|
|
|
|
|
Intel Capital, Pipex create broadband wireless company in the UK
|
|
Apr 20, 2006
Intel Capital, Intel’s venture capital investment organization, and PIPEX Communications PLC, a major UK-based telecommunications provider, have jointly formed PIPEX Wireless, a wireless operator which will provide broadband services in major metropolitan areas. These services are designed to meet the needs of consumers, enterprises and governments for wireless broadband, including citywide “hotspot” wireless access.
Intel Capital is investing US$25 million in the new company while PIPEX has transferred its entire 3.6GHz UK spectrum license to PIPEX Wireless to deploy services based on WiMAX (Wireless Interoperability for Microwave Access). WiMAX is a broadband wireless technology designed to provide Internet access over long distances. Intel and PIPEX are the company’s only shareholders.
“WiMAX technology improves the economics of broadband access by lowering costs and providing exciting new service models for customers,” said Arvind Sodhani, Intel Capital president. “This investment is part of Intel Capital’s continued effort to deploy broadband access globally using competitive WiMAX-based technology solutions.”
PIPEX Wireless anticipates the roll-out of its network to begin in London and Manchester in 2007, and target the top eight population centers by 2008. The company is investigating several locations for trial deployments this year. PIPEX Wireless expects to eventually roll out wireless broadband services to the top 50 UK population centers.
|
|
|
|
