BPL Global Delivers Broadband Over Powerlines to Pittsburgh Suburbs
High-speed internet is coming to an electric outlet near you. “Broadband over Power Line” is seen by many as the technology that can unseat cable broadband and DSL technologies, which together account for nearly all consumer broadband in the country.
Pittsburgh-based BPL Global, a BFTP portfolio company, partnered with Duquesne Light, a Pittsburgh area electric utility, to launch a pilot program bringing the technology to two Monroeville neighborhoods in August.
The company expects to generate $50 million over the next five years by offering the service to 400,000 households.
“We are at the forefront of a new technology that has the potential to be an important data, voice and video communication link to homes and businesses,” says Keith Schaefer, CEO of BPL Global. “The Duquesne Broadband deployment in Monroeville will become a showcase for this technology, and puts it among a small network of cities deploying the power line model in the United States.”
Pilot Programs Are Being Launched
Because the lines already are in place, expanding the Internet service to new areas could take only days as the technology is installed on the lines. Pilot programs are being launched around the country as technology kinks and regulatory issues are worked out.
As the technology improves, more utilities are test marketing the service and this is catching the eye of investors.
BPL Global recently received $1 million from BFTP, PA Early Stage Partners and other investors. The funds are being used here as well as in Thailand, China and India.
“For our young company, having BFTP invest in us is like receiving the gold standard of approval,” Schaefer says. “Potential investors and strategic partners in the region see our partnership with BFTP as a sign of our high potential for success.”
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