Tech giant Intel has unveiled a chip that gives access to wide-reaching wireless networks.

The new chip uses Wimax, which enables broadband connections over several miles, unlike the short range of wi-fi used in specific locations. The company has announced a series of trials with partners, including BT, around the world.

Wimax is seen as a method of extending broadband reach to whole cities, rural areas and countries with low net use. It is also seen by some analysts as a potential competitor to mobile phone networks, although such a clash is still some way off. Intel and other Wimax supporters will be hoping that the release of a chip will do for the technology what Centrino chips did for the spread of wi-fi.

The implementation of wi-fi-ready chips inside laptops by Intel helped propel the rapid growth of wi-fi networks around the world.

Source : BBC News