Earlier this week, Boeing launched the Spaceway 3 satellite, which is now in orbit, and the device is sending and receiving commands. The satellite will enhance Hughes Network Systems' high-speed two-way voice, video, data and Internet connectivity, which it currently offers to more than 1.2 million customers worldwide.

In an unrelated announcement, satellite television provider DirecTV announced that it had reached an agreement with the Current Group to provide broadband-over-power lines (BPL). The agreement will allow DirecTV to bundle voice, video and data services. Currently, DirecTV resells Internet service under the AT&T, Qwest and Verizon brands. The agreement with Current will allow DirecTV to market IP-based data services under its own brand.

BPL delivers voice and data services via a modem plugged into a standard electrical outlet. The service provides access that is faster than dial-up Internet service. Current is working to deploy the system in Cincinnati and Dallas-Fort Worth, and is in discussions with several utility companies as well. This service should be available by the end of 2007.

Alternative delivery of voice, video and data services via satellites and BPL technologies is not new, however interest in these products is growing, especially in areas that are underserved by telco providers. Technologies like BPL allow utilities to take advantage of their existing copper plant to deliver unregulated services, and increase their revenue per customer.

BPL must still contend with the issue of interference, which is a definite data killer. Satellite delivery systems have not yet resolved the issue of delay, which is the other major data killer. For the most part, these services offer delivery solutions for only the most difficult-to-serve areas and would neither be cost-effective nor provide better service than what's available through more traditional delivery means.