New Zealand misses out on Intel mobile money

By RICHARD WOOD

SYDNEY- Intel is investing US$150 million globally to bring "WiFi" wireless technology to the masses, but so far New Zealand firms have missed out.

WiFi involves the use of "hotspots" where high speed internet can be accessed wirelessly by notebook computers.

Intel launched its new Centrino notebook processor and wireless technology today and will spend US$300 million to market the new chip. It is counting on wireless networking to drive PC sales and wants Centrino-powered laptops to work easily with wireless services being offered by airports and restaurant chains such as McDonald's.

At a launch event in Sydney an Intel spokesman confirmed no investments had been made in New Zealand from the investment fund announced last year.

He also confirmed that New Zealand wireless providers have not been part of a testing and verification program to ensure WiFi networks are compatible with Centrino-based notebooks.

Intel said internationally this program has so far resulted in "thousands" of Centrino verified hotspots and it expects to reach 10,000 by the end of the year.

While the lack of verification is not expected to be a barrier to compatibility, the process means WiFi operators can use signage bearing the Centrino brand name under a program called the Wireless Identfier Program.

In Sydney Intel has been working with wireless providers Optus, Telstra, Azure, and Xone and 95 locations are now allowed to carry the Centrino signage including bookstores, coffee shops, shopping centres, hairdressers and hotels.

Intel's spokesman defended this apparent slight of New Zealand on the basis that Sydney was "one of the lucky ones" and there hasn't been a comprehensive attempt to reach all corners of the globe.

"We absolutely do want to go to New Zealand," he said. The Herald understands Intel has had discussions with firms such as Walker Wireless and Auckland wireless innovator RoamAD.

IDC has predicted there will be 118,000 WiFi hotspots worldwide by 2005.

* Richard Wood travelled to to Sydney as a guest of Intel.