Intel Tries To Spur Wireless Cities Momentum

What if you could watch news on your cell phone while waiting for the subway in the morning? Or how about an emergency worker accessing and sending medical data in real-time using a handheld? It’s mostly pie-in-the-wireless-sky at the moment, given the lack of wireless infrastructure in most cities. They’re the kind of applications, though, that are drivers behind Intel Corp.’s Digital Communities initiative, which it launched Thursday hoping to increase cities’ adoption of wireless technology.

Thirteen pilot cities have already jumped on the opportunity and Intel says that number is expected to grow to 100 over the next year.

Intel is working with Cisco, Dell, IBM, Microsoft, SAP, and several other IT vendors that will build applications for these cities. Intel is sending out architects to work with regional governments to create blueprints for citywide wireless networks and services. "Our vision is to unwire the communities and layer on services and applications on top of [their wireless networks] to make life better for people," said Anand Chandrasekher, VP and director of Intel’s sales and marketing group, during a press conference.

By Elena Malykhina
InformationWeek

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