Intel invests in Taiwan mobile WiMax

Intel has signed an agreement with the Taiwan ministry of economic affairs to jointly establish a centre for open-source software and applications intended for WiMax client devices based on the Intel Atom processor.

Announcing the deal on Thursday in Taiwan, Intel president and chief executive Paul Otellini said Intel Capital, the company's global investment arm, would invest $11.5m (£6.7m) in the Taiwanese carrier Vmax. According to Otellini, Intel Capital's intended investment and the company's accompanying business deal will help Vmax to deploy Taiwan's first mobile WiMax network "within the first half of next year".

The aim of the deal is for Moblin, the open-source development environment for the Intel Atom, to be used to develop new software and applications "to deliver a richer, on-the-go internet experience on the next generation of connected devices", Intel said in a statement.

"As the internet evolves, the industry has an opportunity to deliver what consumers are seeking — a fast, seamless and personal mobile internet experience, regardless of device or location," said Otellini. "Intel and Taiwan will continue to collaborate to create growth opportunities for the industry."

According to Intel, the investment in Taiwan is part of the company's continuing effort to promote the WiMax standard. "Intel has invested in 30 WiMax technology companies and service providers worldwide," the company's statement continued.

"WiMax is a key component of Intel's strategy to enable the truly mobile internet," said Otellini. "Intel Capital's investment in Vmax positions it to deliver Taiwan's first 4G wireless network."