Alvarion and Intel join hands at AfricaCom

Alvarion, the world's leading provider of WiMax and wireless broadband solutions, has announced that it is creating WiMax Zone Rapid Deployment Kits (RDKs) to enable carriers quick and easy deployment of broadband services in small to medium-sized emerging market areas.

The solution has been created in conjunction with the Intel World Ahead Programme - a programme with the objective to bring affordable technology to the next one billion people, including connectivity. Alvarion and Intel plan to promote these RDKs at AfricaCom, and assist prospective carriers with regulatory and NGO relationships, as well as develop broadband go-to-market strategies. A joint demonstration takes place at the Alvarion stand (C12A) at AfricaCom, Cape Town Convention Centre, on 18 and 19 November.

Emerging market operators can benefit from the following features offered through this solution:

* Equipment to support one to five cells
* Third-party deployment, management and training services
* Marketing consulting support
* Financial strategy assistance

“Alvarion is proud to provide innovative WiMax solutions as part of the Intel World Ahead Programme, aimed at improving communications infrastructure in emerging markets,” says Tzvika Friedman, president and CEO of Alvarion. “This project further demonstrates our continuous focus and effort to provide products and solutions that specifically address emerging market needs. This also adds another dimension to our relationship with Intel as we support Intel's unique project for connecting millions of people to the Internet.”

Both Intel and Alvarion believe that WiMax provides an easy to deploy solution for supporting broadband connectivity in emerging markets, says John Davies, Vice-President, Sales and Marketing Group at Intel and General Manager of the Intel World Ahead Programme. “We look forward to working with Alvarion on solutions that provide great flexibility and performance needed for these kinds of projects.”