Broadband over Powerlines: Regulatory and Policy Issues


 

Publication Date: August 2006

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Media, telecommunications, and information

Type:

Abstract:

Congress has expressed significant interest in increasing the availability of broadband services throughout the nation, both in expanding the geographic availability of such services, as well as expanding the service choices available to consumers. Broadband over Powerlines (BPL) has the potential to play a significant role in increasing the competitive landscape of the communications industry but also has the potential to extend the reach of broadband to a greater number of Americans. BPL, like any technology, has its advantages and disadvantages. Proponents state that (1) BPL is less expensive to deploy than the cable and telephone companies' broadband offerings, (2) it does not require upgrades to the actual electric grid, and (3) it is not limited by certain technical constraints of its competitors. However, critics have expressed ongoing concern that BPL could interfere with licensed radio spectrum such as amateur radio, government, and emergency response frequencies.