Project Airgig Trials
AT&T® has chosen Georgia for the second trial of their international ‘Project AirGig’ that would help deploy 1 gigabit per second internet via mmWave signals guided by overhead utility poles. The first trial of the technological project began earlier this year with an undisclosed electricity provider outside the United States. The latest technology from the Telco would deliver best internet service in rural areas and urban locations in the future. AT&T® is trialing ‘Project AirGig’ alongside Georgia Power in a rural location in the state as of now.
This would avoid building internet infrastructure for internet like new towers or burying optical fiber cable near overhead power lines. Instead, the electricity technicians can implement the patented technology of AT&T® onto utility poles easily for providing broadband signals. The technology also signals to a future wherein internet would come with ultra speeds anywhere in the world.
“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, the President of AT&T® Labs cum Chief Technology Officer. “But it also stands alone as a radically innovative solution to bridge the global digital divide.”
High Speed Internet
‘Project AirGig’ is headed by AT&T® Labs and has the backing of a decade-long research from their part. The news comes at a time when state legislators are grappling with how to provide enhanced internet in rural locations of Georgia. In fact, the concept of redirecting internet over utility poles is not new, but the Telco has assured their technology would overcome the past technical hurdles.
“Georgia Power continuously utilizes technology research and collaborates with companies like AT&T® in order to introduce new products and services that help meet the changing needs of our customers,” said Paul Bowers Chairman, who is the President cum Chief Executive Officer of Georgia Power. “Expanding access to high speed internet is an important initiative that provides value for our all of our customers and helps us remain a competitive state in which to do business.”
If the trial turns successful in the state, the technology would help in expanding broadband access to underserved areas and would enhance internet speeds. AT&T® however said that they are yet to decide on when to deploy the technology commercially.
