Duquesne Broadband Unveils BPL Internet Pilot
[August 4, 2005]
Duquesne Light Company, the energy supplier to customers around Pittsburgh [Pennsylvania] area and part of the DQE energy group, has launched a wireless Internet pilot in targeted Monroeville neighborhoods. The wires that bring electricity to the home will be used to deliver BPL-based [broadband over powerlines] high-speed wireless Internet service through Duquesne Broadband, a joint venture between BPL Global and DQE Communications Network Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Duquesne Light Holdings.
One of the newest high tech companies to make Pittsburgh home, Duquesne Broadband is using the latest advances in both wireless and BPL technologies to make this service possible. Residents and small business owners in the targeted area are being sent a brochure detailing Duquesne Broadband's service.
By providing equipment to connect the household to its wireless service, Duquesne Broadband offers simple and easy access to wireless Internet without additional costs. Pilot customers can receive a full line of services, including unlimited Internet access, multiple email accounts, spam blocking, anti-virus protection, parental controls, and more, all via a secure, personal connection. Furthermore, the stable, monthly price is comparable to other introductory Internet offers.
Duquesne Broadband's wireless system works by sending a broadband signal through power lines using the leading medium voltage BPL technology from Amperion, one of the companies involved in developing chipsets for BPL networks. Amperion's PowerWifi wireless transmitter provides the "last mile" connection to homes. For hotels, apartment building or other multi-dwelling facilities, Duquesne Broadband employs Telkonet's iWire System to connect directly with users. DQE Communications leverages its core fiber optic network to connect the broadband signal to the Internet backbone. Through this combination of technologies, Duquesne Broadband provides leading edge Internet access technology to its customers.
Broadband over power lines is an emerging technology of global interest. Cities in North and South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East are launching programs to evaluate and deploy this new technology. BPL technology provides other significant advantages. Electric utilities have shown interest in this technology because it enables "Smart Grid" applications that improve monitoring and preventive maintenance of the electric grid. This enhanced oversight should help utilities improve their delivery of reliable electricity in a cost-effective manner.
Duquesne Broadband, a joint venture between DQE Communications and BPL Global, offers high-speed wireless Internet access to residential and small commercial customers through the use of existing power lines, coupled with BPL technology. Initial service offerings will target select areas of Monroeville, with the intent to expand the service, based on customer demand, to cover Allegheny and Beaver counties.
DQE Communications LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Duquesne Light Holdings, owns, operates and maintains a high-speed, fiber optic network and provides service through the leasing of dark fiber to telecommunications companies and others desiring broadband connectivity. DQE Communications has one wholly owned subsidiary, DQE Communications Network Services LLC, which provides metropolitan Ethernet services to commercial and industrial customers desiring broadband capacity.
BPL Global is a provider of BPL technologies, system integration solutions and services facilitating power line communications [PLC]. Partnering with leading utilities around the world, the company's goal is to provide ubiquitous broadband access and electric utility "smart grid" capabilities. BPL Global is based in Pittsburgh [Pennsylvania].
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