Internet via powerlines round the corner

Chip maker giant Intel on Friday said it plans to start user trials for delivering internet connectivity over electricity lines. This is based on Intel's HomePlug technology in line with the concept of powerline communication technology.

Donald MacDonald, vice president and general manger, said at the Intel Developer Forum that the technical problems in delivering internet connectivity over power lines have been solved. Intel will link up with the Indian development centre in the next eight weeks to begin trials on the technology.

"Powerline communication technology is the core of many new applications in the digital ecosystem and till date the trials of the homebuilder technology have been confined to US," said MacDonald.

The concept of powerline communication has been there for over a decade but was shelved for practical difficulties. If the technology works in Indian conditions that will go a long way in improving rural connectivity.

Intel is also discussing with the Karnataka and Uttaranchal government on WiFi and WiMAX connectivity. With the government clearing the 2.4 Ghz and 5.1 Ghz frequencies for Wifi, Intel has increased the number of hotspots from 100 in 2003 to 1,500 in 2005.

"The WiMAX forum has increased from 46 members to 330 which includes 115 service providers," said Gali Singer, vice president and general manager, low power architecture and technologies group.