Riyadh turns on first stage of anytime-anywhere Internet

The move follows a recent visit to the city by Intel Chairman Dr. Craig Barrett who announced the company's involvement in the project and its intention to lead efforts in creating digital communities that will harness information and communication technology development across the world.

"WiMAX is an emerging wireless networking technology, based on a global, open standard that complements and improves existing methods of sending and receiving large amounts of data over the Internet without the need for wires," said Ferhad Patel, General Manager, Intel Corporation, Saudi Arabia. "With a longer range than the popular Wi-Fi wireless standard, WiMAX enabled laptops and portable devices will give mobile workers even more freedom to get a fast and affordable Internet connection wherever they are."

The new wireless street is part of Riyadh City's "Smart City" program, which already has brought wireless Internet to the city's main coffee shops and hotels. The wireless system begins working when someone turns on a computer and connecting is free of charge. A Wi-Fi enabled laptop or other wireless device automatically picks up the signal sent from WiMAX hubs along the street and gains access to the system when the user agrees to the terms of one of the Web site.

"This service will further our effort to enliven downtown and continue Riyadh's aim of being a city at the cutting edge of technology innovations,"

said Mohammed Saqer, Chief Executive Officer ITC.

"It is now possible for anyone with an Intel Centrino notebook or other wireless enabled device, to seamlessly connect to the Internet from anywhere on Tahlia Street between Olaya Street and Dhabab Street."

The service can also benefit local businesses that already exist on the Tahlia Street WiMax strip. By investing in wireless receiving technology, offices within the zone will be able to make full use of the WiMax signal to connect to the Internet and download emails.

"This installation of free wireless on 'Tahlia Street' is a good example of how a public-private partnership should work," added Patel.

"Today, wireless broadband is a compelling business opportunity which is why Intel believes in working closely with government authorities like those in Riyadh to create a proper licensing framework and policy around WiMAX."

The service, sponsored by Intel Corporation, the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) and the Riyadh Development Authority, which seeks to revitalize communities through the WiMAX technology.

"Officials in Saudi Arabia have recognized the potential for WiMAX to contribute to the economic development of the region," said Majed Sifri, President and CEO of Redline Communications, a leading provider of WiMAX solutions with multiple WiMAX deployments in the Middle East. "The WiMAX project in Riyadh that has been implemented by Intel is one of the latest examples of forward-looking organizations using WiMAX technologies to deliver voice, video and data applications to individuals and businesses anywhere, any time."