Intel, the world`s largest chipmaker, expects to work with more than 100 cities around the globe to improve public services, using the latest wireless technology, an executive said yesterday.
By working with city governments, Intel aims to develop the market for WiMax, an emerging technology that promises to cover entire cites with high-speed wireless Internet links.
City authorities are seen as some of the primary users of WiMax technologies, the next generation beyond WiFi systems, which transmit wireless data over short distances.
Intel expects to build on its success in single-handedly popularising the use of WiFi. Since 2003, the company has heavily promoted the concept, working with companies building WiFi networks in caf'es and incorporating the technology directly into most laptop computer chips.
Anand Chandrasekher, VP of sales marketing group, said Intel was already helping 13 communities in the US and internationally on wireless projects using technologies like WiFi and could expand its work in the coming months.
"I would not be surprised if, from the 13 or so concepts we have today, this number grows to 100 or so within the next year-to-18-months horizon," Chandrasekher said in a conference call.
He said Intel was working on the wireless projects with such network gear and computer companies as Cisco Systems, Dell, IBM and SAP.
Cities outside of the US that are working on the wireless initiative include Taipei and Jerusalem, both of which have plans to test WiMax within a year, added Chandrasekher.
US cities involved in the wireless projects include Philadelphia and Cleveland, which wants to see how wireless can help its city workers such as police and building inspectors do their jobs more efficiently.
Officials in Corpus Christi, Texas, are also testing technologies such as wireless video links that could potentially help police and medical workers prepare for emergency situations, Chandrasekher said.
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