Brazilian broadband industry is all set to witness a revolution, with the country’s communications regulatory authority Anatel finally giving nod to the internet service providers (ISP) to use electrical transmission lines for broadband distribution.

With a constant increase in demand for high-speed internet, communication companies across the globe are looking for cheaper yet effective alternatives for delivering high-speed broadband services. After a successful implementation of broadband using sewage lines in the UK (click for more on uk best broadband provider), it is now the turn of the South American country to use an innovative and cost effective method of delivering broadband.

According to Julio Puschel, IT and telecom expert with Yankee Group, Sao Paulo, the two most expensive parts of the internet distribution system are the last mile and backhall. These two aspects are already taken care of when power cables are used for broadband.

Anatel’s approval has prompted all the major power companies to set up telecom subsidiaries, which will assist them in planning and implementing the Power Line Communication (PLC) network. Similar PLC networks are already being used in 40 countries worldwide but the technology is still in its nascent stages.

There are also a number of uncertainties regarding the usage of power cables for broadband distribution such as what would be the royalty amount that telecom companies would have to pay to the electricity firms, and whether the presence of high voltage electric lines would cause interference with broadband data.

It is too early to say whether this step by Anatel will be successful but such positive moves by communication watchdogs like Ofcom and Anatel are always welcome.

Posted by admin on Monday, April 20th, 2009 at 6:35 am.