A Web on the Grid

[SOURCE: New York Times, AUTHOR: Editorial Staff]
[Commentary] You don't have to dig very deep into the subject of high-speed Internet access before you come across heated arguments over the virtues and shortcomings of nearly every kind of linkage. The technology that inspires the most heated argument at the moment may be broadband over power line. It's a simple enough idea. Why not use the pervasive, national network of power lines to provide broadband access? Nearly every residence in the country draws power from the grid, and it is possible that nearly every residence - no matter how isolated - could link to the Internet through the grid as well, potentially with much faster connection speeds than through cable. The obstacles to B.P.L. include technical complications involving the power lines themselves, possible interference at some frequencies and probable opposition from a few Internet providers. But new research and investment - and the encouragement of the Federal Communications Commission - may well remove those barriers quickly. This new method of communication deserves a serious look. Once you get used to a high-speed connection to the Internet, it's easy to believe that you've already entered the future. But we may soon look back at the broadband access we enjoy now and realize that it was slow, balky and geographically limited.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/20/opinion/20thur4.html
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