DirecTV To Add BPL Service

By Greg Tarr -- TWICE, 8/15/2007 12:51:00 PM

El Segundo, Calif. — DirecTV has reached a wholesale distribution agreement with broadband over powerline (BPL) provider Current Group, the satellite TV provider said Wednesday.

The agreement will enable DirecTV to offer its TV subscribers BPL high-speed Internet service and VoIP services at the end of 2007 and beginning of 2008, the company said.

DirecTV customers will be able to access the Internet by plugging a BPL modem into any power outlet in their home.

The service will allow sending data faster than the typical cable modem services, which is of particular benefit to interactive game players who need maximum speeds, and those who need to send high volumes of digital content over the Internet.

Initially, DirecTV will have access to Current's BPL network in the Dallas/Fort Worth BPL network, covering approximately 1.8 million homes and businesses over the next several years.

DirecTV will be able to market a bundle that includes DirecTV high-speed Internet and VoIP services to residential customers. In addition, the agreement provides DirecTV the ability to add other geographic markets as Current builds out its network.

Current's BPL network enables both broadband services and Smart Grid solutions. The latter is designed to improve efficiency and reliability while reducing the environmental impact of electric service.