The demand for broadband services is ever increasing.  According to a recent study, less than 30% of US residences and 40% of industry and has access to broadband.  In 10 years these percentages will double.

   There are several ways to improve web access. DSL provided by local telephone companies is available, but mostly in urban areas.  Cable modems promote speeds in excess of DSL but are only available in some areas.  Fixed wireless, delivered over radio networks, fiber and satellites are other means of providing broadband.  These solutions however, are only sparsely used and each has financial limitations.

   The case for BPL is that virtually 100% of the homes in the US have electric power.  BPL can be less expensive than satellite, as the infrastructure is largely in place. The current administration supports the broadband and BPL initiative.

   Recent technology sending web signals over existing power lines has proven successful in some pilot programs.  There are currently two commercial projects, and over 40 pilot programs.

   BPL systems get the backhaul signal from fiber, T1 or other backbone structure and transmit signals over the power lines to the pole outside of the home.  Repeaters must be used to boost signal strength at regular intervals.  The signal usually bypasses the transformers, and is sent to the home via WiFi, wireless, power lines or optical fiber.

   BPL is not without issues:  Equipment is in the development stage.  Moisture and heat contribute to failures.  BPL causes Radio Frequency Interference (RFI), which can disrupt emergency transmissions.  BPL can also be affected by external interference.

   Based on effects of topography, foliage, home construction, distance between transformers and other factors; the solution for the last mile access is often made on a case-by-case basis.  Many equipment suppliers are under-funded, and many consultants do not have the technical and business acumen to be of substantial help to the prospective utility.

   KOHL is unique in that we do not manufacture equipment.  We have been in BPL for over 5 years and our talented consultants are available to impartially assist customers making both business and technical choices for BPL.