The ABCs of Power Line Communications

We get high-speed Internet through conventional arrangements with phone companies—and use PLC within your building. A box goes between the electrical grid of your building and the building's wiring. Every MetroNets customer in the building gets a power modem, the rough equivalent of a telephone modem—in fact we call it a power modem to simplify matters. Then you plug your computer in.

The result is a good, reliable connection of up to 6 megabits, or 100 times faster than a 56K dialup modem. And speeds will be increasing. In-building speeds are already up to 6 megabits and will increase.

In the future you'll be able to enjoy a whole range of appliances designed for PLC. You'll be able to use an Internet radio from anywhere in your apartment, for example.