Motorola to develop silicon chipsets for WiMAX devices

New Delhi, Aug 30 (UNI) Motorola Inc today announced a strategic initiative to develop mobile WiMAX chipsets for use in Motorola's WiMAX devices.

This investment in chipset design demonstrates Motorola's on-going commitment to WiMAX and expands its role as a leader in end-to-end WiMAX solutions, beyond infrastructure and handsets to the core implementation of WiMAX in chipsets.

Motorola has been investing in the development and deployment of WiMAX -- from infrastructure to advanced silicon, said Motorola Mobile Devices Business President Ron Garriques.

''Enhanced speed for data, as well as cost efficiencies and network optimisation for wireless operators are just some of the benefits that are fueling excitement and accelerated adoption of WiMAX across the industry.'' Motorola's initial chipset will focus on core 802.16e mobile WiMAX functionality supporting voice, video, and data for low power mobile applications in handsets and modules.

The first chipsets are scheduled to support commercial Motorola WiMAX devices in 2008 for carriers in North America, Japan and around the world including Sprint and others.

Motorola is working with its silicon vendors on the overall fabrication of the new chipsets.

''Sprint Nextel's ability to offer customers a nationwide mobile data network depends in part on broad availability of mobile WiMAX-enabled chipsets for advanced wireless broadband services,'' said Mr Atish Gude, senior VP Corporate Strategy, Sprint Nextel.

Motorola, a player in the wireless and broadband communications, recorded sales of 35.3 billion dollars in 2005.

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