The ability to send high-speed digital data over power lines between substations, homes and offices can create another option for universal access to the Internet, offering a solution to the "last mile" quandary of how to deliver information without having to invest in costly infrastructure. Many electrical utilities are exploring BPL because of its promise, but are facing regulatory, technological, and business model complications when attempting deployments. Platts Broadband Power Lines Conference examines the following concerning the future of BPL as an effective utility application:

• Strategies for utilities and policymakers to meet challenges and develop opportunities to deploy BPL commercially
• Build a business model for BPL utility revenue: create a ýgo to marketý strategy
• Solve the interference problem with BPL
• IEEE P1675: update on utility standards for BPL systems
• Regulatory update: the FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

• Ed Thomas, Chief Office of Engineering and Technology, Federal Communications Commission
• Terrence Burns, Chair, IEEE BPL Standards Working Group, Senior Communications Engineer, Arizona Public Service Company
• Brett Kilbourne, Director, Regulatory Services and Associate Counsel, United Telecom Council/United PowerLine Council
• Steve Collier, Vice President, Emerging Technologies, National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative
• Ronald H. Lunt, Director, Broadband Services, American Public Power Association
• Jim Baller, Senior Principal, The Baller Herbst Law Group
• John Hewa, Assistant Director of Electric Association, Manassas Electric Department
• Matt Oja, Director, Emerging Technologies, Progress Energy
• Michael J. Pristas, Senior Vice President, ACcess Broadband