Professional Documents
Culture Documents
BPL is the technology which enables Broadband internet access via electrical outlets in a home or through Wi-Fi from a neighborhood transformer. It is a technology which works by injecting signals in the 2-30 MHz range in powerlines and repeating the signal after regular distance. The transformers are either bypassed by couplers or the signal is forced through the transformer.
Utilities can offer broadband service to every home with their ubiquitous network. Broadband is the fastest growing telecom segment in United States. Utilities see a promise of various utility applications on the broadband, IP enabled network piggy riding on their electric network.
PG&E
A LOT OF THEM
APS Hawaiian Electric OPPD Ameren Alliant TXU Cullman Coop Fayetteville Southern Kissimmee Bowling Green TECO
Commercial deployment
Trial
The data signal can also interconnect with wireless, fiber or other media for backhaul and last mile completion.
HV Lines
To FiberBased Data Network
Cell #1
MV Lines LV Line
Cell #3 Cell #4
Cell #2
HV Lines
Cell #5
MV Lines MV Substation
HV Lines
HV Lines
To FiberBased Data
Needs multiple means to provide broadband access to all US. Supporting other new broadband technologies as well.
BPL Vendors
Strong marketing of trials. Almost all are VC funded currently well funded.
Utilities
Some utilities have strong financial stake in the BPL vendors.
Economic model is still somewhat unproven. Current capex numbers for BPL infrastructure are $150 per home passed on an average. Some utilities may consider this high and not be willing to spend this money. The issue of BPL being a part of regulated side or business or the non regulated side is very complex. Needs regulatory assurances. Technology will need more testing. Testing for manufacturability, reliability Business models are complex. The low risk models can contain regulatory risks. The technology is not future proof. This is a deterrent to utilities.
Electric / Gas / Water
Information collection, analysis and application
Radio interference, if large scale, may shut off the technology very quickly. Utility applications hold lot of promise- but most experts agree that utility applications should not be the basis of a successful business model broadband internet access should be the basis. Consumer premise equipment is still not cheap. It is unknown if these equipments will follow the price roadmap of other competing wireless broadband technologies. Other competing wireless broadband technologies have great promise and big backers. Wimax ( Supported by Intel, IBM )
Regulatory Issues
Regulators want to treat this business as just another Telecom business ( same taxes etc.) This will seriously hurt the business case. VOIP is one of the many bones of contention. Should BPL guarantee a 911 call? Common Carrier issues.
If utility benefits are to be accrued, then regulators want to make sure that none of the rate cases include this investment. Use of poles other broadband users want the BPL model to pay the same rent as they do for hanging BPL stuff on poles ( around transformers).
Technically feasible. Several ways of achieving it IP addressable meter Sensus Icon with mu net Comverge Others BPL modem equipped meter BPL as a backhaul Currently only Electric AMR being talked about. All consultants state that AMR on BPL is not a low hanging fruit. Outage Management is considered a low hanging fruit.
Scenario 1 : Option 1
The customer subscribes to Utilities BPL service. Utility provides an IP addressable electric meter and a NAT.
Price to utility $______ for an IP addressable solid state meter + BPL Modem & NAT Overall capex per customer: $150 + $______ = $??? per customer Assumptions: 100% customers will choose to take the utilitys BPL offering If not, add another $100 for a BPL modem
Other issues include Nobody today has a reliable , ANSI approved $_____ meter with IP addressable capability. BPL modems are typically indoor devices. They have not been ruggedized to work for long times. Possible wiring needs from the meter to NAT. This will assume that utility goes all out to deploy BPL in all its territory. Rural customers, meters in the middle of nowhere will need some technology support. Cost of per home passed is very high for long feeders. Issues of repeater maintenance. For the meter to be addressed two way, utility may need a fixed IP address. There are higher costs associated with it.
Knowledge to Shape Your Future
Scenario 1: Option 2
Utility chooses to install a BPL modem for AMR purposes alone (assuming the customer does not subscribe to utilitys BPL service) and an IP addressable meter.
Add another ~$100 for a BPL modem to the cost, so the total capex of AMR per Electric meter. >$250
Scenario 1: Option 3
Utility may choose a Wi-Fi based BPL and installs a Wi-Fi Based Electric Meter.
No Wi Fi enabled electric meter available. Cost! Have been some talk about the chances of developing a
meter with a Wi-Fi capability.
Cons
Not a core service Technology not quite proven in a large roll-out. High cost. Competitive environment that includes corporate giants such as AT&T.
Electric / Gas / Water
Information collection, analysis and application
Conclusion
BPL will be a niche Broadband Access technology most probably in the semi-urban towns. The technology is under close market scrutiny for its ability to support a successful business model. Some utilities may delay their AMR decision with a hope of using BPL one day.
You need to keep our ear on the ground for meter manufacturers planning to offer BPL enabled solutions.
BPL has the potential to become the most ubiquitous broadband network available. Michael Powell, FCC Chairman
Knowledge to Shape Your Future