Broadband over power line (BPL) systems use existing electrical power lines as a transmission medium to provide high-speed communications capabilities by coupling radio frequency (RF) energy onto the power line, which is then distributed into the home. BPL systems operate on an unlicensed basis under Part 15 of the FCC's rules. Because power lines reach virtually every community in the country, BPL has the potential to play an important role in providing broadband services to American homes and consumers.
There are two types of BPL systems: 1) In-house BPL, which uses the electrical outlets available within a building to transfer information between computers and other home electronic appliances; and 2) Access BPL systems, which carry high-speed communication signals outdoors over the medium voltage (MV) lines, from a point where there is a connection to the Internet (backhaul point), to neighborhoods, where they are distributed to homes via the low voltage (LV) power lines or Wi-Fi links.
The FCC has adopted rules for broadband over power lines to increase competition and promote broadband service.