[TowerTalk] [CQ-Contest] Bad news for BPL = Good news for us

[Jim Lux]

Milt, N5IA wrote:
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jim Lux" <jimlux at earthlink.net>
> 
>> Which actually brings up one of the few practical applications of 
>> BPL.. remote meter reading and similar SCADA type applications.  It's 
>> not a bad way to distribute real time pricing information too.
> 
> Thanks Jim for the further explanation of what you were trying to say.
> 
> Regards the comment above, there are any mumber of less expensive and 
> more effective ways of doing remote meter reading and SCADA 
> applications.  The data streams are done at very low frequencies, at a 
> much slower baud rate, with much less transmitted power and do not 
> interfere with anyone.
> 
> Meters that are not economically feasible to reach for Internet service 
> are not feasible to reach with Internet service type BPL either.  Making 
> them both work together does lower the cost ration a bit.
> 
> Have a great week.  de Milt, N5IA


Sure, there are better ways to do SCADA, but the utility already owns 
the wires, and if they can convince someone to allow them to do data 
transmission on the regulated side(or even subsidizing bringing 
broadband to the masses), and then sell "excess capacity" on the 
unregulated side, it could seem pretty attractive in a shareholder 
return sense, even if it's pretty lame from a technology sense.