June 27, 2006

Metering joins multi-firm 'digital divide' plan

BPL hardware maker MainNet has available a new line of BPL-based AMR called AmrPLUS.

          The Northern Italian electric firm ASM -- listed like that on the Milan Stock Exchange -- plans to use the gear for "the largest multi-utility broadband AMR project known to date with a total value estimated at US $7.5 million," said MainNet.

          ASM is in the "advanced deployment stage" of a BPL network in the Northern Italian city of Brescia to pass about 250,000 homes.

          The utility's subsidiary iLight SpA -- "MainNet's partner in Italy, will support ASM in planning and implementing the system," and "using its vast experience in bringing broadband AMR to a cost-effective" use.

          MainNet's network management system (NMS) NmPLUS will be used to manage and monitor the system and is designed to run with ASM's existing billing and other software systems.

          The new network will give ASM the flexibility to expand and combine next-generation broadband internet communication services with automated, multiple-utility meter reading, MainNet explained.

          "MainNet provided us with the most comprehensive solution, meeting all our needs for same-time meter reading and giving us powerful network control of our wide range of regional utilities including gas, district heating and electricity," noted Oreste Galasso, executive manager of ASM.

          "AmrPLUS will enable up to progressively introduce our complete 'digital divide' solution -- including advanced communication services such as broadband internet access and voice over IP at economically competitive prices."

          "ASM is a well-established, listed utility service provider in Italy," said Amit Yudan, vice president of marketing for MainNet.

          "We are pleased to be part of their expansion plans into next-generation broadband power line communications."

The new AMR system helps utilities do core 'smart grid' applications "and to enhance operational efficiency," Yudan added, while boosting "revenues and customer satisfaction by providing intelligent broadband internet services over the existing electrical grid."

          "AmrPLUS enables the integration of a variety of metering systems into MainNet's & BPL system," said MainNet.

          ASM is a multi-utility provider and handles production, transportation and distribution of power, gas, heating and air-conditioning plus management of water and sewage systems and public roads and areas.

          MainNet Communications is a BPL pioneer -- well known for supplying the BPL gear that enabled the first city-wide BPL deployment in Manassas, Va.

          The firm started in Israel and has an office is Reston, Va in the US.

          MainNet dropped the "dot" that used to weigh down its name (Main.Net) when it was bought by US firm the McGehee Group in February (BT, 2/13 http://www.bpltoday.com/members/322.cfm).

          McGehee basically rescued the legendary BPL firm from financial troubles and since then MainNet's news has been about new gear and new contracts.

          The firm "offers flexible and customizable solutions that are based on its operational know-how accumulated from more than 40 power and municipal utility service providers worldwide.

          "MainNet has the largest commercial BPL deployments worldwide and is now taking important steps towards realizing the vision of & intelligent grids" (www.mainnet-plc.com).

          Those "world's largest" include -- among others -- citywide deployments in Europe with PowerPlus Communications (PPC) (BT, 4/25/05 http://www.bpltoday.com/members/182.cfm, 8/01 http://www.bpltoday.com/members/416.cfm, 12/26 http://www.bpltoday.com/members/353.cfm).