Intel plans sub-$400 Wimax laptops for Indian market

Mumbai: Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is closely working with computer manufacturers such as Dell, Acer and Asus for bringing out WiMax-ready laptops priced at around $300 to $400 (Rs16,000-Rs20,000), the company said in a release.

''Intel believes a Wimax-ready laptop could be available in the Indian market at around $300 to $400 in a few months," C S Rao, Intel India's newly appointed managing director for the Wimax division, said.

At Rs16,000 to Rs20,000, the company expects to make deeper penetration in both urban and rural markets.

Intel expects the country's Wimax market to touch Rs21,000 crore in the next three years as the Indian telecom market has now become more attractive after the announcement of 3G and broadband wireless access (BWA) licence policy.

''Among the two services, Wimax has more potential as it would help the country bridge the digital divide. We estimate the market has the potential to reach $5 billion in the next three years," he added.

India, he said, has been adding over 6-7 million wireless subscribers every month and Intel believes the Wimax service roll-out to add around 7 to 8 per cent new customers.

"In fact, two-to-three million subscribers can be added in two months," he added. With rising competition in the sector and gradual fall of tariff rates, the average revenue per user (ARPU) is at an all-time low and it is expected that the new services from 3G and Wimax will help operators increase the per user revenue inflow,'' the release added.