A European Commission ruling has determined that power utilities are to be allowed to offer high speed communications and internet access using existing power cables. Power line communications use low and medium voltage grids to transmit information, but uncertainty over the rules governing this market has been a barrier to entry. Now, the EC is recommending that any "unjustified regulatory obstacles," be removed, particularly for utilities.
EdF, EdP, Endesa and Enel are among the biggest European power players exploring power line comms but takeup numbers are still all but insignificant. The EC, meanwhile, is supporting research by funding €9 million of the €20 million Opera project.
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