Expanding the Use of Power Lines: A Review of the Regulatory Implications of Deploying Broadband Over Power Line Technology in Texas

Date

2006

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Texas Tech Journal of Texas Administrative Law

Abstract

This article outlines the steps that have been taken to deploy broadband over power lines (BPL) technology in Texas and elsewhere. It begins with a basic technical description of BPL services, then it focuses on the federal oversight of BPL technology, including a description of the FCC rulemaking for BPL and a discussion of how the Supreme court’s decisions in National Cable and Telecommunications Association v. Brand X Internet Services may have provided answers to some of the regulatory questions raised by BPL. Further, it describes the legislative approach taken in Texas to allow for the development of the BPL services and outlines various deployment projects and plans for BPL in Texas. Lastly it covers how BPL technology is developing outside of Texas.

Description

Keywords

Administrative law, Power line, Broadband over power lines, BPL Technology, National Cable and Telecommunications Association v. Brand X Internet Services, Electricity law, Broadband power line systems, Federal Communications Commission, FCC

Citation

7 Tex. Tech J. Tex. Admin. L. 265