IBM broadband service to reach rural areas

International Business Machines Corp. said it reached a deal to provide high-speed Internet service to rural areas using existing power lines.

IBM's $9.6 million deal with International Broadband Electric Communications will deploy IBEC's Broadband over Power Lines equipment to customers of electrical cooperatives, InformationWeek reported.

"Americans in rural areas of the country trail their urban and suburban counterparts in broadband availability," IBEC Chief Executive Officer Scott Lee said in a statement.

"This capability will play a crucial role in rural health, education and economic development, while closing the digital divide that exists between well served and under served America," Lee said.

IBM said there were more than 900 electrical cooperatives in the country that make up 45 percent of the nation's power grid.

Customers need only to plug in their computers to any electrical outlet with Broadband over Power Line service to receive a high-speed broad band service.

But the system has drawbacks with some complaining it interferes with short wave radio signals, InformationWeek reported.

Related News

wind power

Wind turbine firms close Spanish factories as Coronavirus restrictions tighten

MADRID - Europe’s largest wind turbine makers on Wednesday said they had shut down more factories in Spain, a major hub for the continent’s renewables sector, in response to an almost total lockdown in the country to contain the coronavirus outbreak.

Denmark’s Vestas, the world No.1, has suspended production at its two Spanish plants, a spokesman told Reuters, adding that its service and maintenance business was still working. Vestas has also paused manufacturing and construction in India, which is under a nationwide lockdown too, he said.

Top rival Siemens Gamesa suspended production at six Spanish factories on Monday, bringing total closures there…

READ MORE
substation attack

Neo-Nazi, woman accused of plotting 'hate-fueled attacks' on power stations, federal complaint says

READ MORE

Germany shuts down its last three nuclear power plants

READ MORE

understanding-risks-of-ev-fires-in-helene-flooding

Understanding the Risks of EV Fires in Helene Flooding

READ MORE

The European Commission

Explainer: Europe gets ready to revamp its electricity market

READ MORE