Fonix, Duke Power to expand BPL test

Integrated communications provider Fonix Telecom is partnering through its subsidiary, LecStar Telecom, with Duke Power to expand on ongoing test of broadband over power line (BPL) technology and market acceptance, Fonix and Duke Power announced this week.

The trial, which will be expanded to 10,000 to 15,000 homes in North Carolina and South Carolina, represents an expansion of a 500-home trial currently being conducted by the companies. The trial's specific locations will be determined in the first quarter of 2005, and the companies expect service to be available to businesses and consumers in some markets in mid-2005.

"Customers are hungry for fast, flexible, cost-effective methods of receiving their voice, data and media," said W. Dale Smith, senior vice president and general manager at Fonix Telecom, in a statement. "This technology delivers on the promise of ubiquitous high-speed Internet and voice services."

"The business model we are pursuing is essentially the creation of a wholesale 'pipe' that can be used by service providers, such as Fonix Telecom and others, to provide consumers with another broadband option for their homes and businesses," added Bob Gerardi, Powerline Communications program manager at Duke Power.

As part of the BPL trials, Fonix also is continuing to test Voice over IP via BPL. This service will be tested by current trial participants and is expected to become available to all customers in the next phase of the trial by mid-2005.