According to Intel, the WiMAX chips is just around the corner. Eric Bangeman reports that the chip will be based on the IEEE 802.16 wireless broadband standard. He goes on to state the deployments by Intel are scheduled to start in 2005.

Intel is moving closer towards launching its WiMAX chip, as it has begun sampling the chip to “strategic partners” with an eye towards launch next year. Based on the IEEE 802.16 wireless broadband standard, WiMAX has been touted as a high-speed, wireless broadband solution for both rural and urban markets. Trial deployments are slated to begin sometime in 2005, provided the 700MHz spectrum WiMAX plans to use is “cleaned up” and made available.