Intel And New Zealand’s Reach Wireless Join Forces

20 September 2004

Intel And New Zealand’s Reach Wireless Join Forces On Tested Hotspots For Wireless Professionals

New Zealand based Reach Wireless has been added to Intel’s international Wireless Verification Program. The program is designed to enhance the user experience for owners of Intel® Centrino™ mobile technology-based notebooks by testing the compatibility of various access point devices and wireless service providers with common configurations of notebooks built on the technology.

The two companies have agreed to drive the deployment and application of 802.11-based high-speed Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) in New Zealand to enable mobile professionals and personal users to wirelessly connect to the Internet and corporate networks with broadband speed at public areas such as coffee houses, hotels, service stations, and other areas across the country. The companies will roll out a series of co-marketing initiatives to increase awareness and use of wireless services throughout the country.

Reach Wireless seeks to provide the most widely available public wireless network in New Zealand, now with more than 100 active hotspot locations. This includes Auckland University and the Auckland Central Business District (CBD) Wi-Fi Zone, which covers much of central Auckland and is believed to be the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

Reach Wireless joins the ranks of more than 115 service providers worldwide whose networks have been verified as part of Intel’s Wireless Verification Program. The global program aims to enable interoperability and enhance end users’ wireless experience with Intel® Centrino™ mobile technology-based notebooks. Intel has already verified more than 40,000 hotspots worldwide.

“Notebook users want the freedom of wireless while enjoying longer battery life and cutting-edge performance when they are accessing the Internet,” says Kate Burleigh, co-marketing manager for Intel Australia and New Zealand. “Intel is pleased to be working with Reach Wireless to enable a reliable user experience with Intel Centrino mobile technology at Reach Wireless hot spots throughout New Zealand.”

“The tide is rising on WiFi in New Zealand and the verification of the Reach Wireless network underlines Intel’s commitment to make the wireless computing model as successful here as it is becoming overseas,” says Steve Simms general manger at Reach Wireless. “Through notebooks with Intel Centrino mobile technology and a range of other integrated devices, people across the country have the ability to communicate and roam seamlessly via the Reach Wireless WiFi network, providing true office portability for business users.”

Users can access the Reach Wireless WiFi network from selected Starbucks Coffee and BP Connect outlets; retail chain Big Byte also offers the service from a number of its nationwide stores. Pre-paid vouchers can be purchased at selected vendors or via the Reach Wireless website.

Intel’s Centrino mobile technology includes a mobile processor, chipset and built-in WiFi capability designed to work together to enable a great wireless notebook experience. The Intel Centrino mobile technology brand represents Intel’s best technology for mobile computing and is designed to deliver an unwired computing experience while enabling extended battery life, outstanding mobile performance and thinner and lighter form factors.

ENDS

Intel and Centrino are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.

*Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

Note: Important Information: Wireless connectivity and some features may require you to purchase additional software, services or external hardware. Availability of public wireless LAN access points limited. System performance measured by MobileMark* 2002. System performance, battery life, wireless performance and functionality will vary depending on your specific hardware and software configurations. See http://www.intel.com/products/centrino/more_info for more information. .

About Reach Wireless Reach Wireless is a New Zealand-based Wi-Fi service provider that operates seamless roaming for customers between Wi-Fi Hotspots and Zones. Additional information about Reach Wireless is available at www.reachwireless.co.nz

About Intel Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer, networking and communications products. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.

ENDS

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