Intel Corp. makes "holistic" push to boost PC use

By Jeff Franks

AUSTIN, Texas - Intel Corp will expand its effort to provide inexpensive

computers and promote WiMax broadband Internet service in developing countries

with a $1 billion "holistic" push to increase computer usage, chief

executive Paul Otellini said on Wednesday.

Otellini, in a speech at the World Congress on Information Technology, said

the No. 1 chip maker plans to train 10 million teachers to use computers in the

classroom as part of a program called "The World Ahead," which was

announced on Tuesday.

Mexico President Vicente Fox said in a videotaped message that Intel would

give low-cost computers and Internet connections to 300,000 Mexican teachers.

Otellini, giving new details about the five-year program, said Intel's plan

was to offer cheap computers, but also increase Internet availability and

training on how to use it.

"It's a holistic approach to reach the next billion computer

users," Otellini said of the latest initiative. "We want to accelerate

access to uncompromised technology to everyone in the world."

Intel microprocessors power most of the world's personal computers, but the

Santa Clara, California-based company is seeking new markets to offset slowing

growth in wealthy, PC-saturated countries.

Even before "World Ahead," Intel promoted inexpensive PCs for

developing countries, where most people cannot afford the current models and may

not have access to the Internet.

Otellini displayed a portable computer designed for students in India that,

to increase durability, uses only flash drive memory, is powered by a

cool-running processor to prevent overheating in a tropical climate and has a

backup system that can use a car battery for power when electricity is off.

The laptop, to be built by local computer companies using an Intel design, is

set to go on the market early next year and sell below $400.

The idea is to offer fully-functional computers for 20 percent below current

prices in the local markets and tailored to local needs.

"Decreasing the price point is important. And one size doesn't fit

all," Otellini said.

Intel would equip computers with both WiFi and WiMax capability and would

promote WiMax development as an inexpensive way to provide widespread Internet

service. WiMax is sort of a beefed up WiFi technology that offers high-speed

Internet over a long range.

"Less than 5 percent of the world has access to broadband,"

Otellini said. "WiMax is the means of delivering low-cost broadband to the

world."

He said Intel would invest half a billion dollars over the next five years to

make WiMax broadband more widely available.