Telkonet, which is developing technology to transmit high-speed Internet connections over traditional electric power lines, said Thursday it is now in compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations based upon the independent analysis of Product Safety Engineering (PSE), an FCC-accredited equipment authorization testing laboratory.
According to PSE’s analysis and test findings, the Telkonet Powerline Communications Gateway meets the conducted and radiated emissions limits of the FCC rules and the Annapolis, Md.-based company may market the product without further regulatory application or approval.
“Clearing this initial regulatory hurdle certainly opens the door for Telkonet to proceed with the launch of our Powerline product, which to our knowledge represents the first viable deployment of a Powerline Communications solution for the United States commercial market. Future refinements, enhancements and versions of this product may require additional compliance testing,” said Ronald W. Pickett, president of Telkonet.
The Telkonet “Fastplug” Internet provides Internet service via satellite or other high-speed connection and distributes it along the power line infrastructure within the residential or commercial structure. According to Telkonet officials, using the Fastplug Internet Modem in an electrical outlet avoids costly infrastructure in a building. Additionally, byusing the power line as the carrier, Telkonet believes it will be able to make Internet service economically viable for a larger population of customers.
Telkonet’s primary market focus for the Fastplug product is in developing countries with high demand for telephone service but have limited infrastructure. In addition the equipment can also be used in developed countries by enabling telephony providers to implement alternative networks.