Intel Invests $43M in UQ Communications for Japanese WiMax

June 8, 2009

Intel has invested $43 million (JP ¥4.15 billion) in Japan-based UQ Communications, a provider of WiMAX mobile services. UQ Communications will utilize the funding to continue the nationwide expansion of UQ WiMAX service in Japan, with the commitment to provide WiMAX coverage to 90 percent of the country by 2012.

"Intel Capital's investment in UQ Communications is one of our most significant commitments in developing the WiMAX ecosystem around the globe," said Arvind Sodhani, president of Intel Capital and Intel executive vice president. "UQ's WiMAX deployment in Japan is a spectacular example of technology innovation being put to work."

"UQ Communications values Intel Capital's investment to help expand our WiMAX service in Japan," said Takashi Tanaka, CEO of UQ Communications. "We look forward to further collaboration with Intel and Intel Capital."

Intel has played a large role in the proliferation of the WiMAX global standard. The company has worked closely with computing and communications manufacturers to embed WiMAX-enabled chipsets in devices, and has made significant capital investments worldwide to help service providers build and deploy networks as well as address spectrum and regulatory needs. To date, nearly 460 WiMAX networks have been deployed in 135 countries.

UQ Communications recently launched trial service of its UQ WiMAX in Tokyo's 23 wards, Yokohama and Kawasaki, and the Haneda Airport (Tokyo International Airport). UQ Communications will formally launch UQ WiMAX service on July 1.

Working closely with OEMs, Intel is providing embedded WiMAX laptops based on Intel Centrino 2 processor technology to enable mobile WiMAX broadband Internet access. The two companies will also work with PC vendors and MVNOs to deliver a range of initiatives and promotional activities driving the adoption of WiMAX technology and creating greater awareness for the global WiMAX ecosystem.

With WiMAX, users can enjoy rich, interactive content outdoors and on the go as mobile broadband Internet access traditionally requires a fixed broadband connection. Together, Intel and UQ are helping to enable wireless Internet connectivity with WiMAX, forming alliances with a number of companies in the industry and offering a range of new digital equipment and services designed to enhance user experience.

As part of this new initiative, UQ Communications has unveiled a novel fee structure that will make it easy for new users to subscribe. Meanwhile, Intel will offer the Intel WiMAX/Wi-Fi Link 5150, an embedded module supporting both wireless LAN and WiMAX, providing flexible Internet connectivity and high-speed communications with WiMAX. Toshiba, Panasonic and Onkyo have today unveiled notebook PCs which integrate the module and Intel Centrino processor technology. The laptops, as well as other products, are scheduled to debut next month in Japan.

Said Takashi Tanaka, president of UQ Communications: "We are glad to welcome this major milestone. Working with Intel, we are on the road to full mobile broadband access, and, remarkably, in just 18 months since UQ Communications obtained a Mobile WiMAX license. A feature of Mobile WiMAX is that its infrastructure is open, both to people who want to use WiMAX, and to businesses that want to enter the WiMAX market. In collaboration with PC makers, MVNOs, and various other industries, we will enable true mobile broadband access, with UQ constructing a high-speed, advanced WiMAX network, while Intel enables WiMAX modules to be built into all kinds of devices."

"Intel looks forward to the UQ Communications WiMAX service launch next month in Japan," said Sean Maloney, executive vice president and chief sales and marketing officer of Intel Corporation. "The next-generation wireless Internet broadband from UQ will be one of the most advanced networks in the world, further driving global adoption of WiMAX. Intel also welcomes today’s announcement that Intel Centrino 2 processor technology-based laptops with embedded WiMAX will be introduced in the Japanese market, a huge leap forward in the continued development and expansion of the global WiMAX ecosystem."