This obstacle is slowly being conquered as several companies continue to work towards a solution. Data is transferred through the actual power wiring. The primary company to watch in America is Media Fusion. Their unique solution of transferring data via the microwaves that travel around the wire has enabled them not only to eliminate the transformer issues, but to boast speeds of 2.5 gigabits per second or faster. The consumer would simply replace existing outlets with a more versatile outlet containing plug-ins for electrical appliances, telephone and cable.
Systems using NIUs usually support both data and telephony.
Since the technology can be utilized by cable operators, it is not actually a competitive technology to the cable industry. However, it is a competitive alternative to cable modems. Operators that offer wireless video service can also offer data services. MMDS operators can offer telco return service and with the emergence of LMDS, operators will be capable of supporting bi-directional services. The technology is benefited by the extensive infrastructure that exists and by the heavy capitalization associated with the telephone industry.