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Intel, Optus Mobile, Azure Wireless and Xone Promote Wireless Broadband

Announcement posted by Intel 05 May 2003

Intel has entered into three separate agreements with Optus Mobile, Azure Wireless and Xone to launch joint marketing campaigns to promote their Wi-Fi* (802.11) high-speed wireless Internet services. The programs coincide with the recently introduced Intel Centrino(tm) mobile technology for notebook PCs that feature built-in wireless capability.
Intel will work with these companies to drive awareness of access points where notebook users can wirelessly connect to the Internet and corporate networks at fast speeds at public places such as airports, book stores and coffee shops.
At the Intel Centrino Mobile Technology launch on March 12, Intel announced it had worked with Optus Mobile, Azure Wireless, Xone and Telstra to 'verify' their networks. Formal agreements to work together on joint marketing initiatives, including advertising, on-line marketing campaigns and co-branded signage to drive awareness for wireless 'hot spot' locations have now been signed with Optus Mobile, Azure Wireless and Xone.
There are currently more than 100 Australian hot spots verified and covered under this agreement including Melbourne's Chapel St precinct (Azure), Sydney's MLC Centre (Optus) and Greenwood Plaza in North Sydney (Xone).
A full list of verified 'hot spots' can be found at the Intel 'hot spot' finder -http://www.intel.com/products/mobiletechnology/hotspots/finder.htm.
"As part of establishing Intel Centrino Mobile Technology, Intel is working with many leading companies to accelerate the deployment of 802.11 wireless communication capabilities in private and public places. The overall goal is to help reduce the two major Wi-Fi adoption barriers: availability and awareness," said David Bolt, General Manager, Australia and New Zealand.
Intel's new Centrino mobile technology includes a new mobile processor, chipset and built-in Wi-Fi capability that have been designed to work together to enable a great wireless notebook experience. This technology is implemented in PC manufacturers' notebook computers and is available now.
The Intel Centrino mobile technology brand represents Intel's best technology for mobile computing and is designed to deliver an unwired computing experience while enabling extended battery life, outstanding mobile performance and thinner and lighter form factors.
"Notebook users want the freedom of being unwired while enjoying longer battery life and cutting-edge performance when they are accessing the Internet," said Mr Bolt. "Intel is pleased to work with Australia's leading wireless service providers to enable a great user experience with Intel Centrino mobile technology at 'hot spots' around the country."
In addition to marketing and promotional activities, Intel has developed the Wireless Verification Program which includes engineering and testing of Intel Centrino mobile technology with various access point devices, software combinations, 'hot spot' locations and wireless service providers to verify they are compatible, further enhancing the end user's wireless experience. Intel's efforts have already resulted in more than 100 verified hot spots in Australia and thousands worldwide.
About Intel
Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer, networking and communications products. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.
-ENDS-
Intel and Centrino are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.
* Other marks and brands may be claimed as the property of others. Note: Important Information: Wireless connectivity and some features may require you to purchase additional software, services or external hardware. Availability of public wireless LAN access points limited. System performance measured by MobileMark* 2002. System performance, battery life, wireless performance and functionality will vary depending on your specific hardware and software configurations. See http://www.intel.com/products/centrino/more_info for more information.