The California Public Utilities Commission this week gave a boost to the idea of delivering broadband access over power lines by passing rules allowing trials to take place across the state. Though broadband over power lines (BPL) is a wonderful idea in theory, in practice it has been difficult to implement well. Has its time finally come?

I can only hope for a significant price drop or am I just dreaming?

yeah, well . . .call me a dreamer!

Maybe, the most exciting thing about the technology is not its speed, but the ease with which an alternative nationwide broadband delivery system could be created. This possibility is certainly on the minds of the members of the California Public Utilities Commission, which said in a statement:

"BPL has the potential to bring broadband Internet services to communities who do not have broadband service available today from the telephone companies or cable companies. In fact, in other communities that already have DSL and cable modem service BPL can provide a third broadband 'pipe' to customers, thereby increasing competition and consumer choice," said PUC President Michael R. Peevey.

Maybe an alternative to at least let the others know that they are not the only ones in the game.  ;)
Could have at least a little effect on the price of the others. 

Competition is always good.  ;)

I just dont think people in general would be real crazy about hooking up there computer knowing that the service is comming any where near a power line. Even if it was explaned I still think most would want to avoid it.

that sounds remarkably useful. since you have the gas pipes going all over the damned place anyway (in those places that get supplied with gas of course) they offer a great way to lay some fiber/tp/coax without having to dig everything up. simply use existing maintenance/inspection openings to shoot in the fiber. Brilliant!

(and even if there is a spark there's no danger of a fire. they are gas lines not gas/air mixture lines.)

That is me. 
That is why I have satelite.
Might be a cost effective alternative.
I wonder what the speeds and monthly $ would be.

I wonder is this will be faster than Dway if it is I guess a lot of people will be making the jump

Good info resopalrabotnick, thanks.
A couple of good things. Voip,internet, and T.V.

It is hoped it will be possible to have devices such as home entertainment systems and other household appliances will also be placed on this data network and allow services such as viewing streamed media and web browsing from televisions. It is hoped that services such as VOIP will be offered allowing this technology to compete not only with ISPs but also with existing Telco?s.

Out in the country where I am, I only share with one neighbor on my transformer.(assuming that is where the modem goes). Further reading states that it is dependant upon the users of the sub-station. I hope they do not go for the wifi setup!

So substation, 45Mbps / 50 users,(only if all use) could actually get full 45Mbps at a slow time. WOW.
And not everybody D/L's at the same time. Hmm interesting.
Not sure about the 200 Mbps of the Opera Goals?

And no 45,000 mile jet lag! 
Look out Dway, you better straighten up!