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Broadband over Powerline allows access to the internet by plugging a modem into an electrical outlet, but it interferes with amateur radio broadcasts. The technology is being tested in selected areas of the US, but it is not yet widely available.
Sometimes, technology goes backwards. This is the case with Broadband over Powerline, a technology that allows people to access the Internet by plugging a special modem into an electrical outlet. In a sense, the electric company becomes the Internet Service Provider (ISP). This way, consumers can have a third option for getting access to the Internet, in addition to cable and DSL.
Specifically, Broadband over Powerline transmits Internet service over radio waves over power lines. Unfortunately for amateur radio operators, these Internet broadcasts access many of the same frequencies traditionally used for amateur radio. Broadband over Powerline uses these frequencies because they are generally low wavelength and require little power, yet still provide the same high quality broadband services that consumers can get from cable and DSL sources.
Interference from amateur radio broadcasts to Internet broadcasts and vice versa can be problematic for both parties. Broadband over Powerline could be delivered at higher radio frequencies, but costs would necessarily rise, making it a less attractive alternative to cable or DSL. It’s not just amateur radio that poses a potential obstacle: government agencies, law enforcement agencies, military and maritime operations also use shortwave frequencies, increasing the possible incidence of interference at both ends.
Broadband over Powerline has one good thing: the wiring already exists in your home or business. You don’t need new phone lines or cabling installed because Internet signals travel over existing power lines. Costs related to DSL or cable are, therefore, avoided.
Broadband on Powerline is currently not available everywhere. Under an agreement with the US government, electric broadband is being tested in selected areas of the country. Testing is expected to continue for the next few years. It is also likely that the technological advances made during the testing period will eliminate some of the problems that broadband over Powerline now faces.
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