By Margie Dickman, Senior Policy Counsel at IntelSean Maloney, executive vice president and chief sales and marketing officer at Intel, gave the keynote address at the WCAI's Wireless Policy Summit in Washington, DC on May 5. He highlighted the primary role that mobile wireless broadband platforms such as WiMAX can play in fulfilling the purposes of NTIA and RUS stimulus funding and achieving universal, affordable, high-quality broadband penetration in the U.S.
Mr. Maloney stated that commercial mobile wireless broadband is here today on attractive terms. In particular, he touted the benefits of 4G mobile WiMAX technology for cost-efficient reach to the greatest population of users in unserved and underserved areas. One chart in his presentation showed that 4G wireless can be deployed for 1/20 of the cost of fiber in rural areas (see graphic). Mr. Maloney stated that “WiMAX is the best choice to deliver the future … today” because – in addition to being low cost – it is the most spectrally efficient broadband technology, utilizes an all IP network, and is based on an open mobile Internet business model.Mr. Maloney also expressed the need for NTIA and RUS to balance funding for broadband supply (network deployment) and demand (PC education and ownership) in their stimulus programs. He noted that a number of other nations – including China, India, Portugal, and Australia – are focusing on spurring broadband demand in their stimulus efforts by providing subsidies, rebates, and tax refunds for PC purchases by residential consumers and small and medium businesses.
Global Director & Managing Counsel, Internet of Things Policy