DETROIT – Someday power lines could deliver low-cost, multi-gigabit wireless internet speeds. No need to build new towers.  No need to bury new cables in the ground. That’s what AT&T has in mind for its Project AirGig launched Tuesday – described as having the potential to transform Internet access globally, well beyond the AT&T footprint and outside the United States. AT&T said it expects to kick off field trials in 2017.

Project AirGig will be easier to deploy than fiber, can run over license-free spectrum and can deliver ultra-fast wireless connectivity to any home or handheld wireless device, AT&T said in a press release. 

“Project AirGig has tremendous potential to transform internet access globally – well beyond our current broadband footprint and not just in the United States,” said John Donovan, chief strategy officer and group president, Technology and Operations, AT&T. “The results we’ve seen from our outdoor labs testing have been encouraging, especially as you think about where we’re heading in a 5G world. To that end, we’re looking at the right global location to trial this new technology next year.”

Over the last decade, this technology was designed, built and tested by the inventors in AT&T Labs. AT&T has more than 100 patents or patent applications supporting this new technology and other access technologies. Project AirGig has 5 distinct characteristics:

Is easier to deploy than fiber because it runs over license-free spectrum (no need for cables or new towers)

Experimenting with multiple ways to send a modulated radio signal around or near medium-voltage power lines without the need for electrical connections

Uses newly designed antennas to create an electromagnetic field that speeds and guides waves along the power line

Transfers through newly designed antennas and devices greatly reducing hardware and deployment costs

Leverages existing power line infrastructure to help solve connectivity for rural and global markets.

Watch the video to see more.