Intel predicts WiMAX to be the blueprint for 2007

The silicon giant specifically predicts that WiMAX will be gearing up for unprecedented growth due to advancement in wireless broadband technologies, as well as emergence of innovative applications and business models.

'Wireless broadband access technology will gain exceptional growth due to advancement in wireless data technology, falling price points and success of initial 3G roll out and WiFi / WiMAX spread,' said Abdul Rahman Jarrar, Intel's Regional Manager, Government Affairs, META.

'Global trend looks very positive. This positive surge is likely to be accompanied by dramatic changes in the industry value chain, with emerging wireless network technologies like WiMAX, WiFi and MBWA.'

With the wireless community increasingly shifting its focus from voice to data services, the wireless data communications market is expanding substantially. Further broadband is expanding rapidly in both mature and emerging markets, although broadband market is still largely dominated by cable and DSL, broadband wireless and fiber networks are gaining ground.

'These new trends are changing the industry landscape and creating many new and exciting investment opportunities in existing as well as unexplored market segments,' added Jarrar. 'Given the complexity of the challenges and exceptional opportunity, all the stake holders need a clear assessment of the wireless broadband access technology, and industry's future.'

The broadband wireless market represents the intersection of the burgeoning broadband and mobile markets and can be disruptive as a new channel as well as can add value to existing channels by enabling both low cost access and growth in reach. As the popularity of broadband wireless access grows, Intel will continue to play a key role in speeding up efforts to create standards, technology and conditions that allow wireless network users to have access to multiple networks seamlessly at a very affordable price.

Intel will play a key role in accelerating accessibility in META in 2007. This will be done through the Intel World Ahead Program, an initiative in which Intel is investing more than USD$1 billion globally by the end of the decade to enhance education and accelerate access to computers and the Internet in developing communities.

Intel, the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live.