 |
 |
Broadband Over Power Lines
Q: What is BPL?
A: BPL, or broadband over power lines, is an
exciting new technology that allows data signals
to be transmitted over existing electrical power
lines. The data signals are injected onto the
electric utility power grid and can be received
through any electric outlet within the city.
The pilot project will focus on internet service.
Q: How is RPU involved with BPL?
A: In February 2004, RPU announced an association
with Hiawatha Broadband Communications, Inc.
of Winona to test BPL technology and hardware.
The pilot project’s target launch is July
2004, analysis of the project is scheduled for
Fall 2004, and a market trial is planned to
commence in early 2005.
Q: Why is RPU involved with BPL?
A: RPU is interested in testing this technology
for several reasons. 1) We continually investigate
ways to maximize the utility’s infrastructure
for our customer-owners, 2) It has the possibility
to generate revenue for the utility by leasing
our power lines to a communications provider,
and 3) We are interested in the possibilities
it presents for two-way communications with
our customers.
Q: Who is HBC?
A: HBC began in 1992 as Luminet, a not-for-profit
project that utilized a leased fiber-optic network
to connect the Winona area educational institutions
for the purpose of extending the reach of teaching
and learning. Today, HBC is a privately held
full-service telecommunications company based
in Winona, MN. providing their customers with
cable television, telephone and high-speed internet
services. More than 50 percent of HBC stock
is owned by Winona area not-for-profit institutions,
including public and private schools and universities,
and the Winona Community Foundation. HBC is
committed to enhancing and enriching the lives
of those it serves. In carrying out that vision,
its mission pledges to its customers access
to superior advanced communications and unparalleled
personal service.
Q: Why are RPU and HBC working together?
A: HBC approached RPU to see if we had interest
in learning more about BPL. Given the possible
benefits for the utility, we agreed to associate
with them to do a pilot project.
Q: How are RPU and HBC working together?
A: RPU and HBC will equally participate in a
pilot project that is to explore the viability
and possibilities of BPL. This pilot project
will take place within the Rochester city limits
on the RPU power grid.
Q: What is the timeline for the BPL
pilot project?
A: RPU and HBC announced their intentions to
study broad band over power line technology
in February 2004. The initial pilot project
which will include approximately 10 customers,
is scheduled to begin in early July 2004. Providing
the pilot project succeeds, a market trial will
follow involving up to 100 customers.
Q: Is radio frequency interference being
considered during the trial?
A: Radio frequency (RF) interference will be
monitored during the test and taken into consideration
when analyzing the test results and preparing
a business case. RF is one of several criteria
being analyzed to determine the viability of
the technology and the ultimate success of the
project.
Q: Can I volunteer for the trial?
A: Participants will be hand selected by RPU
and HBC for the pilot project. The details and
logistics of the market trial will be determined
during the pilot project. If volunteers are
needed, RPU will make a public call for interested
participants.
Q: Where in Rochester will the trials
occur?
A: The pilot project will involve one location,
dependent on several factors. The primary geographic
area of the pilot project will most likely be
southern Rochester. The location(s) of the market
trial is yet to be determined based on results
of the pilot project.
Q: Where are other trials going on in
the country?
A: RPU is most likely the first utility in the
Upper Midwest to test BPL. However, BPL technology
has been tested and explored by several utilities
throughout the United States during recent years,
some of which are in the process of deploying
commercially to their electric customers. A
few to mention are Southern Company, Cinergy,
PEPCO, Con Edison, PPL, Idaho Power, Florida
Power & Light, Sierra Pacific, and the City
of Manassas, Virginia.
Q: Why would someone consider using
BPL for internet service?
A: BPL is a very convenient way to receive Internet
access (data signals) in your home. No rewiring
or modifications are needed in your home—you
just need a BPL modem that plugs into any electrical
outlet, all outlets in your house would be “live”
with no additional fees for more than one outlet.
Q: What service(s) does BPL technology
support?
A: Current BPL technology is capable of supporting
several kinds of communication and data services,
but HBC is focusing on Internet only for the
pilot project. Should the trials prove successful
and a business case warrants commercial deployment,
a service provider at that time will determine
what services will be offered. RPU will most
likely take the role of leasing it’s infrastructure
(wires) much like it leases pole space to other
fiber optic service providers and the tops of
water towers to cellular phone service providers.
Q: Can other services be provided via BPL, like
video and voice?
A: As mentioned, at this time the pilot project
involves internet only. However, current technology
does support other services such as voice, automated
meter reading, outage detection, electric grid
monitoring, energy management, and various home-monitoring
services. Video is still in the research and
development stage.
Q: Can more than one provider offer BPL services
on the same wires?
A: With available technology, it is believed
that only one provider can inject BPL services
onto the power lines within any given area.
Q: What would I need to do to my house
so I can receive a BPL signal?
A Your house requires no modifications or additional
wiring. You would only need a BPL modem to translate
the signal from any outlet in your home.
Q: What would you charge for the service?
A: Should this or any other service be offered
via BPL over the RPU electrical power grid,
the cost would be determined by the service
provider sometime during the market trial and
business case analysis. |
|
|
|
