Intel's $1bn vision: one billion new PC users

Stuart Corner
Wednesday, 03 May 2006 07:51

IT Industry - Strategy

Intel is donating 100,000 PCs to classrooms in developing nations in order to improve teaching and learning. Intel has previously worked with the governments of 52 countries to develop digital inclusion programs, also known as government-assisted PC programs, to make it easier for people to purchase or lease PCs. Intel claims that, in 2005, 8.5 million PCs were distributed under this initiative.

Intel already invests $US100 million per year in collaboration with governments and educators in 50 countries through its 'Teach to the Future' program. It claims that this has helped more than three million teachers in more than 35 countries integrate technology into their classrooms to improve student learning.

Intel has taken a number or initiatives in recent months promote the development and widespread deployment of WiMAX technologies.

Last year it invested $US27 million for a 25 percent stake in Australian broadband wireless access service provider, Unwired. The company operates one of the largest commercial wireless broadband networks with over 50,000 subscribers using pre-WiMAX technology from Navini Networks and is well place to transition to WiMA.

In January, Intel signed an MoU with Korea's Posdata under which the two companies agreed to speed up the worldwide deployment of WiBro and Mobile WiMAX solutions based on the IEEE 802.16e standard (now officially renamed 802.16-2005).

WiBro is a Korean developed broadband mobile wireless access technology claimed to be a subset of the IEEE802.16e standard. The cooperation combines Posdata's mobile WiMAX products for WiBro service and trial experiences with Korea's incumbent service providers, and Intel's global capabilities on WiMAX. Additionally, the two companies will cooperate to develop IEEE 802.16e-based products and solutions.

Last month Intel signed an MoU with Pacific Internet, which claims to be the largest non-carrier ISP in the Asia Pacific, to develop mobile WiMax infrastructure in the region. The two plan to conduct studies and market trials "to better understand market needs and behaviour". The two companies say they will also look to sharing some of the insights gained through the release of educational white papers.