AT&T’S NEW AIRGIG TECHNOLOGY, which piggybacks high-speed data links on power lines, could help to overcome the digital divide between urban and rural broadband speeds within the next three years.
According to a CNET report, AirGig sends data along power lines then uses 5G or other wireless networks to connect to nearby houses. Antenna modules, referred to as ‘eggs’ by AT&T, clamp in pairs on the power line extending each direction from the power pole. The medium-voltage power line itself powers the eggs inductively, similar to how wireless charging pads for phones work, meaning no specific power connection is required.
AirGig technology is anticipated to arrive in 2021, potentially improving broadband in areas where it's not economical to lay fiber-optic cables.
"Utilizing AirGig as backhaul starts to change the economics" for rural and light suburban areas, said Gordon Mansfield, AT&T's vice president of converged access and devices, in the report. "It will allow us to extend coverage with higher, broadband types of speeds."
