KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: Intel Capital has invested RM50M in Green Packet Berhad (Green Packet), a provider of next-generation network solutions and services.

Intel and Green Packet's subsidiary, Packet One Networks (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (Packet One), also announced that they will work together to deploy Malaysia's first nation-wide 802.16e WiMAX network, targeted to be commercially available from June 2008.

"Intel is committed to the deployment of WiMAX globally and momentum for WiMAX is strong, with more than 280 fixed and mobile WiMAX trials and commercial deployments in 110 countries," said Arvind Sodhani, president of Intel Capital and executive vice president, Intel Corp. "Intel's investment is aimed at accelerating the proliferation of standards-based, high-speed wireless broadband globally. Packet One's intention to deploy a commercial WiMAX network represents a significant acceleration of WiMAX momentum in Asia Pacific. Intel looks forward to working with Packet One to bring the benefits of broadband to more Malaysians."

The announcement is a significant milestone for Malaysia and for WiMAX; it represents the first large-scale commercial deployment of mobile WiMAX in Southeast Asia, and the first large-scale deployment of an 802.16e 2.3GHz WiMAX network outside Korea. WiMAX delivers broadband speeds for accessing data applications such as movies and multi-media content on a variety of devices, including Intel-based notebooks.

"Intel's investment strengthens Green Packet's WiMAX business pillar, and further solidifies Packet One's position to be the first company in Malaysia to deploy a nation-wide mobile WiMAX network," explained Puan Chan Cheong, Group Managing Director and CEO of Green Packet.

"Packet One intends to be the market leader in high-speed wireless broadband access for both consumers and businesses, We will capitalize on our first-mover advantage to execute a rapid roll-out of WiMAX in Malaysia, commencing in June 2008," stated Michael Lai, CEO of Packet One. "This will give Malaysians greater choice in how and where they get connected, either in the home or workplace, or on the move."

Intel's investment and wider business engagement reflects a focus on accelerating WiMAX momentum globally. WiMAX 802.16e is a cost effective technology for fixed wireless data as well as offering portable, nomadic and mobile data services. Intel is a leading enabler of service providers as they deploy WiMAX technology, including Sprint and Clearwire in the US, UQ in Japan, and others globally.

Later this year in the US, Intel expects to offer an optional integrated WiMAX/Wi-Fi/module for notebooks based on its next-generation Intel Centrino 2 processor technology. The company plans to make its optional WiMAX capability available more broadly as WiMAX networks continue to build out around the world.