Possibilities are numerous for BPL technology

One of the latest forms of internet connectivity is Broadband Over Power Line, or BPL. The idea behind BPL is that if an internet connection can be established via power lines, anyone with electricity will also have internet access. It is a concept that makes a lot of sense.

Running through power lines is a 60 Hz sine wave of electric current. In contrast, the wave carrying the internet data is high frequency. This carrier wave is superimposed over the low frequency power wave.

This concept has many possibilities. Aside from the internet, power line communications could be used to program TVs, clocks, microwaves, refrigerators, etc. There are still many kinks to be worked out, but I think sometime in the near future power line communications will be commonplace.

One big problem with BPL is unwanted interference. Power lines are generally not shielded, which means they function similarly to a long wire antenna. There have been many cases of interference on amateur radio frequencies. Recently the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) filed a complaint with the FCC to shut down the BPL system in Manassas, Virginia. Nevertheless, BPL has plenty of potential, and I'm sure the problems will eventually be resolved.