Barnard Peters wrote:
Wouldn't it be possible to place a filter at your meter that would shunt
the BPL signal to ground for the whole neighborhood?

No. BPL signals are already filtered out by distribution transformers.
In order for BPL to work, there are relaying devices installed at the
transformer.

There are several systems for the last "100 feet" including WiFi type
systems.

Here in Isreal there was a BPL trial and becuase of the interference
to HF communication it was not allowed. Israel Electric took a different
approach and has wired fiber optic cable all along their right of
way. They use it for their own network, remote managment and monitoring
etc.

They can also use it for selling Internet service if approved, without
using BPL.

As for long distance wireless access, if WiMax ever reaches its claimed
potential range, it would be cheaper to install a MESH type WiMax network
on power poles. Not only would it provide rural Internet access cheaply,
it could be used to sell wireless Internet access to travelers with
handheld devices.

BTW, 2.4 gHz is not the only band for wirless services. I have several
DECT cordless phones which operate in the 1.8gHz band, interfere with
nothing, including cell phones which also operate here on that band
and have longer range than my WiFi devices.

Geoff.


--
Geoffrey S. Mendelson, Jerusalem, Israel N3OWJ/4X1GM
IL Voice: (07)-7424-1667 U.S. Voice: 1-215-821-1838
Visit my 'blog at http://geoffstechno.livejournal.com/