Speculation over the potentiality of Broadband Over Powerlines (BPL) to be used as a mainstream Technology for Broadband Internet Access continues to mount with both Labor and the Coalition monitoring BPL developments. Interference issues appears to be the major hurdle facing BPL as some recent trials in NSW and TAS have suggested.
Broadband is a highly contested issue being debated during the lead up to the Federal Election this weekend and will no doubt witness both parties emphasizing their Broadband blueprints for Australia. BPL could be a very viable Broadband alternative for either party as the majority of infrastructure is already in place thus making a network using BPL Technology cost effective and almost ready to immediately implement.
Communications Minister Helen Coonan told ZDNet Australia that her office is monitoring developments around new broadband technologies including BPL. My department has kept an eye on it," she said. "[Trials of the technology] suggested it could be a way of delivering broadband effectively into the home." "It's very interesting. My department has a standing brief to be kept abreast of all developments," she added.
Labor communications spokesperson Stephen Conroy told ZDNet Australia that he has seen broadband over powerline technology used in Tasmania. "We've got some good working models," he added.
Read the entire 'Labor, Coalition looking at powerline broadband' article at BuilderAU.com.au