US FCC approves broadband over power line regulations Thursday

Washington (Platts)--14Oct2004

The US Federal Communications Commission approved a final rule Thursday on
broadband over power line services, asserting that having regulations in place
would encourage more utilities to offer BPL services. BPL service sends
Internet and other signals along power lines, enhancing grid reliability and
increasing broadband access across the country, officials said. While about 40
utilities have begun market trials with BPL service "there should be a lot
more," said US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Pat Wood. 

The FCC order directs BPL providers to avoid using radio frequencies which
would interfere with amateur radio operators' needs. The order should answer
questions that investors in BPL technology had and should lead to more
deployments on utility networks, Wood said. Commenting on enhanced grid
reliability, FCC Chairman Michael Powell said: "When you put broadband on the
network its a smart network."

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