Surprise, Arizona second in nation to provide broadband over power lines (BPL) No modems, no dial-up, no cables.

Instead, Surprise residents by next year may receive low-cost Internet service through a standard three-pronged power outlet.

It would be one of the first tests of a cutting-edge technology that some experts think will expand Internet use dramatically across the country.

The West Valley city is negotiating with several companies to provide some of its residents broadband over power lines, or BPL, which only one other U.S. city so far has put to wider use. The concept would put BPL at the disposal of some of the city’s lower-income areas, giving families free access to school and city Web sites.

Erin Zlomek
The Arizona Republic

Full Story: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/0726bpl0726.html