IBM hired to build power line broadband networks

Stephen Withers
Thursday, 13 November 2008 02:31

Business IT - Networking

IBM is to provide the project management for a major build of Broadband over Power Line (BPL) networks in rural areas of the eastern United States for International Broadband Electric Communications (IBEC).

BPL transmits data signals over existing power lines, typically at speeds up to 3Mbps. This allows the delivery of broadband services over large and sparsely populated areas without the need for an expensive cable rollout or requiring customers to install pricey satellite equipment. Instead, they simply plug a modem into any power point.

But that doesn't mean it's exactly cheap for the provider - repeater units must be attached to the power lines at intervals of 3500 feet or less.

One criticism of BPL is that it generates substantial amounts of radio frequency interference that especially affects amateur radio signals and some emergency radio services, but IBEC's equipment has been certified by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It seems the equipment can be remotely controlled, making it easy for the company to change frequencies in particular areas if interference is a problem.

IBEC's equipment is installed on the power networks operated by the electric cooperatives that serve rural areas. Deployments are planned or under way in several states including Alabama, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin.

All told, the 900-plus electric cooperatives cover 75 percent of the US land mass.

The $US9.6 million deal between IBEC and IBM will see the latter provide overall project management, oversight, and training of the line crews who will be installing the equipment.

"This partnership leverages the deep communications and project management expertise of IBM with the market presence and position of IBEC in the rural electric cooperatives to accelerate the deployment of broadband services in these underserved areas," said Raymond Blair, director of advanced networks at IBM.

"High-speed Internet service is revolutionizing the way we do business, and access to this resource will generate great opportunities for rural America."

IBEC's residential services start at $US29.95 per month for a 256Kbps service, rising to $US89.95 for 3Mbps.

While there have been BPL trials in Australia - the one in Tasmania was well publicised but short lived - it seems the technology is unlikely to be used to deliver Internet service to customers. Instead, it is most likely to be used internally by electricity companies.