IBM said it has begun using electrical wires to deliver broadband access to about 200,000 homeowners in rural Alabama, Indiana, Michigan and Virginia.
Effort targets rural electrical co-ops
Big Blue, which is working with the power line Internet service provider International Broadband Electric Communications, said it hopes to expand the program to more of the 45 percent of Americans who don’t have broadband today.
IBEC has received low-interest loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Program. IBM will provide technical expertise, project management services and training for installation crews.
According to a press release, here is how it works: “Broadband over power line technology modifies radio signals to transmit voice and Internet data over electric utility power lines. All a consumer needs is a modem that plugs into existing electrical outlets in their home or business.”
IBM and IBEC have targeted member-owned electric utility co-ops for the construction of their Internet over power line networks. IBM did not say what speeds its expects to achieve.
Posted by Mark Boslet 
