Aussie wireless broadband receives cash injection

Aug 25, 2005: Unwired Australia and Intel Corporation have revealed that Intel Capital has agreed to invest AUD$37 million into the development of WiMAX networks to expand its service to other Australian cities so that more people can receive wireless broadband.

The agreement involves the companies agreeing to jointly promote mobile wireless broadband capabilities using WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) networks in Australia.

Arvind Sodhani, the Intel Capital president, said that continued investment in WiMAX technology is strategically important for the industry.

"It will enable the provisioning of fast, full-fledged broadband Internet access to a vast proportion of the population in an accelerated time frame."

David Spence, the Unwired CEO, added that twelve months ago, wireless broadband was on the horizon, but today it is an accepted and trusted option.

"Intel Capital's investment will enable us to make wireless broadband available to a greater number of Australians and to quickly move to WiMAX in other cities as equipment becomes available.

"The introduction of the upcoming version of WiMAX will help mobile wireless broadband become absolutely mainstream in the marketplace. Unwired will be in the unique position of having access to the majority of the WiMAX will help mobile wireless broadband become absolutely mainstream in the marketplace."

Spence added that Unwired will be in the unique position of having access to the majority of the WiMAX-designated 3.5 GHz and 2.3 GHz licensed bands in Australia's major metropolitan areas.

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