AT&T AirGig trials expected in 2017

AT&T has announced that it is in "advanced discussions" with power companies and is expected to soon trial its Project AirGig.

Unveiled back in September, Project AirGig aims to deliver super-fast wireless internet to handsets and home via power lines. The system will utilize low-cost plastic antennas placed along the lines to transmit wireless signals over millimeter wave spectrum (mmWave) at gigabit speeds anywhere the power lines run. The last mile will be filled in with small cells or distributed antenna systems, AT&T said previously.

The locations of the trials will be determined in the coming months, but at least one trial will be conducted in the United States.

"We are looking forward to begin testing the possibilities of AT&T Labs' invention for customers and utility companies," AT&T Labs CTO Andre Fuetsch said. "AT&T is focused on delivering a gigabit-per-second speed everywhere we can with our wired and wireless technologies. Project AirGig represents a key invention in our 5G Evolution approach. AT&T Labs is 'writing the textbook' for a new technology approach that has the potential to deliver benefits to utility companies and bring this multi-gigabit, low-cost internet connectivity anywhere there are power lines – big urban market, small rural town, globally."

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