BPL technology "will" create a massive expansion in home...

BPL technology "will" create a massive expansion in home automation.

http://www.themercury.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,16597645%255E3462,00.html


Power on to the internet

14sep05
A WORLD-LEADING communications development allowing access to broadband internet through powerlines will be tested in Hobart.

The high-speed internet and telephone services will be available through standard household powerpoints and will be tested by Aurora Energy.

Hailed as the new age of telecommunications, the Broadband over Power Line (BPL) technology enables data to be sent through power lines and received via a modem plugged into an existing home power point.

It will not only provide high speed internet services to rival existing ADSL technology, but also discount calls through TasTel _ including 10c local calls, interstate calls at 10c a minute and overseas calls for just 6c a minute _ all from just $14.95 a month.

The technology, which is a partnership between Aurora and Mitsubishi Electric, will benefit people in regional Tasmania unable to get broadband internet services because it can be used anywhere there is a power point.

A trial of the 200 megabyte technology in 500 homes will start in Tolmans Hill soon. If successful, the technology is expected to be rolled out around the state in the middle of next year.

Users will need to get a modem, plug their computer and home phone into it and run an installation CD.

Aurora CEO and TasTel chairman Peter Davis launched the trial yesterday saying it would revolutionise the way people thought about internet, phone and email.

He said Tasmania was one of only three places in the world doing commercial trials.

``This day has been a long time coming and it puts Tasmania at the forefront of a bold new world of communication, not just in Australia but internationally,'' Dr Davis said.

Infrastructure, Energy and Resources Minister Bryan Green said the scheme could be expanded to 250,000 Tasmanians.

He said Aurora Energy ``may well be the first company in the world to deploy this equipment to the public on a commercial basis''.

``By clever use of Aurora wires that already connect virtually every building in Tasmania, Aurora is creating the potential to dramatically accelerate high-speed broadband access for businesses and households,'' he said.

``This holds out the real possibility that the technology will bring broadband to the masses.''