PLC, Power Line Communication, is a technology able to use the current electricity networks for data transmission purposes, allowing any user connected to the power grid to enjoy a number of services (Internet, telephony, TV, etc.) easily and avoiding expensive and pollutant new wiring. As most of the citizens are already connected to the power grid, power line communications (PLC) represent an easy way of bringing broadband services to everyone over existing power lines. OPERA – Open PLC European Research Alliance for new generation PLC integrated network is an integrated project from the 6th Framework Programme of the EU; its objective is to perform the necessary research, demonstration and dissemination at a European scale, in order to overcome the obstacles for the PLC technology and to allow European citizens to enjoy its advantages. OPERA also aims at standardising PLC systems and defining a business plan and procedures for service provisioning. The BReATH project will use OPERA’s public results as the main knowledge and technology source for broadband power line communications and for identifying similar opportunities in the project’s targeted countries.