Intel Announces Expansion Of Wi-Fi Wireless Efforts
Intel Corporation today announced plans to invest $US150 million in companies developing Wi-Fi technology. The
investment is another step in the company’s efforts to accelerate wireless network deployment and proliferate the Wi-Fi
standard worldwide.
Wi-Fi technology, also called 802.11, is an emerging and increasingly popular technology that provides high-speed
wireless Internet access in many locations around the world, including airports, cafes, corporate offices, universities,
factories and homes.
“Wi-Fi use is experiencing explosive growth. Estimates show that it could grow to 30 million laptops equipped with
Wi-Fi capability in three years,” said Intel Executive Vice President and Intel Capital President Les Vadasz. “It will
fundamentally change the way people use technology and enable high-speed Internet access anytime, anywhere for business
and consumer use.”
Speaking to transportation industry officials at the Wireless Airport Association Conference and Exposition here,
Vadasz discussed Intel Capital’s commitment to investing in Wi-Fi technology and urged the acceleration of hot-spot
deployment at airports nationwide.
Intel has made significant investments internally and externally in a number of wireless programs focused on
establishing industry-wide, global technical standards, developing wireless products, and seeding market development.
Examples include designing wireless capabilities into products; working with other companies to establish standards to
solve wireless security and ease-of-use technical problems; equipping Intel offices and factories with wireless network
access points; making venture investments; and researching advanced wireless technologies like smart antennas and
intelligent roaming.
In addition, the company is devoting significant resources and attention to Banias, codename for the first mobile
computing technology designed from the bottom up for the unique requirements of mobile PC users.
For the first time, it will include dual band – 802.11a and 802.11b -- wireless capability as a standard part of
combined chipset and processor technology. Banias will be available in the first half of next year.
“Wi-Fi is one of the ripest areas for innovation in the industry,” said Pat Gelsinger, Intel Vice President and Chief
Technology Officer. “Intel will continue to play a key role in its development through investments, research, industry
programs and products.”
The Intel Communications Fund will invest in companies developing hardware and software products and services that
enable easier-to-use and more secure wireless network connections, simpler billing procedures, a more robust network
infrastructure, and new ways to connect to high-speed networks outdoors and to deliver services run over the network.
Intel Capital, Intel’s strategic investment program, has already invested approximately $US25 million in more than 10
companies in this space.
The Intel Communications Fund, managed by Intel Capital, was established in September 1999 and focuses on accelerating
Intel voice and data communications initiatives. The $US500 million fund will devote $US150 million specifically for
investment in Wi-Fi companies worldwide. The Intel Communications Fund has made more than 80 investments in 17 countries
on five continents. For more information about the fund, visit http:// http://www.intel.com/capital/portfolio/funds/icf.htm.
Intel, the world’s largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer, networking and communications
products. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.