Although used fairly infrequently today, broadband over power line technology is another way to deploy municipal broadband. Running on electric power lines, BPL allows any computer that is plugged into an electrical outlet to have high-speed Internet access. The electrical utility or other entity hooks a broadband signal into the power line without having to rewire the electrical grid or dig below the ground.

Benefits: Power grids have been laid down throughout the country, making BPL technology easy and relatively inexpensive to enable. Use of the service is also easy for customers, who can access the Internet simply by plugging their computer, through a BPL adapter, into an electrical outlet. Wireless versions of the BPL adapter are also available.

Risks: Broadband over power line has been known to interfere with amateur radio signals, as the Federal Communications Commission acknowledged in 2004, despite deciding to back BPL service later that year. Broadband signal within the power line runs on the same frequency as that used by ham radios.

Additional information:

• Broadband over power line comes of age - Telecom Magazine
• FCC Backs Broadband over Power Line Services - Network World
• Net over Power Lines Irks Amateur Radio Lovers - Associated Press
• NATO Issues Warning on BPL and the HF Radio Spectrum - Spectrum Matters blog
• NTIA Phase 2 BPL Report Finally Released -- 3 Years Late - Spectrum Matters blog