VoIP Over Powerline In India

Not too long ago, even ten years ago, parts of India suffered regular power outages on a daily basis. That was in some cities. Many rural areas today still have no electricity, period, let alone Internet access. But none of this is stopping IBM from offering BPL - Broadband over Power Line - Internet access through a US$100 modem-like device.

My contacts in India tell me that in Bangalore - where the cost of living has risen steadily due to all the foreign companies now based there and the salaries they’ve been paying - a good apartment costs about Rs. (Rupees) 5000 per month, or approximately US$110. In other parts of India, Rs 5000 will buy a lot more than a month’s rent. (In other words, it’s a costly device.) On the other hand, BPL means that no additional infrastructure has to be built (rural) areas where electricity is already available but where there is otherwise no Internet access. Though the device appears aimed at schools, hospitals and kiosks.

A number of companies in various parts of the world, including the US, are offering power line broadband, and IBM is simply the latest. IBM does say, though, that BPL monitors power meters and that low voltage problems will not be an issue.