Powering Up Broadband

As conventional notions for promoting high-speed Internet access - tax cuts and regulatory breaks for providers or subsidies for start-ups or users - wallow in legislative logjams or litigation, the Federal Communications Commission Wednesday began looking at a novel avenue for broadband connectivity: The electrical outlet.

Broadband over Power Line, as the technology is known in regulatory circles, has the potential to create a new competitor to digital subscriber line service and cable modem service. Additionally, it could be particularly helpful in delivering Internet access to rural areas, which policy-makers are especially mindful of today.

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