Our goal is an integrated region of connected villages, municipalities and countries that enjoy the full capabilities of technology," Intel Chairman Dr. Craig Barett told reporters yesterday.
Through infrastructure enablement and broadband initiatives, Intel is committed to transforming Southeast Asia into a region of digital nations where technology is available, accessible and affordable to everyone," he explained.
Intel’ d-ASEAN vision will bring about a new standards-based wireless broadband connectivity to the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand by the end of this year, with Indonesia and Vietnam coming on board in 2006, according to the Intel Chairman.
Already, Intel has started pilot-testing Wi-MAX with GlobeQuest, the corporate voice and data arm of Innove Communications Inc., in Cavite over a month ago. Malaysia has just started conducting WiMAX field trials this December and trials are expected to begin in Thailand soon.
We are also in discussions with the other telephone companies in the Philippines for Wi-MAX (such as Smart Communications Inc., Bayan Telecommunications Inc., Digitel and others)," revealed Peter Choong, Intel Technology Asia Pte. Ltd. Director.
Worldwide, some 25 to 30 Wi-MAX trials are being conducted at present. Intel expects the Wi-MAX trials will increase to 100 by next year.
The company also believes that WiMAX, which provides greater broadband connectivity over longer-range distances, will best deliver technology to areas previously not served. A single WiMAX antenna can range up to 64.4 kilometers (40 miles) with speeds of 70 megabits per second or more.
Our digital agenda for Southeast Asia is to build up broadband infrastructure not just in urban areas but in rural areas as well, says Dr. Barret.
The Asian market is our largest market. This region is important for us from the resource and sales marketing standpoint, the Chairman underscored.
Barrett said Intel will invest US$230 million dollars in Malaysia as part of a three-year expansion plan.
The project, which will see the creation of a development center and an additional assembly and test site in Kulim in northern Kedah state, will create 2,000 jobs in the region, he said.
The investment will be spread out over two to three years, with commercial production scheduled for mid-2007, he said.
Intel Malaysia, Intel’s largest operational site outside the United States, currently has 10,000 employees in Kulim as well as northern Penang state and the capital Kuala Lumpur.
Intel has spent some 3.0 billion dollars in Malaysia over the past 33 years, it said.
