GigaOm is reporting that LA-based utility.net, broadband over powerline (BPL) network provider, will begin deploying BPL in the Lansing, Michigan area. The BPL rollout will be in cooperation with Consumers Energy. Consumers recently completed a pilot project with Shpigler Group which initially deployed a BPL network to 10,000 homes in and around the city of Grand Ledge, Michigan.
The first phase of the broadband over powerline deployment is expected to be operational by the end of 2007. Consumers Energy will grant utility.net additional service areas in blocks of 100,000 customers in the coming years. Within several years, utility.net expects to reach one million Michigan residents with broadband over the powerline.
utility.net will assume full responsibility for the network and business model. The company will partner with one or more Internet Service Providers (ISPs). The ISPs will manage the relationship with the end customer. Utility.net will initially offer three symmetrical broadband over powerline service levels, 768 Kbps, 1.5 Mbps, and 3 Mbps.
Consumers Energy provides electric and natural gas service to 6.5 million residents of Michigan.
Ralph Bach has been in IT long enough to know better and has blogged from his Bach Seat about IT, careers, and anything else that catches his attention since 2005. You can follow him on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Email the Bach Seat here.