Taipei, Nov. 3, 2008 (CENS)--Intel Corp., the world`s leading developer of CPUs, is seen to invest more than US$500 million in Taiwan`s WiMAX (worldwide interoperability for microwave access) industry in the next five years, which is expected to enable Taiwan to take the lead in the global industry of the wireless technology, according to industry sources.

With participation of Taiwanese major electronics companies, including Asustek Computer Inc., Acer Inc., Quanta Computer Corp. and Compal Electronics Inc., Paul Otellini, CEO of Intel, last week signed a cooperation plan with Taiwan`s Ministry of Economic Affairs to set up an MEC (Moblin Enabling Center) and help bolster the development of WiMAX technology on the island.

Intel officials noted that their company is planning to invest mainly in WiMAX network service providers initially, and then in smaller WiMAX applications and related devices developers that are short of resources to introduce WiMAX technology, instead of large-sized ones, in a bid to build a full WiMAX eco-system solution on the island.

In the meantime, Intel is also going to promote its Moblin, an open source project, to develop Linux-based platforms for MID (Mobile Internet Device) and Netbooks. Plus, the firm has acquired controlling stakes in Vmax Telecom Co., a joint venture between Teco Group and Compal Group, for US$11.5 million, in an effort to help construct Taiwan`s first four-generation wireless network.

Liu Chao-kai, chairman of VMAX, noted that with Intel to gain a seat in the VMAX board, his company is scheduled to launch WiMAX services in northern Taiwan in the first half of next year.

Besides, Acer and Asustek plan to launch own-brand notebook PCs built with WiMAX network, both believing that increasing popularity of notebook PCs will surely fuel demand for the mobile network service all over the world in the future.

(by Steve Chuang)