectively. While HomePlug/PLC's supporters hope it can coexist with other networking technologies in the home, how will the competition view it? Are IC and component vendors as broadminded as the equipment vendor community in supporting multiple networking technologies? Price: Available only to users logged in to ABI's web site
2006 Europe - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband in France, Switzerland
This report covers France and Switzerland, both key telecom markets in the forefront of emerging technologies and deployments. Trends and developments in telecommunications, mobile, Internet, broadband, digital TV and converging media including VoIP, VoD and IPTV developments. Subjects include: Market and industry analyses, trends and developments; Facts, figures and statistics; Industry and regulatory issues; Research, Marketing, Benchmarking; Major Players, Revenues, Subscribers, Prepaid; VoIP, IPTV, VoD, digital TV and DTTV. Price: EUR€ 580.00
Broadband Over Power Line Hype Doesn't Match Reality, According to Energy Insights Study
September 27, 2005, Energy Insights -- This article describes an industry study that outlines that the poor track record of success and inexperience by electric utilities in running telecommunications systems will limit the growth of BPL.
Fifth Broadband Over Power Line Research Report
United Telecom Council UTC has produced the only authoritative study on BPL for utilities and technology vendors for the past four years. This year, UTC Research is partnering with SHS Technologies, a leading technology consulting firm, to produce an updated and completely redesigned BPL research report, "Opportunities for Electric Utilities with Broadband over Powerline". SHS Technologies brings experience and contacts in the information technology industry, as well as BPL specifically, to UTC Research's long history of study in this field.
The U.S. Market For Broadband Over Powerline, 2nd Edition
The report looks at the past, present, and future state of Broadband over Powerline (BPL) in the U.S. and provides a forecast of the market for BPL through 2013.
Meter Reading Profiles and Best Practices 2005
This detailed 300+ page color report delivers the results of our research on utility meter reading practices and technologies. The Ascent Group conducted research during the first quarter of 2005 to better understand how different utilities are optimizing practices and utilizing technology to improve meter reading efficiency and effectiveness while reducing operating costs. We asked companies to share strategies and experiences to identify the practices that lead to higher productivity, reduced costs, and increased performance. We also asked utilities to provide their plans moving forward as well as lessons learned along the way.
Broadband Powerline Communications: Ready for Take-Off
Research and Markets -- Power line communications (PLC) has evolved into Broadband Powerline Communications (BPL) that has two primary applications - broadband access (BPL-Access) and home networking (BPL-Indoor). The report, "Broadband Powerline Communications: Ready for Take-Off," provides an exhaustive look at the BPL marketplace. The report details global BPL deployments, examines emerging BPL devices, and discusses standards and regulation. The report profiles major vendors marketing BPL equipment. The report examines developments in BPL technologies and compares these technologies them with other competing solutions. The report provides market sizing and market forecasts for both BPL-Access and BPL-Indoor.
2005 Western European Infrastructure, Fixed Voice and Data Market
Research and Markets -- This annual report offers a wealth of information on the Infrastructure Fixed Voice and Data markets in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Malta, The Netherlands, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom. Subjects covered include: Infrastructure Issues; Regulatory issues and government policies re infrastructure; Datacomms Infrastructure, Leased Lines, ISDN; Public and Value Added Data Services; Leased Lines, ISDN, Frame Relay, ATM; Brief overviews on all of the major telecommunications carriers and service providers in the region.
Telecom Trends Two Studies on BPL
These studies claim that access BPL is poised to take off in a big way. This is in stark contrast to recent industry marketing statements that suggest that the industry feels that utility use is more important than access.
Broadband over Power Lines: The Voice of the Residential Customer
Platts Research and Consulting Utilities have many unanswered questions regarding broadband over power lines (BPL), including: Which technology platform is best? How will regulators view BPL investments? What efficiencies can BPL bring to other utility business operations? But perhaps the most important questions revolve around customer acceptance of the technology. Through 1,000 telephone interviews conducted with residential customers in the United States and Canada, this E SOURCE Market Research Multi-Client Study, published in November 2004 will assess the credibility of a utility as a broadband Internet provider in the eyes of residential customers.
BPL Business Case Study
United Powerline Council -- The Broadband over Power Line market is expected to peak at $2.5 billion by the year 2010. Are you prepared to take advantage of opportunities that lie ahead? If you need to create a successful BPL business case strategy or if you are just beginning to consider the broad implications of BPL to your electric utility, you should not overlook this essential planning resource. With three study levels to choose from, UTC Research has the tools you need to capitalize on this budding technology. $650.00 - $21,000.00.
Next Year Critical for Broadband Communications over Powerlines
Primen -- "What must happen next, is to determine whether BPL can be a viable business for electric utilities. 'The economics of wide-scale deployment need to be demonstrated,' says George. 'We don't know yet if the prices utilities will be able to charge for BPL, either to third-party providers or directly to customers, will be high enough to cover the costs of installing the equipment needed to make BPL work.'"
The Race for Broadband Communications on Power Lines--Update 2003 (1009200)
Electric Power Research Institute -- "EPRI has received many inquiries from member utilities about PLC, notes Okonek. These inquiries come in waves, depending on the latest news item. The inquiries have questioned BPL's practical reality, its value to the utility, and its potential as an investment. Electric utilities are feeling increasing pressure from their customers, investors, vendors, regulators, governments, and boards of directors to explain why they are not more actively involved in exploring BPL.'" The latest report updates EPRI's earlier study, Communications on Power Lines, Changing Business and Technology Ramifications (1006967). $2500.00.
The Market For Broadband Over Powerline
Research and Markets -- The 1st Edition The Market For Broadband Over Powerline report is a comprehensive 100-page study of the potential market for BPL technology. The report looks at the past, present, and future state of Broadband Over Powerline (BPL) in the U.S. and provides a forecast of the market for BPL through 2012. 100 pps -- EURO530.00
Developments in Broadband over Power Lines
The Shpigler Group -- Although the idea of offering communication services over existing power lines is not new, technical challenges have prevented utility companies from offering such services. Recent advances, however, have led to promising results, and now large, well-funded utilities and other companies are developing the capability. In its new report, Developments in Broadband over Power Lines, the Shpigler Group assesses the market potential of broadband over power lines (BPL). The report forecasts a ramp up to a $2.5 billion worldwide market for equipment in the next five years, with a long-term outlook of serving more than 14 million customers in the U.S. within ten years. report price: 88 pps -- $4,250.00.
The Whole Cyber Ball: The US Internet Access Market - Consumer and Business, 2003-2008
Reed Electronics Group -- This report provides forecasts for both the consumer and business markets. The consumer market forecasts include the number of households online, Internet access connections by access technology, and service revenues by access technology. The business market forecasts include number of U.S. firms online, Internet access connections by access technology, and service revenues by access technology. Access technology covered in this report includes dial-up, cable modem, DSL, fixed wireless broadband, satellite, broadband power line, Fiber-to-the-Home, broadband power line, dedicated Internet access, Ethernet, and ISDN. $2,295.00.
Will Broadband Powerline (BPL) Take Off?
11/14/2006 - TVOver.net
Research and Markets has released the new report 2006 Global Broadband Powerlines - Moving into Home Management 3rd Edition. Around the world, a large number of Broadband Powerline (BPL) trials have been underway for five years and longer, and BPL is performing well, when compared with most other technologies. The next step is to make the transition from the current trial status to the commercial arena, and this will require the establishment of an appropriate regulatory framework to support the technological developments that are occurring.