Broadband over power lines to beat DSL?

Broadband over power lines is set to overtake cable and DSL connectivity in the US, according to industry watchers.

A report from Parks Associates has found in the US, growth in power line connections will outstrip that of more traditional broadband conduits. By 2007, it's predicted there will be 400,000 residential subscribers. That number is set to rise to 2.5 million in 2011.

According to the report, consumers in rural areas where other broadband delivery mechanisms don't reach will spur growth, while utilities offering broadband services will drive availability.

Chris Roden, research analyst at Parks Associates, also noted that such connectivity will give utilities "to better manage power demand and troubleshoot line issues".

Europe is looking to roll out broadband over power lines too. The EC announced in 2005 it was encouraging member states to take a look at the technology in the hope of using it to bridge the digital divide.