Intel Corp. and Motorola unveiled plans to collaboratively foster greater industry momentum for WiMAX and to advance the use of mobile WiMAX technology, based on the proposed IEEE 802.16e standard, for both fixed and wireless broadband applications. The firms will ensure compatibility between equipment from Motorola and customer equipment based on chips from Intel.

“By working with Motorola on mobile WiMAX standards and technology, we can jointly develop and test equipment to meet the requirements necessary for truly mobile broadband,” said Scott Richardson, general manager of Intel’s Broadband Wireless Division.

Intel and Motorola plan to collaborate on specification efforts within the WiMAX Forum in an effort to ensure that network and device interoperability issues are addressed adequately. Particularly, the companies agreed to support the anticipated ratification of the 802.16e standard.

In addition to working jointly to advance WiMAX standards, the companies plan to work together on interoperability testing of Motorola mobile devices, network equipment, and customer premises equipment with Intel products, the firms indicated.

“Teaming with Intel to work on 802.16e standards and interoperability matters will complement our strategy of using 802.16e with our MOTOwi4 WiMAX solutions,” said Dan Coombes, chief technology officer, Motorola Networks.

The MOTOwi4 portfolio includes fixed and mobile broadband solutions designed to meet the different needs of wireless, wireline, and cable operators for lower cost delivery of data rich multimedia applications and services. The portfolio extends beyond access point solutions to encompass mobile devices, customer premises equipment, PC cards, in-vehicle public safety devices and services.