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BPL - Broadband over Power Lines

BPL is a controversial new method of delivering broadband internet access.  The controversial part of BPL is that it has the potential to cause severe interference to radio communications including that of Amateur Radio Operators.  This page is devoted to information on BPL as a technology as well as observations of interference (or the lack thereof) by amateur radio operators and others. 

BPL Equipment Photo Album

BPL Guestbook

Links:

ARRL BPL Page

Current Technologies - Developers and manufacturers of the BPL technology and equipment.  Note that much of what I mentioned regarding other benefits of BPL in my article above is verified on this site and in fact is the focus of their marketing.

Current Communications - Marketing and sales in Cincinnati

Related Articles:

A very good article explaining the benefits of BPL for power companies

"Cinergy dives into Internet market: Limited access available soon" - Cincinnati Post - 3-2-04

"Broadband over Power lines could cause static" - Cincinnati Post - 3-9-04

"Cinergy powers up Web: Demand surges ahead of plan for new service" - Cincinnati Post - 7-13-04

"Rules OK'd for broadband on power lines" - Cincinnati Post - 10-15-04

NEWS

7-6-04 - requested information from Current Communications, the company installing and marketing BPL for Cinergy in the greater Cincinnati area, regarding the spectrum used by their devices and any steps they have taken to eliminate the possibility of RF interference.

7-8-04 - No response from Current communications.

7-16-04 - Response received from Current Communications.  Read it here.

4-20-05 - Ed Hare, W1RFI is in town to investigate the BPL system and any interference it is creating.

4-21-05 - Ed Hare, W1RFI conducted tests in the Hyde Park area concluding that the Current Technologies BPL system installed in Cincinnati does not significantly interfere with the amateur bands or other communications.