Motorola reaffirms commitment to proxim standard

SUNNYVALE: Wireless technology firm Motorola Inc. reaffirmed on Monday its

commitment to HomeRF, the wireless data networking standard backed by networking

equipment maker Proxim Inc., following concern that its loyalty may have been

wavering.

Motorola and Proxim said they extended a deal for Motorola to continue to

embed Proxim's HomeRF technology into its cable modems and set-top boxes. The

companies made the announcement amid speculation that Motorola would stop

backing HomeRF wireless broadband technology and switch to 802.11b or Wi-Fi

technology, which is based on a competing faster standard.

"This announcement signals the ongoing commitment of both companies to

developing HomeRF-based products," the companies said in the news release.

In March, Intel Corp. switched its allegiance for home networking equipment

standards to Wi-Fi, a consortium backed by Cisco Systems Inc., Agere Systems

Inc. and others.

(C) Reuters Limited 2001.