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Ohio: Shocking Information: Huge Cash Injection into BPL Firm

Google invests in power-line broadband CNET News.com analyzes reports issued today that Current Communications, arguably the leader in broadband-over-powerline (BPL) has received a massive cash infusion from Google and other investors. It appears that Google doesn't do anything in a small way, as the investment was to the tune of $100 million.

What does this mean for Current? All good (hey, it's $100 MILLION, that's eight zeros after a one). Now they will have more time to wait for the slow-moving BPL market to catch fire and for their business plan of engaging electric utilities to unfold.

What does this mean for BPL? Perhaps 2005 will be its year after all. The timing is perfect, as cable and DSL networks appear to be closing off to third parties.

What does this mean for Google? Here's an opportunity to drive the broadband infrastructure market from a different angle and stake a claim in a new distribution arm for high bandwidth content.

What does this mean for Verizon, SBC, Comcast, and Time Warner and all the other incumbents, still enjoying the events of last week after the Brand X decision protected cable infrastructure? Hold on to your hats, folks, we will have some competition in this market. This move by Google and company is one more indicator of the structural change I've referenced on this site. Digital content will be distributed over the Internet and more and more, it will complement, or even displace current distribution methods.

Something tells me that the second half of 2005 is going to be even more interesting!

Posted on July 07, 2005 at 05:10 PM

Comments

BPL does deliver broadband. Do not count engineering teams and corporate support out. The speeds are getting faster and the product price will come down. It is nearly the same cost of a Mesh deployment. The real problem is getting the Investor Owned Utilities to allow the equipment on their lines. Current has made some traction in Ohio, having been in executive level discussions with the largest IOUs in the country regarding BPL... I would be very impressed if they are able to land one of them. Until the utility applications are ready for widespread deployment, there is a long road to travel for BPL.

Posted by: JMcCoy on July 7, 2005 09:27 PM


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