Powerline communications: finally ready for prime time?

Recently announced technology that provides Internet access via electric power lines now adds utility companies to the industries staking a claim to the potentially lucrative Internet “pipe” market. A test of the new technology is under way in a network of over 200 homes and schools, conducted by British codevelopers Nortel and Norweb Communications. High access costs have limited Internet growth in Europe and Asia, but if the new technology works (the test is still in early stages) it could increase competition among ISPs and potentially lower access costs. Nortel claims its system is commercially ready and that several European power companies have expressed interest in licensing the technology