The idea of sticking broadband down powerlines has been resurrected again by Big Blue. The idea is periodically dug up, enthused about, before finally dying out for a number of reasons.

Now IBM is throwing its considerable weight behind the idea, although with a much scaled back vision. Using some low-interest federal loans, IBM is partnering with a small newcomer called International Broadband Electric Communications to try to make the idea work in rural communities that don't have other broadband options.

IBM thinks that it is only economically viable in rural areas, where technology suppliers in the industry are smaller players without large budgets for research and advertising. New technology means that the old problem of electric broadband interfering with other wireless communication could be a thing of the past. The new generation of electric cable wireless can switch frequency when it encounters interference.

IBM has signed a $9.6 million deal with IBEC to provide and install the gear. It will take two years to install.