Wireless industry comes together for faster Wi-Fi

AMSTERDAM: A group of 27 technology companies said on Monday they have overcome their differences and that they will collaborate on a faster version of Wi-Fi wireless Internet for computers and other portable devices.

The alliance which joins previously separated camps that were heading towards their own standards include some of the biggest wireless chip makers such as Broadcom and Intel, but also network gear maker Cisco and portable computer makers Lenovo, Sony Corp and Toshiba Corp.

The companies said they want to get a global standard for the new and improved Wi-Fi ready ahead of the delayed schedule, and have already agreed on a specification which allows companies to develop new Wi-Fi chips before the actual standardisation procedure has been completed.

Although no details were provided in a release, the standardisation process is expected to be ready by 2007, while the first products will be available in 2006.