ATLANTA - Utilities could one day hold the communication gateway to millions of homes throughout the United States, but they don’t yet and it is unclear if they ever will, says a report from Chartwell Inc.

The report, Residential Gateways, examines the use of automated meter reading devices that allow utilities to connect to the Internet with two-way communications capabilities and offer residential customers services such as broadband, Internet, video, security and home automation services.

Because of their nearly ubiquitous connection to homes, some believe utilities would be perfectly suited to offer broadband-based services. Others disagree, saying utilities are not equipped – or at least not ready – to offer additional services. Evidence of that is the many vendors that have failed to make a business of offering utility-based gateway devices.

Still, there is hope for residential gateway proponents. Municipal utilities with broadband connections appear to be the most interested in utilizing technology that will allow them to offer Internet or cable services.

And one investor-owned utility is looking to use a gateway to offer remote video services. The "Nanny cam" service would allow customers to go to the Internet to see if children are home from school, or check on elderly relatives.

Residential Gateways includes a full-length analysis and two case studies focusing on utilities using residential gateways to offer additional services.

Residential Gateways, which is available from Chartwell for $250, is part of The Chartwell Metering Research Series. Membership in the series is available for $2,995 annually.

For more information, call 800.432.5879 or 404.237.9099.