End-to-end connectivity utility-based two-way network offers wireless option for home and business information services

Conference · Sun Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1997

OSTI ID:478255

Barth, S

Faster. Cheaper. Better. That`s the battle cry for utility and communications industries as information technologies merge and a new laissez faire attitude toward competition emerges from regulatory agencies. Telecommunications and cable companies loom as likely contenders to capitalize on these changes. However, with equal, perhaps better access to consumer bases, utility companies are positioning themselves as competitors on this newly leveled playing field. The playing field has not only been leveled, but is now vastly expanded. The utility company used to view its principle requirement as the ability to meet the needs of its existing service territory. Now to survive in the age of a newly competitive arena, the utility company must not only look at methods for maintaining its existing customers, but also at how to acquire customers outside its service territory. The deregulation of the telecom industry has provided the utility company with some additional breathing room in establishing strategies and methods for how it will maintain its customers. While the major telecommunications players continue to battle each other for the opportunity to provide both local and long distance service, utility companies have gained a bit of time to enable them to develop the services that can be offered directly to their existing customer base via power lines or other existing utility infrastructure. By integrating commercial wireless communications services with their existing power lines, electric companies are insulating themselves against competitors in their own field, as well as making new services available to their customers. With applications such as automatic meter reading and service monitoring capabilities for themselves and value-added services from outside vendors for their consumers, utilities can carve out a strong niche in their existing marketplace while moving into new territory.

• OSTI ID: 478255
• Report Number(s): CONF-961173--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
BUSINESS
COMMUNICATIONS
DEREGULATION
DIVERSIFICATION
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ELECTRIC UTILITIES