Intel pushes mobile WiMAX along in Japan

Intel is putting significant effort into helping Japanese mobile WiMAX operator UQ Communications be successful when it launches commercial service July 1.

Intel, an existing investor in UQ Communications along with KDDI and others, announced Intel Capital has invested $43 million in the operator. UQ Communications will utilize the funding to continue the nationwide expansion of UQ WiMAX service in Japan, with the aim to provide WiMAX coverage to 90 percent of the country by 2012.

Intel is offering the Intel WiMAX/WiFi Link 5150, an embedded module supporting both wireless LAN and WiMAX. Toshiba, Panasonic and Onkyo have today unveiled notebook PCs that integrate the module and Intel Centrino 2 processor technology. The laptops, as well as other products, are scheduled to debut next month in Japan. UQ Communications and Intel will also work with PC vendors and MVNOs to deliver a range of initiatives and promotional activities driving the adoption of WiMAX technology and creating greater awareness for the global WiMAX ecosystem.

For more:
- check out this release [1]

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Mobile WiMAX comes to Japan [3]