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We've known this was coming for a while: not specifically the forthcoming announcement by IBM and CenterPoint Energy, but the development of broadband over the electric grid as noted in this Toronto Star article today: IBM to test broadband over electric power lines. A snip:
By relying on the adapters -- which currently cost about $200 but are expected to become less expensive -- utilities do not need to send a worker to install equipment. Consumers can use the adapters in any room with an outlet.Where to start with impact assessment? The telcos and cable co's? Broadband access and last-mile connectivity? Affect on eCommerce at the consumer level? What about Internet governance (which as this and this attest, is a very hot topic around the UN and ICANN).The U.S. Federal Communications Commission is backing the development of this technology in hopes of creating a counterweight to the cable and phone industries, which provide the bulk of the 36 million broadband lines now being used in American homes.
The service could also be cheaply deployed in rural areas where phone and cable companies have not yet expanded.
We will watch closely.
Posted by Grayson at July 11, 2005 08:53 AM