ATLANTA, May 12, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- For years, power companies have been considering ways to broaden use of transmission lines. Some now may have a chance to utilize them for more than just powering lights.
Thanks to improved technology, utility interest in broadband over power lines (BPL) is greater than ever before. At least one-third of utilities are at least interested in using powerline carrier technology to offer broadband Internet service and read meters remotely. Even though the potential is great, there are still many questions:
* Will the technology work for large deployments? * Does the business case for BPL provide a suitable return-on-investment? * Who are the leading BPL utilities and why are they interested in BPL? * What are the best BPL business models? * Should you develop BPL partnerships? If so, who are the best partners? * Should a BPL company fall under the utility's umbrella or operate as a separate company?
Many of these questions and more will be discussed during Chartwell's Broadband over Power Lines Audio Conference set for May 26, 2004 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. During the conference, Chartwell will bring together two BPL experts and provide results of its own research based on five BPL case studies, its recent marketing survey of more than 80 utilities and its annual AMR surveys of 100-plus utilities.
Speakers will include:
* Doug McMurray, Manager, Business Development of Idacomm, an affiliate of Idaho Power - Mr. McMurray will discuss the success of the company's current BPL pilot and explain why the Idacorp subsidiary is looking to build, operate and maintain BPL systems branded for other utilities.
* Steve Hadden, vice president of Boston-based Plexus Research Inc. - An expert on utility communications technology, Mr. Hadden will address the suitability of BPL for utility applications.
* Garrett Johnston, manager, Chartwell's Metering Research Series - Mr. Johnston will present findings from the company's recently released report, "Broadband over Power Lines 2004" as well as data from a survey of 80-plus marketing representatives completed in May 2004.
Participants will hear the speakers' views and have the chance to question them following their initial presentations.
For more information about Chartwell's Broadband over Power Lines Audio Conference, please contact: