N.J. Ratepayer Advocate Seema Singh Announces Availability of Whitepaper on Using Electric Power Lines for Delivery of Broadband Communication for Consumers

Newark, N.J.—New Jersey Ratepayer Advocate Seema M. Singh today announced the availability of “Broadband Over Power Lines-- (BPL) A Whitepaper for New Jersey” that explores key issues around this technology to deliver high-speed internet access using electric power lines to reach all homes previously not served by digital subscriber line service (DSL) or cable modem service.

The BPL technology would allow greater choices for consumer access to the internet and close the gap of the digital divide. Singh made the announcement during the Ratepayer Advocate’s annual consumer conference being held today at the Holiday Inn in Monroe Township, N.J.

Singh said the whitepaper is in keeping with the Ratepayer Advocate conference theme: New Jersey’s Future: Emerging Challenges in Telecommunications and Water. The conference includes panel discussions by state, federal, non-profit and utility industry leaders on state regulation of emerging technologies in telecommunications and increasing concerns over New Jersey's water resources.

“This Ratepayer Advocate whitepaper gives a broad and thorough exploration of the provision of broadband over electric power lines as an alternative to help close the digital divide for consumers,” said Singh. “In spite of the spread of broadband technology over the past several years, many parts of the state do not have access to high-speed Internet and this emerging technology is an option worthy of discussion.”

The whitepaper discusses the technology evolution anticipated over the next few years that will produce important developments as new networks are built and alternative technologies emerge and notes that the FCC and others have hailed BPL as a potential "third wire" that may help increase the availability and affordability of broadband services in a market dominated by digital subscriber line (DSL) and cable modem service.

The whitepaper discusses the following issues:
• What is Broadband Over Power Lines and how does it work
• Comparative analysis of Internet access alternatives
• Network and consumer benefits
• Is Broadband Over Power Lines a truly low-cost alternative?
• Geographic coverage and availability
• Models for delivery (including service providers) and deployments throughout the world
• Regulatory issues and challenges
• State and local issues
• Support from federal regulators

Broadband over power lines works by combining the technological principles of radio, wireless networking and modems that permits developers to send data over power lines and into homes at speeds between 500 kilobits and 3 megabits per second (equivalent to DSL and cable). By modifying the current power grids with specialized equipment, BPL developers could partner with power companies and Internet service providers to bring broadband to everyone with access to electricity.

The whitepaper will be available on the Ratepayer Advocate website, http://www.rpa.state.nj.us/BPLwhitepaper.pdf or by calling the main number at 973-648-2690.

The Division of the Ratepayer Advocate is an independent state agency that represents the interests of consumers of electric, natural gas, water/sewer and telecommunications and cable TV service. It serves as an active participant in every proceeding whenever New Jersey companies seek changes in rates or services. The Ratepayer Advocate also gives consumers a voice in setting long-range energy, water, and telecommunications policy that will affect the delivery of services well into the future. Additional information on this and other matters can be found at the Division of Ratepayer Advocate’s website at http://www.rpa.state.nj.us

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