Intel Backs Worldwide Wi-Fi Networks

Intel has put its marketing muscle and investment capital behind two Wi-Fi public-access networks in the United States and another two in the U.K. to help build the infrastructure needed to support demand for computers equipped with its Centrino mobile processor. The new chip, which features built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, is scheduled for a splashy debut in New York on March 12.

Intel announced Monday that it has formed a joint marketing campaign with Toshiba Computer Systems Group to promote the use of Wi-Fi public-access "hot spots." Last week, Irvine, California-based TCSG launched its "hot spot in a box" project to install 10,000 Wi-Fi public-access nodes in the United States by year's end.

"Intel and Toshiba are working together to advance wireless computing for mobile PC users by enabling broadband hot spots across the country," Anand Chandrasekher, vice president and general manager of Intel's Mobile Platforms Group, said in a statement. "Our joint efforts provide business customers and consumers with the mobile computing devices and the network that enables the freedom and flexibility to wirelessly work and play."

Working Together

In December, Intel, AT&T, and IBM formed Cometa Networks to back development of a nationwide Wi-Fi network. The Basking Ridge, New Jersey-based company wants to jump-start development and deployment of public-access wireless LANs. The goal is to have Wi-Fi hot spots within a 5-minute walk from any point in urban America, or within a 5-minute drive in the suburbs, according to Intel spokesperson Daniel Francisco.

Efforts to expand wireless access are also gathering steam in the U.K. Last week, Inspired Broadcast Networks in London announced plans to deploy a nationwide Wi-Fi network called The Cloud to more than 3000 sites--primarily pubs--by the end of this year. That initiative would be done in partnership with Intel and is also linked to the Centrino launch, according to Stacy Smith, vice president and general manager of Intel's Europe, Middle East, and Africa division.

Intel Capital, the company's investment arm, made an investment of an undisclosed amount last month in London-based Broadreach Networks, which operates 4000 hot spots throughout the U.K. Virgin Group is also an investor in Broadreach, and Robert Samuelson, Virgin's director of corporate development, said the London-based company is interested in deploying Wi-Fi public-access hot spots at its music stores and rail operations.

Intel also said that its capital unit made an undisclosed investment in Pleasanton, California-based Pronto Networks, which provides provisioning, configuration, and authentication services for carriers that operate Wi-Fi networks. Intel Capital has also invested in Bellevue, Washington-based RovingIP.net, which provides roaming services for Wi-Fi network operators.

Product Plans

On the Wi-Fi hardware side, Vivato said Monday it has received an unspecified investment from Intel. San Francisco-based Vivato has developed a wireless antenna that it claims boosts the range of wireless signals from hundreds of feet to four miles.

Sean Maloney, Intel executive vice president and general manager of the company's communications group, said in a statement that the Vivato investment is part of the company's strategy to build "an ecosystem of complementary technologies that will drive demand for Intel's mobile computing products."