By Stevie Smith Oct 22, 2007, 12:35 GMT
Chip-making giant Intel Corporation has this week revealed that its WiMAX third-generation mobile technology has finally received an official – and long-awaited – endorsement from the United Nations’ International Telecommunications Union (ITU).
Intel Corporation finally receives official ITU approval for its third-generation WiMAX wireless connectivity technology. Credit: WiMAX.
The decision, as reported by the San Jose Mercury Times, comes some three years after Intel first shone the spotlight on WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), and could result in its technology striding forward as a fresh alternative to existing Wi-Fi connectivity.
Created to deliver longer Internet connection ranges across the world’s ever-improving carrier networks, WiMAX has been pushed relentlessly by California-based chipmaker Intel, and its recent approval could well see it positioned as a solid rival to other 3G technologies developed by the likes of Swedish communications giant Ericsson and wireless research and development company Qualcomm.
"This is a huge, huge testament to what the technology stands for," enthused Sriram Viswanathan, VP of Intel Capital and GM of WiMAX business, before outlining that the ITU’s decision certainly helps Intel to finally clamber over "one big hurdle."
With a broadcast range of some 40 miles (64.4km) and the potential to operate at considerably higher speeds than existing broadband Internet connections, WiMAX is gradually laying down its roots in the US market.
For example, Illinois-based Motorola Inc. is presently constructing a WiMAX network in Chicago, which will be operated by Sprint Nextel offshoot Xohm. Motorola is also developing a further 30 WiMAX systems across the globe.
Although its official ITU acceptance gives WiMAX a more attractive appeal in the US, existing European third-generation technology restrictions related to the use of specific radio spectrum may yet tarnish potential outside of the United States – where such restrictions do not apply.
Intel Corporation is expected to release a dedicated chip towards the close of 2008, which will allow computer manufacturers to place WiMAX technology in notebook hardware devices.
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