Press & PR

Connecting to the web using the telephone system or dedicated broadband lines may become a thing of the past as rapid growth is predicted for broadband over power lines (BPL) technology.

According to market research firm In-Stat, this innovative way of spreading broadband connection will be "a winner" due to the fact it require no extra cabling.

"Management and conservation of energy have become the drivers for smart grid utility applications, where broadband and low-speed power line communications will play a role," said In-Stat analyst Joyce Putscher.

He added that the first areas to see this growth will be low speed services, such as the HomePlug system that regulates the environment by linking heating, air conditioning and lighting in rooms or offices.

However, full-scale BPL services are set to spread in the future, following In-Stat's finding that it has seen growth of nearly 100 per cent in 2007.

Being able to access the internet over broadband across a wider area and in hard to reach locations is good news for people that like to keep in touch.

Tapping into a BPL network connection and signing up to a Vonagevoice plan could give net users access to unlimited free calls to and from anywhere in the UK for £5.99 a month with V-Plan 1.