If tests prove successful, so-called digital power line service may open a large market in Europe that could see utilities competing directly with traditional telecommunications companies to offer voice and data services. Whether that market could one day affect the deployment of fiber optic cable in the local loop is difficult to predict. Proponents see it as an immediate source of bandwidth to every home, while critics wonder if its top speed will keep pace with future needs. It's not clear yet where this development will take us.
Base stations feed in turn to main stations, where the network is controlled.
Web DPL Ltd., a joint venture between Canada's Nortel Networks in Brampton, Ontario, and the UK's United Utilities plc in London. Nor.Web has conducted tests in North America, but details of deployment and timing are not available. Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.