Satellite television operator DirecTV has announced it has reached an agreement to offer subscribers high-speed Internet connectivity and voice telephone services using technology from the Current Group. And those Internet services will reach subscribers over electrical power lines, rather than telephone, DSL, fiber, wireless, or (ack!) cable technologies.
The initial service rollout is slated to begin in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, and will expand out to cover more than 1.8 million homes and businesses “over the next several years.” As Current Group builds out its network of IP-over-powerline services, DirecTV will be able to offer broadband services over powerlines in additional areas.
“Our agreement with Current gives our customers another high-quality, easy-to-use option to pair broadband services with DirecTV’s video offerings,” said Evan Grayer, DirecTV vice president of broadband. “By choosing this bundled option, DirecTV customers will now be able to enjoy fast, reliable, and secure high-speed Internet service anywhere they have a power outlet in their homes.”
Although broadband-over-powerline (BPL) services don’t have a significant market share in the United States right now, Current Group is arguably one of the major players in the segment, with offerings already up and running in the Cincinnati area through its subsidiary Current Communications. The market will watch carefully how BPL service bundlings with satellite television compete against so-called triple- and quadruple-play options from providers like AT&T, Verizon, and Comcast; in the meantime, BPL’s small footprint will undoubtedly mean DirecTV will continue to explore other connectivity options, including possibly bidding in the upcoming 700MHz spectrum auction.
