Nokia, Intel partner to push forward WiMax

By Steve Malone

Posted on 13 Jun 2005 at 12:48

Nokia, the world's biggest manufacturer of mobile phones and chip giant Intel have partnered to promote the development of WiMax - the new high-speed wireless broadband technology tipped to supercede today's 802.11x WiFi technology in major cities in the next few years.

The two companies say they will work together on a range of mobile WiMax technologies based around the emerging IEEE 802.16e standard. The areas of joint development include mobile clients, network infrastructure and market development. The partners will also pioneer base-station strategies in order to lay down the foundation for a WiMax infrastructure that will provide adequate and reliable coverage which is commercially viable.

WiMax or Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, is a full-duplex technology with a bandwidth of up to 75 Mbps to a distance one mile from a base station, although it can reach up to 30 miles away at reduced speeds. The 'e' extension is a variation that allows WiMax devices to operate outside their home station.

The technology is seen as being able to offer a huge range of services such as video teleconferencing and other bandwidth intensive applications wirelessly in urban areas over the coming decade. Both Nokia and Intel are members of the WiMax Forum. In April of this year, Intel introduced the Rosedale chip for WiMax, the company's first offering in a sector it hopes to dominate.

Both companies are quick to reassure the market that they do not see WiMax replacing 3G, 802.11 and other wireless technologies - at least not yet. Tero Ojanpera, Nokia's Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer 'WiMax will be an important technology complementing 3GPP and 3GPP2 technologies.' Intel's VP of Mobility Sean Maloney reinforced the message that 'Broadband technologies - of all types - represent an enormous opportunity for businesses and individuals around the world.'

The WiMax IEEE 802.16e standard is expected to be finalised later this year.