Intel invests in Australian WiMax

Intel said it is investing $27.9 million in an Australian wireless broadband carrier, advancing the chipmaking giant's plans to expand the number of cities using a technology known as WiMax (broadband wireless over a relatively large area). Unwired Australia said the money will be used to fast-track the rollout of WiMax networks using the 3.5GHz and 2.3GHz licensed bands in Australia's major cities.

Unwired said it will initially use technology from U.S.-based broadband wireless access provider Navini Networks to get the WiMax systems up and running. Unwired said it is building dual-mode customer modems and base stations so it can sell them in the first half of 2006. Intel has backed citywide WiMax initiatives before. Most recently, the No. 1 chipmaker launched a 13-city tour, called "Digital Communities," aimed at helping city managers roll out wireless access for citizens and public service workers.