Intel, WiMax Forum to launch low cost WiMax notebooks in India

New Delhi: Semiconductor giant Intel has announced an alliance with the the WiMax Forum India that will see it develop and introduce low cost WiMax devices for the Indian market.

Intel's vice president and general manager for the WiMax program office, Sriram Viswanathan told the media that Intel would work with the WiMax Forum, service providers and device manufacturers to launch Wimax-enabled notebooks and netbooks for the Indian market by 2009. The WiMax Forum says India would have over 27.5 million broadband internet users by 2012.

Viswanathan said the alliance is focused on delivering "affordable" devices to Indians that will leverage the upcoming 4G WIMAX networks, with the initial focus being on 2.3 and 2.5 GHz devices. Companies would be part of the alliance through the Open Patent Alliance. Other ecosystem members would help determine device needs, time lines, testing and interoperability plans. They would also collaborate on cost reductions for fixed, portable and mobile devices.

CS Rao, chairman of the Wimax Forum's India office said that the Wimax ecosystem has grown significantly over the past five years, and Wimax is viewed as the best wireless broadband technology for India, as a diverse and complete ecosystem ready to deliver affordable, lightning-fast wireless Internet.

Intel has recently pushed its Atom-based battery-saving or low power netbooks in India over the past six months, and has also brought in new chips for mobile Internet devices, along with its host of simple netbooks and ultra slim and light laptops that all work on a high-speed, wireless broadband network.

"This is a very exciting time for India and Wimax," said Viswanathan. "Wimax has the ability to help bridge the digital divide with the most cost effective and highest-performing wireless broadband technology available today. The availability of low cost devices for end users forms an essential part of the promise and capability of Wimax."