The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has standardized the Home Phoneline Networking Alliance's HomePNA 3.1 multimedia home networking specification, making HomePNA the only internationally standardized existing-wire home networking technology. HomePNA 3.1 enables high-speed Internet services (IPTV, VoIP, data) over both phone wires and coaxial cables at speeds up to 320 megabits per second.

HomePNA 3.1 provides multi-spectrum operation, adding VDSL coexistence to the ADSL, POTS and broadcast TV channel spectrum coexistence provided by the HomePNA 3.0 specification. Multi-spectrum operation also allows multiple HomePNA networks to coexist on the same wiring.

HomePNA facilitates interoperability and convergence of all networked IP data in the home by creating open, interoperable standards and best practices for a universal home networking market. Telephone service providers collaborate with residential gateway, set-top box, bridge, consumer electronics (CE) equipment, and ONT manufacturers, as well as their component providers, to meet consumer demand for bundled multimedia home networking.

ITU standards will help promote technology adoption because they facilitate interconnectivity and enable telecommunication services to be provided on a worldwide scale. While the ITU standardizes technology at the global level, HomePNA members develop, promote and certify market-worthy technology.

"Standards are an absolute necessity before service providers proceed to mass deployments of home networking solutions," said Steve Rago, principal analyst at iSuppli Corporation. "Telcos and MSOs require a guaranteed chain of supply – multiple vendors offering interoperable products – and standards enable guaranteed supply. Major consumer product suppliers also need standards to guarantee interoperability with other consumer networking devices in the home."

HomePNA technology facilitates interoperability and convergence of all networked entertainment and computer IP data devices in the home over existing coax and phone wires. The technology can enable service providers to reduce installation costs, utilize remote management and diagnostics to reduce operational expenses, and even lower end-user costs through unified billing.