Wi-Fi Marries Broadband Over Power Lines: The Best Of Both Worlds?

One way of handling the differences between the power and broadband businesses is for utilities to offer broadband through joint ventures, such as Duquesne Broadband, a joint venture between BPL Global and DQE Communications Network Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Duquesne Light Holdings, which launched a wireless Internet pilot in targeted Monroeville, Pa. neighborhoods at the end of the summer.

Pilot customers can receive a full line of services, including unlimited Internet access, multiple e-mail accounts, spam blocking, anti-virus protection, parental controls, and more, all via a secure, personal connection.

Duquesne Broadband's wireless system works by sending a broadband signal through power lines using the medium voltage technology from Amperion, Inc. Amperion's PowerWifi wireless transmitter provides the last mile connection to homes. For hotels, apartment building or other multi-family facilities, Duquesne Broadband uses Telkonet's iWire System to connect directly with users.