Motorola Inc. and Intel Corp. have announced plans to collaboratively foster greater industry momentum for WiMAX and to advance the use of mobile WiMAX technology, based on the proposed IEEE 802.16e standard, for both fixed and wireless broadband applications.
As members of the WiMAX Forum the companies plan to collaborate on specification efforts within the Forum in an effort to ensure that network and device interoperability issues are addressed adequately. In addition to working jointly to advance WiMAX standards, they also plan to work together on interoperability testing of Motorola mobile devices, network equipment and customer premises equipment with Intel products.
"We believe 802.16e is going to be the way to go for both fixed and nomadic applications," said Dan Coombes, chief technology officer, Motorola Networks. "With its robust specifications and ability to support high value services like voice over IP and mobility, 802.16e is an ideal choice for many applications. Teaming with Intel to work on 802.16e standards and interoperability matters will complement our strategy of using 802.16e with our MOTOwi4 WiMAX solutions."
Putting Intel's point of view, Scott Richardson, general manager of the company's Broadband Wireless Division, stated, "WiMAX is beginning to deliver on its promise to provide broadband wireless access to businesses and consumers, and the promise of full mobility is around the corner with the anticipated ratification of the 802.16e standard. By working with Motorola on mobile WiMAX standards and technology, we can jointly develop and test equipment to meet the requirements necessary for truly mobile broadband."