Clear for take-off [broadband power line technology]

Abstract

Although electric companies are familiar with the concept of pumping small volumes of data through their power grids using low radio frequencies, the jump from these relatively primitive powerline systems to full-flavor broadband powerline communications (PLC) brings with it a range of interesting challenges to utility companies. In addition to the technical and operational issues, the lack of global standards and a number of regulatory questions further compound the already difficult situation. PLC advocates, however, insist that all these issues are now being seriously addressed and, as soon as they are addressed, the main argument in favor of PLC is all that will count.