PLC in Germany updated 19 March 2000
A press release - Translation by ON4WF

Munich/Ellwangen
Siemens concern has withdrawn unexpectedly from the powerline technology for "Internet on the Mains". Stable standards for the new technology are still missing said a spokesman of the industry Monday in Munich.
Siemens had been cooperating on the project with power company Energie Baden-Wuertemberg AG (EnBW). According to EnBW, the power company will start up PLC this summer in Ellwangen without Siemens. 

Possibly new start if Regulatory Authority clears the issue
"The Regulatory Authority shall make clear who in Germany will rule the technology", said the spokesman. Until then, Siemens will not consider a new start. When the concern started cooperation with EnBW more than a year ago, much faster access to the market was expected. "So far there are not yet any clear directives". The decision to withdraw from the project was taken a few weeks ago.

Swiss concern ASCOM now to supply receivers
As EnBW's partner, Siemens had supplied the receivers for recovering the digital signals from the mains. Series production of these devices had not yet begun. EnBW announced the devices will now be supplied by Swiss concern ASCOM. This company has broad experience of powerline technology and complies with the technical requirements. Next summer, EnBW will provide "Internet on the mains" to about 7.500 households in Ellwangen.
Other power companies, such as Mannheim power provider (MVV), are since long working on  powerline technology. This technology provides Internet from the outlet : Powerline Communication (PLC) uses the mains to convey data. Transmission speed is twentyfold the ISDN.

Press Agency dpa.