DirecTV testing the broadband over power line waters

While analysts have long questioned how satellite television providers would answer the challenge of cable companies offering up bundled services with such little hassle, both DirecTV and EchoStar have traditionally partnered with DSL providers to tempt users to the dish, but change may finally be on the way. Reportedly, DirecTV's CEO recently suggested that it "may test delivering high-speed internet service through power lines in a major US city within the next year," meaning that broadband over power lines could be comin' down the pike. Notably, the company fessed up and stated that it "wasn't the only one" in talks to get such a plan in action, and while prospective test areas weren't named, the firm did say that it would probably aim for a "top 50 city where you're covering at least half the city." Of course, the talk of mergers was quickly shot down, but it's hard to think that a partnership isn't at least in the cards.

[Richard Lai @ May 15th 2007 8:35AM]

The mug and the moustache got my attention.

[jimgirardi @ May 15th 2007 12:05PM]

what about his awesome hand gesture?

[steve-o @ May 15th 2007 9:15AM]

I'm not going to buy it. They'll probably treat this just like they do the HD service they offer. I can see it now, great internet service until they slowly start slowing it down- gradually but slowly. This is what they are doing to every single HD customer they have.... adding compression little by little- until we're back to standard definition quality all over again. But why stop there? If they keep this up, we'll be watching our shows in black and white on tube TV's of the 50's.

[mathew @ May 15th 2007 9:15AM]

DirecTV's CEO recently suggested that it "may test delivering high-speed internet service through power lines in a major US city within the next year."

He then added that they "may also test offering moustache rides in a major US city after the press meeting."

[JinKazama @ May 15th 2007 9:46AM]

Unless they invest millions to improve BPL here in the states this in no way will threaten the cable companies. While great in theory the tech is far from mature and performance is extremely erractic in the US. Some European countries have had great success with it but the options currently offered by cable companies perform far better than BPL at this time.

[DCFC Fan @ May 15th 2007 10:10AM]

I always pictured Dave with a moustache. I didn't think it would actually have those old-timey, evil curls at the end, though.

[supermeerkat @ May 15th 2007 10:16AM]

That's an Oliver Read moustache! Respect to him!

[Mark W @ May 15th 2007 10:30AM]

"The Satellite boys know they have to add data and voice because without it the teleco and cable guys will eat them from lunch."

Until cable & telco can offer a package the competes content/price wise with satellite, satellite is not going anywhere. Cable is my only alternative and price ways when compared to satellite it is almost $35 more a month and comparing "Triple Play" to my combined satellite + telco it's more like $60 a month.

[Steve Smith @ May 15th 2007 10:55AM]

One concern with BPL is the noise it can potentially generate across the spectrum. If you are an amateur radio operator, this is not a good thing. Keeping BPL "quiet" requires the service operator to really be on the ball and constantly monitor for problems and signal leaks. I have my doubts as to how seriously this will be done unless it is legally required of them.

[Robb @ May 15th 2007 11:13AM]

Actually, the HAM Radio problems have pretty much been eliminated. Companies are already Deploying BPL in limited Markets. Both Cincinatti and Dallas have tests going on, with Dallas being larger by far due to TXU's use of E-Meters. The BPL internet is just getting off the ground to date, but there are over 10,000 meters in Dallas being monitored over BPL as we speak. In a year, BPL should be entrenched in Dallas like it is in Cininatti and moving on to other markets.

[Tomas @ May 15th 2007 11:23AM]

It's not just amateur radio, although that's the group that's shouted the loudest about potential interference. Basically, anything that you have plugged into the power line that relies on power as clean as possible, (read: high-end stereo equipment, medical equipment, imaging equipment), is potentially susceptible. If BPL actually gets a wde roll-out in the US, I'd be looking at buying some stock in AC filtration companies.

[eric @ May 15th 2007 11:28AM]

The problem with BPL is not just that it causes interference with weak signal HF, but also the economics are a little suspect. BPL doesn't work through transformers, so every customer has to have a bridge device installed. In Europe, the houses run on 220, so there's fewer secondary transformers and no need for the bridge.

Also, the speed is limited to about 3Mbps (shared). It is technology that really doesn't have much of a future. Maybe a century ago it would have been worth something...

[Rick @ May 15th 2007 11:40PM]

It's a gang sign

[jimgirardi @ May 15th 2007 12:08PM]

I remember working for a company in 2001 who was trying to get this technology up and running... I hope it has significantly improved.

[Aaron Walker @ May 15th 2007 12:09PM]

I hope they get this going and soon. I would really welcome more choices from my satellite provider at a cost that is still lower than cable.

That's the reason I went with satellite, it's cheaper. I got off the cable bandwagon a long time ago and haven't looked back.

[Timerider @ May 15th 2007 12:09PM]

Whats the point of using broadband over powerlines in a city, where you can get broadband anyway.

Use this to get DSL out to my house (in the country), already!!

[bgdc @ May 15th 2007 12:34PM]

Thank god. I can't wait to dump cox as my cable modem provider. Plus then I can lose the stupid telephone line permanently.

[Niklas @ May 15th 2007 1:46PM]

There has been rollout of PLC in Europe but to my knowledge not any great success. At least I do not think great success is 10000 customers in a network.

[Tom Gabriele @ May 16th 2007 10:16PM]

i have been thinking for awhile that this is the future - internet available to all appliances since they have to be plugged in any way, modem built right into computer power supplies, i can certainly see this as a next step in internet and networking technology