Nokia gives boost to Intel WiMAX plans

PHONE FIRM Nokia said that it will cooperate with chip giant Intel to develop, adopt and deploy WiMAX for mobile users.

WiMAX stands for "worldwide interoperability for microwave access".

Intel reckons WiMAX promises wide coverage of metropolitan areas, allowing people to access the net from their notebooks and PDAs instead of hunting fruitlessly around for wi-fi hotspots. Mind you, wi-fi coverage in London pubs is greatly improved.

WiMAX will also allow people deprived of useful cable or DSL connections to get broadband.

The IEEE 802.16e agreement means that both firms will work to create base stations which will provide reliable and "adequate" coverage.

Both firms will go out and thump the WiMAX bible to service providers and other industry players. This, according to Nokia, will include how to complement existing 3G networks.

Nokia and Intel will also lobby together in the cloisters of the WiMAX Forum to finalise a spec for the 802.16e standard. µ