ISPr does a second interview with Keith MacLean regarding Powerline

Although there have been lots of learning points there have been no specific problems relating to powerline.

10) What’s contention been like with the PLC trials? Is there a maximum number of people that can share bandwidth and or a sub-station?

Generally the backhaul contention is set at 2Mbps for 50 users. This is considerably below the technical ability to share bandwidth to hundreds of users and leaves a “broadband” speed even at times of heavier use.

11) Given that the current service is a claimed 1 or 2Mbps, what kind of average speeds (in both directions) do trial users currently see?

The service should be symmetrical. Each modem is capable of transferring data at up to 2Mbps however the quality of the network and the distances involved will have an effect on the net throughput (see 2 above).

Miscellaneous Questions

12) Have you had any ‘productive’ interest in Powerline technology from other none-SSE based electricity companies in the UK and Scotland? If so, does your contact with them lead you to believe that other providers will introduce Powerline?

We have had contact from others and I believe some are actively looking at their options. ESB in Ireland has also recently announced its intention to pursue powerline.

13) Technology wise, what kind of areas would be hardest for Powerline to cover and why?

Isolated properties at the end of long cable runs are going to be very hard to reach. Even if there is a technical solution it is likely to be uncommercial.

14) Will the final product still include any required hardware in the monthly rental or is this aspect likely to become a separate cost?

For the foreseeable future a proprietary modem will be required and will be financed either by a monthly charge or by an up front payment.

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