Intel, Pune Municipal Corporation initiate 'Unwiring Pune'

PUNE: Intel Technology India Pvt. Ltd. (Intel India), has been selected as the chief technology and program management consultant, by Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to architect an 'Unwired Pune' by 2007.

Through this endeavor, PMC proposes to deliver an easy, seamless Internet connectivity solution to citizens, businesses and academic institutions.

This wireless communication network infrastructure will cover the entire

400 sq kms of Pune city.

"As much as providing basic facilities such as sanitation, sewage, roads, street lights, health, etc, PMC would like to provide basic IT infrastructure such as stable internet connectivity to its citizens to enhance their overall outlook by exploiting the vast information pool and advantages of Internet. This will surely be a huge differentiator for Pune city and will enhance the status of moving Pune towards becoming the IT

capital of the country," said Dr Nitin Kareer, IAS, Commissioner of Pune

Municipal Corporation (PMC).

"Intel Solution Services provides in-depth knowledge and wide experience in implementing wireless technology the world over and brings its rich experience in replicating robust and reliable solutions to its customers. We are confident that Intel Solution Services will be able to deliver the desired results in Pune as well."

Intel has suggested deploying WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) and Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) technologies to empower Pune with high speed wireless Internet. Wireless connectivity will enable people to access the Internet through a laptop or personal digital assistant (PDA) without physically connecting it to a network with a cable.

Rick Echevarria, vice president, Intel Software and Solutions Group, said, "Intel believes that wireless technology, can help countries revolutionize digitally. Standard-based wireless broadband connectivity can enable technologies to facilitate better education, healthcare, agricultural productivity and income while improving small business and e-government access. 'Unwire Pune' is a prestigious project for us and we

congratulate PMC for their strategic vision and pioneering efforts"

On the technical front, Intel will create an extensible, high performance technical architecture and detailed design that will best meet PMC's requirements. Intel will also provide information and educate P.M.C in wireless technologies by conducting workshops and facilitated training programs.