[TowerTalk] Broadband over Power Line Video

[EUGENE SMAR]

Chris et al:

     Using fiber- (fibre?-) optic cable on powerlines is not new.  The Brits
developed this technology in the early 80's (CEGB deployed it first), and in
1981 Hydro Quebec were the first folks on this side of the pond to install
it.  (The product was called Fibral and was manufactured by BICC Ltd.)  I
did some work with this same stuff around that same time
(http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=/ne
tahtml/search-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=ptxt&s1=4,651,019.WKU.&OS=PN/
4,651,019&RS=PN/4,651,019 ).

     But to bring this stuff to the front door of every residence is a big
deal.  The fiber-optic cable you describe (for use on HV transmission
lines), is not typically part of a residential power distribution line -
it's too big and expen$ive (the stuff I used was 12 mm / half inch in
diameter and included an outer layer of steel wires.)  But many power
companies (my former employer included) are today supplying commercial
(large customers) telephony and data services via these conductors.

     Today it's cheaper for the telcos and cable companies, rather than the
electric companies, to install fiber to your curb (not yet fully into your
home, but they're getting closer.)  Or to use what they already have - their
own cable TV (cable modems) or telephone lines (DSL modems) that already
enter your house.  Hence the motivation for the power folks to use what THEY
already have - power wiring - as their medium for Internet access.

73 de
Gene Smar  AD3F

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Chris BONDE" <ve7hcb at rac.ca>
To: "Kevin Hemsley" <kev at ida.net>; <TowerTalk at contesting.com>
Sent: Wednesday, August 06, 2003 9:40 PM
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Broadband over Power Line Video


> Our local electric power company just finished putting in a new line.  It
is to be
> commissioned shortly.  It is a 230kV line,  about 50km and also has a
fibre optic
> cable (for communications and control).  There are 290 poles.  The first
line was put
> in 1897 and a pole put in about that time, still in use, has a service
record of 105
> yrs.  Wooden pole were used as they have a history of good durability,
less cost
> than steel and weigh about 30% less  than steel.  Easier for the
helicopters.
>
> To me the significant point was the fibre optic line.  That is what all
the power
> companies should have to do.  Who knows they might even be able to compete
> with the cable and telcos for long distance.
>
> Chris opr VE7HCB
>
> From:           "Kevin Hemsley" <kev at ida.net>
> To:             <TowerTalk at contesting.com>
> Date sent:      Wed, 6 Aug 2003 12:28:13 -0600
> Subject:        [TowerTalk] Broadband over Power Line Video
>
> > The ARRL website published a story today about Broadband over Power
> > Line (BPL) technology. The story includes a video clip shot by Ed
> > Hare, W1RFI. The video tells a pretty ugly story without any dialogue.
> >
> > http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2003/08/08/2/?nc=1
> >
> >
> > Thanks,
> >                 Kevin.
> > ------------------------------------------------------
> > Kevin Hemsley
> > Systems Engineer
> > Microserv Computer Technologies, Inc.
> > kev at ida.net
> > NF7J
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> >
> > See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers",
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> >
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>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
>
> See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless
Weather Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any
questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
>
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