Project AirGig: Power Broadband Network Access



    Internet connection is in some cases impossible for residents of several regions. These may be settlements located far from the main infrastructure facilities. Internet in such places is either expensive or slow, or both. Now, several large technology companies are immediately involved in projects to connect remote and inaccessible areas to the global network. Google launches hot air balloons with access points, Facebook does the same with drones. Some companies propose launching into Earth’s orbit many small and relatively inexpensive communication satellites that would provide the inhabitants of the entire planet with Internet.

    AT&T Labs offers a slightly different method, which is also an interesting solution to the problem. The specialists of this company are now engaged in a project that will turn power lines into wide communication channels. And since power lines are almost everywhere, the global network will become more accessible to millions of people around the world.



    The developers claim that the technology can work anywhere in the world where there are power lines. AT&T claims that this technology does not require frequency licensing. Its advantage is that it opens up the possibility of obtaining an ultrafast communication channel for any connected user. And since a ready-made infrastructure is used here, it will be much easier to deploy such a network than, for example, optical fiber.

    The technology allows you to quickly provide network connectivity for remote regions where previously it was not possible to use fast Internet connection. The first network of this type, according to an AT&T representative, will begin operations in 2020. For the operation of such a network, additional equipment is necessary, so that new network operators will actually incur some costs. But these costs are significantly less than what companies usually spend in the process of deploying a new network infrastructure.



    This project is called Project AirGig. For its implementation, the company had to develop a number of new methods and technologies that are now patented. Project AirGig's other developments include low-cost plastic antennas and repeater devices that transmit signals throughout the grid. The performance of such networks is similar to 4G LTE networks.

    The technology is quite flexible, which allows the use of distributed antenna systems or small cells. To lay new communication channels in this case, it is not necessary to dig the earth or build cell towers. On power lines (or telephone poles) you need to install special miniature stations that transmit a signal in the millimeter range, and only from station to station. The range of such a station is only a few meters.

    While the project is in the testing phase, the company is trying to understand how attractive the new type of communication will be to users and businesses.

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