TELECOM Digest OnLine - Sorted: Plug-In Internet Connection to Get Test on Long Island

Plug-In Internet Connection to Get Test on Long Island

Monty Solomon (monty@roscom.com)
Sun, 26 Feb 2006 01:27:10 -0500

By KEN BELSON
The New York Times
February 17, 2006

Customers love to grumble about their phone and cable companies, and
residents on Long Island are no different. But for those unhappy with
their service from Verizon or Cablevision, an alternative may be on
the way.

The Long Island Power Authority announced on Wednesday that it would
begin testing technology that provides high-speed Internet connections
through people's electrical outlets, a service that could ultimately
make a dent in a business now dominated by Cablevision and Verizon.

For several years, utilities across the country, including Con Edison,
have been examining the technology, known as broadband over power
line, or B.P.L. Companies like Cinergy in Cincinnati have started
selling the service, which requires that customers plug in special
adaptors that link to their computers via Ethernet cables or
wirelessly.

In addition to generating new revenue, the technology is attractive to
utilities because the two-way Internet connections let them more
effectively monitor their networks and their customers' electricity
use. Some companies are also using the technology to provide Internet
phone and video services to residential and business customers.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/17/nyregion/17lipa.html

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