Intel boosts WiMax wireless broadband

Intel promised to give WiMax wide area broadband wireless technology a boost after sealing a development deal with ZTE Corporation, China's largest listed telecommunications equipment manufacturer.

Under the terms of the agreement Intel and ZTE will cooperate to develop and promote standards and specifications for WiMax 802.16-based networks. The companies will also work jointly with regulatory agencies in key global markets for securing adequate radio spectrum for broadband services based on WiMAX technology.

ZTE promised it will develop and deploy infrastructure and customer premises equipment using Intel's silicon for WiMAX kit based on IEEE 802.16-2004 (previously known as IEEE 802.16REVd), and the upcoming IEEE 802.16e standards for mobile networks. These products wil incorporate Rosedale, Intel's first system-on-a-chip for customer premise equipment (CPE).

"Broadband wireless access is gaining tremendous momentum and provides a real solution to bridging the digital divide," said Scott Richardson, general manager of Intel's Broadband Wireless Division.

ZTE plans to begin initial deployments of networks based on 802.16-2004 later this year with carriers in China, Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia. The firm said it will conduct field trials of 802.16e networks beginning in mid-2006.