Tuesday’s Broadband Census Breakfast Club was titled “Spending the Stimulus: Technologies That Enable Universal Broadband Connectivity,” but the discussion only tangentially touched on stimulus expenditures. As each speaker discussed their unique broadband offerings, what was actually showcased were some of the lesser-known technologies that Americans are using to access broadband, including power lines, satellite and other wireless technologies.

Alyssa Clemsen spoke on behalf of International Broadband Electric Communications, sharing that over 3,000 miles of broadband over power lines are deployed to more than 300,000 rural Americans, providing essential last-mile access in communities that are often considered underserved.

Jeff Carlisle, VP of Regulatory Affairs for SkyTerra Communications, discussed his company’s satellite offerings. Carlisle is most excited about SkyTerra’s development of an integrated satellite/terrestrial communications network, based on the company’s patented ancillary terrestrial component (ATC) technology.

Finally, Don Peck introduced attendees to GigaBeam’s point-to-point wireless solution, called WiFiber. Users pay a one-time fee for a 10-year license to the company’s high-frequency spectrum. Peck analogized the service to his journey to Washington. Just as it took a plane, a cab, and some walking to get him to the breakfast, so does it take many different networks to make broadband happen.

The Broadband Census Breakfast Club occurs the second Tuesday of every month in Washington, DC. Or you can access the archived webcasts—thanks to the power of broadband in all of its diverse methods of access.

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