Nokia, Intel to Push WiMax Adoption

Nokia and Intel on Friday revealed plans to collaborate on WiMax technology to accelerate adoption among consumers. The far-reaching agreement spans all facets of the nascent wireless broadband technology, including deployment and development of WiMax capable devices.

The two companies also plan to push for a finalization of the 802.16e standard.

As part of the agreement, Nokia and Intel will work together in demonstrating WiMax to wireless providers and showing how the technology can supplement existing 3G coverage.

Both companies are part of the WiMax Forum, an industry group established in 2001 that focuses on interoperability and standards management between devices and WiMax networks. The technology itself has been touted as a way to bring broadband Internet to areas that have otherwise been overlooked by cable and DSL coverage.

BellSouth announced on Tuesday that it would be rolling out a early version of WiMax in Athens, Georgia focused on the large college student population there. Intel also is working with Sprint in a WiMax test that was announced on May 5.

"Broadband technologies - of all types - represent an enormous opportunity for businesses and individuals around the world," Sean Maloney, executive vice president of Intel's Mobility Group said. "To have innovators like Nokia working to bring WiMAX and other broadband wireless technologies to the masses is very encouraging."