Broadband thro power lines

IBM is expected to announce a partnership Monday with CenterPoint Energy, a utility based in Houston, to develop broadband services to be delivered over electric power lines.
The companies will open a technology center in Houston to test and demonstrate the technology for consumers and other utility providers. CenterPoint Energy will also set up a pilot program in about 220 Houston homes that will run through August.
Because power lines can carry data as well as electricity, utilities and broadband companies are hoping the technology will allow consumers to get high-speed Internet connections simply by plugging a special adapter into a wall outlet. Some utilities, including Con Edison in New York, have started offering such services on a limited basis.
By relying on the adapters, which currently cost about $200 but are expected to become less expensive, utilities do not need to send a worker to install equipment. Consumers can use the adapters in any room with an outlet.

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