Google Invests In Broadband-Over-Power Line Provider

Google is among the latest investors in Current Communications Group LLC, a broadband-over-power line service provider, based in Germantown, Md.

Current said Thursday that other strategic investments have come from investment banker Goldman, Sachs & Co. and media company The Hearst Corp..

Money from Google and the other investors will be used to provide capital and operating assistance, as Current rolled out its BPL services to carry voice, video and data, William Berkman, chairman of the company, said.

"With roughly two-thirds of the nation still without broadband and many utilities looking for means to upgrade their distribution networks, the acceleration of Current's build out is a clear win-win for consumers," Berkman said in a statement.

BPL technology uses the electric utility to provide Internet access. Modems plug into an electrical outlet and connect to the computer.Current's principal stakeholder is Liberty Associated Partners LP, an investment partnership between Liberty Media Corp. and the Berkman Family. Other investors include EnerTech Capital.