Q: I seem to recall that several years ago, Southern Co. was testing the feasibility of using home electric wires to transmit Internet services. What was their conclusion?
— Gene Wade, Loganville
A: Southern Co. investigated broadband over the power lines (BPL) and found "deployment of the technology would be premature," spokeswoman Jeannice M.W. Hall told Q&A on the News in an email. She wrote that Southern Co. and its subsidiaries, which include Georgia Power, will continue to look into BPL technology "as it evolves." "… Because of its potential value, we believe that additional examination of BPL technologies is warranted," she wrote. BPL, also called powerline communication (PLC), uses power lines, including residential electrical lines, to carry and distribute broadband signals, but it hasn't gained large-scale use because of technical problems, the expense and the growth and reliability of wireless technology, ZDNet.com reported.
Q: Rep. Jack Kingston seems to be doing a lot of poor-mouthing in his Senate campaign. What is his net worth?
— Mike O’Neill, Alpharetta
A: Kingston, R-Ga., was worth $3.4 million in 2010, according to financial disclosure forms lawmakers are required to release and The Washington Post. He "sold agribusiness insurance and rose to the position of vice president at a regional insurance brokerage," before running for Congress in 1992, according to his website's bio. Kingston also has real estate holdings. Kingston raised $1.1 million from January through March, RollCall.com reported. He is one of several candidates running for the U.S. Senate seat held by Saxby Chambliss, who is retiring.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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