BPL refers to technologies for using power lines to deliver broadband services, in particular in remote rural areas not served by DSL or cable-modem services. Utility companies could also use it to remotely monitor electricity usage at customer premises.
In April 2003, the Federal Communications Commission voted unanimously to conduct a technical review of the technology. Because new digital power line designs use a large frequency range (between 2 and 80 MHz), unlike most radio frequency devices, the FCC wants assurances BPL would not interfere with existing home electronic devices, such as garage-door openers. Amateur-radio operators have expressed concern about interference.
BPL would travel over medium-voltage transmission lines (up to 40,000 volts). At the home, it could connect to devices already networked via the HomePlug powerline specification.
