A
system, method and
computer program product provides for power line communications (PLC) over
electric power lines includes a device mountable near an electrical
distribution transformer (DT) to provide a high speed interface and communicates with one or multiple access devices, which provide
low speed interfaces for analog signals or digital signals over RS 232, RS 485, optical,
wireless and
Ethernet. The device transmits data to / from these access devices over the electric lines to other repeaters over one or more wires of an electrical line or over multiple lines, and serves to strengthen and improve
signal quality. Upon detecting a wire or line is having problems carrying data, the data is sent over other wires, and upon power line failures,
wireless backup to mobile /
GSM and
WiMax networks is utilized. The device permits utilities and others to read electric meters, monitor the
power quality of the
distribution grid and detect power losses / failures / outages, and permits telecom service providers and others to provide a communications link to
cell phone towers, WiFi Access Points and enable
broadband Internet and
telephony in rural, remote or sparely populated areas.