Broadband over powerlines: Regulator weighs in

The Australian Communications Authority said the portal would provide background information on BPL technology and interim arrangements for trialling it in Australia, as well as details of trials that are already underway.

The ACA has already established regulatory guidelines for the testing of BPL technology.

"The challenge for the ACA is to set regulatory arrangements that do not unnecessarily inhibit the adoption of BPL technology but at the same time protect radiocommunications services from harmful interference," ACA acting chairman Dr Bob Horton said.

A discussion paper is due for release in early April.

"Australia is keeping pace with international deployment of BPL technology. Government regulators in the European Union, United States and other countries have either prepared, or are preparing, regulatory frameworks to accommodate in-house and access BPL technologies," Dr Horton said.