Bowling Green, OH will soon have access to a rapidly advancing Internet technology: broadband over power lines !!!

BG Wi-Fi
By: Quentin Kilpatrick
Issue date: 3/2/07 Section: Web Exclusives

More parts of Bowling Green will soon have access to a rapidly advancing Internet technology: broadband over power lines.

The technology, which turns power lines into network cables, was first introduced to BG by Dacor Internet Services two years ago.

In an agreement with the city of Bowling Green, Dacor launched a test line on parts of West Evers Avenue, West Wooster and North Grove streets in 2005.

By connecting wireless routers at various points along the power lines, residents within 750 feet can connect to the Internet via a wireless Internet, or wi-fi card.

But problems plagued the first generation.

The power lines in the first test zone are some of the oldest in the city, and noise caused by BPL was a persistent problem. More advanced technology and newer power lines in the second site have made the service less noisy today.

"The power line noise is much less of an issue. We're seeing far better throughput than in the first generation," said George Stossel, president of Dacor Internet Services.

The old service connected customers at 11 mbs, much faster than dial-up, but paling in comparison to other high-speed Internet, like the University's fiber optic Ethernet.

Stossel noted that the second generation will connect at 54mbs, nearly five times faster than before.

The new coverage area will run down Pearl Street past the fire station and into BG's Westgate subdivision, including Martindale, Charles and Lyn roads.

Residents in the new area can call Dacor at 352-3568 for more information.

With BPL expanding across the west side of the city and much of campus now covered, some wonder if BG will see citywide wi-fi in the future.

"There's been interest by the city council members in developing hot spots, but there are no definite plans," said BG Utility Director Kevin Maynard.

While there aren't any official plans for citywide wireless internet, BG is slowly becoming wireless privately.

Currently, 12 locations outside of BGSU offer wireless Internet in the area.

Both Grounds For Thought and Panera Bread offer free wireless connectivity downtown.

The other free hot spots are The Hampton Inn on Campbell Hill Road and both Big Boy restaurants.

The remaining BG hot spot locations require payment plans from service providers, such as T-Mobile and Airpath.

Prices start at $18.95 per month.