Smart Grid Brings Powerline Broadband Back?

judgecorp writes "The UK is giving powerline broadband a serious trial once again, in up to 1000 homes in Liverpool. The technology was once hailed as an alternative to ADSL, delivered over the electricity mains, but lost out because of radio interference and price. The UK government is backing the installation of smart meters across the country, and it seems a new generation of 200Mbps powerline broadband could ride on that, cutting the installation costs. What about the interference issues? A recent FAQ from the regulator, Ofcom, says it has not found any evidence of a breach of EMC rules, but is keeping an eye on it."

Re:A slight order of magnitude problem

[vlm]

I know thats different in other places, but I never saw a power meter OUTSIDE a house over here and no firefighter is pissed of about that fact.

Power cables run directly from the main branch below the street into the basements along with water, phone and cable tv.

This never has been an issue with the firefighters I know of.

Oh they're probably pissed, but even if they change the building code its not going to fix itself instantly so, don't worry be happy.

The logic is, if the house is on fire and you intend to fill it with water and firemen, by far the fastest and safest way to pull electrical power to the site is to pull the meter. Every other option, like giant fiberglass bolt cutters, calling a lineman, etc, is slower, more expensive, less safe...

Causes interference to licensed spectrum users

[LaissezFaire]

Groups like the American Radio Relay League have fought [arrl.org] against this for a long time, as well as recently [arrl.org], too. There's talk of notching [arrl.org] the BPL, and is done some places, but not everywhere. Since the feds took over the developing ownership rights of the spectrum with the FCC, it's their responsibility to ensure BPL providers aren't interfering with licensed spectrum users.

Re:Who cares about radio?

[JimMcc]

I know. I know. Don't feed the trolls. But...

In some areas, at least in the USA, the infrastructure is not thoroughly built out. We live in a rural area. Recently the EMTs tried to call for a Life Flight for the victim of a serious auto accident. Turns out that the telephone company had taken down the long distance phone link for scheduled maintenance. Cell phones were of no use because the cell tower sends the signal via copper out of the area for switching, then back into the area for connection to the dialed party. Without a switched local copper phone line, the cell system was useless.

If it were not for the ability of the emergency dispatcher to contact the state EOC via RADIO (yes that old fashion technology) the accident victim would most likely have died.

So, yes, radio technology is "old school". But it is an important means of communications, especially in the case of emergencies. That's why the ARRL motto is "When all else fails".