Intel Accelerates Efforts for WiMAX Commercial Deployments in Japan

Intel K.K., the Japanese subsidiary of Intel Corporation announced its commitment to accelerating global WiMAX efforts together with UQ Communications in Japan .

The support comes in conjunction with UQ Communications new UQ WiMAX Service launched today. The next-generation wireless broadband service enables faster mobile data transmission using Mobile WiMAX (IEEE802.16e) technology. UQ WiMAX Service is now available in the 23 Tokyo wards, Yokohama , and Kawasaki . Intel plans to work with laptop vendors around the world to help introduce embedded WiMAX Intel Centrino 2 Processor Technology-based notebook PCs starting in July of 2009 with the availability of UQ's commercial service.

"Intel is proud of UQ Communications and congratulates the company the availability of its next-generation wireless broadband Internet launching today," said Kazumasa Yoshida, president of Intel K.K. "In Japan, Intel continues collaborate with industry leaders to deliver certified technology and WiMAX-ready notebook PCs, in addition to introduce various usages models for the broader WiMAX ecosystem. We look forward to a new era of mobile Internet experiences with high-performance microprocessor and a high-speed WiMAX network covering the entire country."

Today, high-speed broadband Internet service is available indoor with a rapid increase seen in broadband access for home and office uses. The growing demand for wireless broadband Internet access can offer users the ability to enjoy super-fast Internet experiences on the go including airports, hotels, and restaurants. However, the wireless Internet access is limited only to the location where the service is available, and data network services for mobile phones lacks transfer speed compared to wired broadband and wireless LAN services. As described, the current available wireless broadband access alone does not fulfill the needs for the affordable and high-speed wireless Internet access users truly desire.

Answering those needs, WiMAX offers the latest in high-speed wireless data communication broadband technology. WiMAX delivers faster access speed via larger throughput and wider available areas compared to other communication technologies, while improving the user experience with flexible connectivity and the ability to switch from WiMAX to WiFi in buildings or "hotspots." For the consumers, WiMAX becomes a satisfactory answer to the increasing demands for broadband Internet access on the go for data-intensive applications including video editing, HD playback, music, multiplayer games, and access to other large data files.

To bring more WiMAX access to users, Intel is working with OEM vendors to deliver WiMAX-enabled Intel Centrino 2 Processor Technology-powered laptops based on the dual-communication module WiMAX/WiFi Link 5050 Series. These embedded notebook PCs will be available in July 2009 so users can enjoy convenient Internet connectivity with both wireless LAN and WiMAX networks.