Both BPL and Wimax will be able to provide broadband internet connection. The difference is, how they will deliver it.
Image: DEAN HOLLINGSWORTH/DMN
Broadband over power lines will use existing electric / power lines to provide broadband access while WiMax will have to install new poles or towers to distribute the broadband signal.
However, it can also use existing electric/power poles or “poste” as we call it here in the Philippines as towers for their broadband radios and antennas.
From Wimax.com
The chief argument against BPL is that, in order to install service in conjunction with ex-isting power company service, an electric company technician must make a physical cir-cumvention of the power line at each residence or business where service is to be installed. Read: big truck roll expense. A second argument is that copper power line, like copper telephone line, offers a good deal of resistance leading to the need for numerous repeaters and a limited number of prospective subscribers per home passed. Finally, it offers no mobility. Truthfully, a power company would be better off in terms of cost per subscriber and return on investment to deploy WiMAX utilizing their existing rights of way and access to power poles for attaching radios and antennas than attempting to roll out service to existing subscribers using BPL.
What say you? For me, whoever will be able to provide the best means of connection (ease of connection) at the cheapest cost (euipment to be used, subscription package) will be the clear winner.
I also think that rural areas and those up in the mountains would most likely use BPL due to less possibility of interference rather than WiMax that’s prone to the elements of nature (rain, wind, sun).
