San Diego Looks at BPL

San Diego Gas & Electric Company is considering conducting broadband over power line trials to see if it can use the technology. According to CGC Communicator, the utility company issued a letter to customers last week stating: “
“We are now just beginning to assess the technology. That assessment may or may not include a pilot, an issue which has not been decided.”
Other utilities are beginning such tests, states the utility, and although it’s aware of “concerns raised in the past” it wants to analyze the BPL technology.
Ham operators and some antenna groups are worried about possible interference to some amateur frequencies. The FCC has an open proceeding on the issue; Chairman Michael Powell has spoken of BPL as possibly becoming equal to DSL and cable as the third broadband wire into the home.