Overview
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.
With BPL, a user can plug a computer into any electrical outlet in the home or office and instantly have high-speed Internet access. By combining radio, wireless networking, and modems, data can be sent over power lines at speeds between 500 kilobits and 3 megabits per second (equivalent to DSL and cable speeds).
FCC Activities
On April 23, 2003, the FCC adopted a Notice of Inquiry (NOI), expressing support for the potential of the BPL technology to enable electric power lines to function as a third wire into the home, and create competition with the copper telephone line and cable television coaxial cable line. The FCC said that BPL service could be offered using BPL modems that comply with existing FCC Rules. However, the FCC also asked for comments on whether changes to its rules were needed, either to remove unnecessary barriers to BPL service or to protect other devices from interference from BPL modems.
The FCC has since adopted rules for broadband over power lines to increase competition and promote broadband service.