AT&T has launched a second trial of its Project AirGig broadband technology in the U.S., along with a new international trial, the company said on its blog today.
AirGig is designed to eventually deliver internet speeds of more than 1 gigabit per second via a millimeter wave (mmWave) signal guided by power lines.
Using AirGig patented technology, AT&T expects to install devices to provide high-speed broadband which can be clamped on by trained electrical workers in just a few minutes rather than building traditional towers.
AirGig Broadband
“Project AirGig is part of our ongoing effort to accelerate internet connections to a gig or more through both wired and wireless solutions,” said Andre Fuetsch, president, AT&T Labs and chief technology officer, on the company’s blog. “But it also stands alone as a radically innovative solution to bridge the global digital divide. If these trials and our continued research and development turn out the way we intend, we’ll take a big step toward bringing hyper-fast connectivity to people everywhere.”
The first AirGig trial started earlier this fall and is with an electricity provider outside the U.S. The second trial recently kicked off in Georgia with Georgia Power. While this trial is located in a rural area, AirGig could be deployed in many areas not served by high-speed broadband today – rural, suburban, or urban, AT&T said. “As we learn from these trials and continue to develop this technology, we’ll look at expanding more advanced technology trials in other locations.”
While there’s no timeline yet for commercial deployment, the company said that it is “encouraged and excited by what we’ve seen so far. Innovation is never a straight path. But, these trials point the way forward to a potential future where the benefits of ultra-fast internet are available to almost everyone.”
