Previously published:
The real bottom line measurement for potential deployment is probably cost. The existing technology of "transmitting" broadband over a medium to/from the end-user is pretty mature technology (for example DSL, broadband over cable, wireless, etc.) and therefore probably able to offer much lower costs than BPL will ever offer.
The following article indicates that one of the major power companies (Pittsburgh Power and Light, Allentown, PA) in field testing phase of BPL (Broadband Over Power Line) technology has decided to "pull-the-plug" and not pursue widespread deployment.
Full article at:
According to earlier published articles about this technology, the basics of design came from research and development of European power companies. But their usage differs from potential US deployment from the basic differences in end-user voltage of 240 VAC (Europe) vs. 120 VAC (US). The European distribution system normally connects something like 200 - 300 end-users into one (last link) transformer distribution point while the US power system has something like 4 or so end-users connected to the (last link) power transformer. This big difference makes the US proposed BPL system design more expensive than other deployed methods of supplying broadband to end-users.
Don't be surprised to see many more of the BPL testing power companies to similarly end their testing and plans for deployment.
John Stahl Telecom/Data Consultant Aljon Enterprises