Symbol joins WiMax wireless broadband group

Symbol Technologies announced Wednesday that it has joined the WiMax Forum, an industry group promoting the development of a wireless broadband technology based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 802.16-2004 standard. The group will test and certify wireless broadband equipment for interoperability in hopes of driving down the cost of gear and making it easier to install broadband technology. Symbol follows Cisco, which recently joined the WiMax Forum. Other key member companies include Intel and Fujitsu Microelectronics America.

Symbol will incorporate WiMax technology into its product line, according to the company. WiMax products will begin coming to market in 2005, and will initially target service providers, such as carriers, to help them reach rural areas and back up densely packed areas such as cities.