Intel into LAS-CDMA Technology?
Oct. 30
Santa Clara, Calif.-based Intel has already set its sights on fourth-generation mobile technology.
The chip giant, which has already confirmed its interest in developing chipsets for third generation
mobile equipment, last week made its second investment in nascent LAS-CDMA technology
company LinkAir.
LinkAir has developed and plans to license the air interface for LAS-CDMA, which it says will reach
data speeds of more than 5 Mbps over mobile networks.
This would create data speeds more than twice as fast as the 2 Mbps which is being expected from
3G.
Referring to its higher capacity, LinkAir said the offering will be able to enhance today's
second-generation and future 3G networks and "drive the fourth generation of wireless."
Intel would not comment on the LinkAir technology or the possibility that it might choose to use
LAS-CDMA as part of its mobile product offering.
However, at least three facts suggest that this will be the case.
Intel has a reputation for using technology from the companies it invests in, including for example,
embedded Linux developer Montavista Software and United Kingdom-based Cambridge Silicon
Radio.
Second, LinkAir is looking for manufacturers to produce its technology.
Finally, Intel has produced a development framework for handheld chip architecture for
next-generation equipment - the Intel Personal Internet Client Architecture.
"While Intel might use technology from companies that we invest in, that's not the case with most
investments. Most of our investments either complement or create pull for our products," Robert
Manetta, a spokesperson for Intel Capital, the company's investment arm, said.
"The demand for wireless data speeds that rival landline connections is growing at an unprecedented
rate," said Cadol Cheung, director of strategic investment for Intel Capital Asia Pacific. "As such, we
believe that wireless technologies -- like LAS-CDMA -- stand to have a dramatic impact on the way
companies and consumers do business [over the Internet]."
Santa Clara, Calif.-based LinkAir Communications hopes to trial its technology with service providers
in the second half of next year. So far it is in talks with two Chinese operators China Unicom and
China Mobile and some U.S. service providers.
(Computerwire) |
