Net over power lines in doubt

[QQ]A UK company's revolutionary plan to deliver the Internet over power lines could be be unplugged by regulators, writes Steve Ranger.[QQ] Last week, the Radiocommunications Agency (RA) warned Norweb Communications that if it launches its planned service in Manchester, it could be shut down immediately.[QQ] The agency has been investigating claims that Norweb's controversial Digital PowerLine (DPL) technology can interfere with other communications signals.[QQ] The RA has the right to pull the plug on any system that is causing undue interference. Ken Yard, business manager for the RA's technology sectors unit, said: 'The radiation level is so high that it is not acceptable in terms of interference with military, GCHQ and the civil aviation authority.'[QQ] He added that if Norweb did not reduce the emissions by 31 March, even the trial currently under way might have to halt.[QQ] Jane London, marketing communications manager with Nor.Web DPL, the joint venture formed with Canada's Nortel Networks to exploit the technology, said: 'We are working with the RA, and are confident that the public benefit will outweigh the potential problems.'