Using power lines to deliver broadband services is set to become more prevalent in the near future, a leading market research firm predicts.

In-Stat predicted that power lines will be harnessed more and more because they are easier to install than fibre optic and copper wire networks as well as the fact that no extra cabling is required.

In-Stat analyst Joyce Putscher said: "Management and conservation of energy have become the drivers for smart grid utility applications, where broadband and low-speed power line communications will play a role.

"As a result, we expect HomePlug Command & Control solutions to emerge in a big way, although we envision many combination solutions evolving including power line and low-speed wireless technologies."

Ms Putcher's projections come as recent research by In-Stat put expected growth for use of broadband power line networking equipment at almost 100 per cent over 2007.