Australia - Utilities Broadband - BPL Access

Synopsis

Power utilities around the world are recognising the natural competitive advantage they have in telecommunications. This comes from the use of infrastructure they have in place, their systems, a strong relationship with, and an understanding of a large customer base, and a core competency in network management and maintenance. It is a natural extension of business activity for a power company to enter into telecommunications. Technical trials for BPL have been in operation since 2004, but have so far not resulted in commercial roll outs. However, new developments such as Smart Grids and the structural changes taking place in the telco market are opening up new business opportunities for BPL.

Table of Contents

• 1. Synopsis
• 2. New business opportunities for BPL
  • 2.1 FttH and the electricity infrastructure
  • 2.2 Looming shortage in local broadband capacity
• 3. Broadband over Power Lines
• 4. BPL as an access technology – analysis
  • 4.1 Reviewing BPL as a broadband access technology
  • 4.2 Selecting the right business model
  • 4.3 Second generation has arrived
  • 4.4 Third broadband network into the home
  • 4.5 Regional opportunities
  • 4.6 Waiting for standards
  • 4.7 VoIP over BPL
  • 4.8 Telco BPL – superior to ADSL
• 5. Forecasting BPL
• 6. Home Networks
  • 6.1 Early trials
  • 6.2 BPL – better than wireless
• 7. Related reports

• Exhibit 1 – Key BPL applications
• Exhibit 2 – BPL pilots Australian utilities
• Exhibit 2 – HomePlug from NetComm