Following closing of the transactions, Motorola will supply wireless broadband equipment for Clearwire's existing and future networks globally. To hasten the proliferation of mobile WiMAX in PC clients, Intel will work to enable the inclusion of WiMAX chipsets in next-generation mobile computing platforms. All three parties will contribute significant research and development resources to evolve NextNet Wireless' pre-WiMAX technologies.
"The size of this investment from Intel Capital underscores our commitment to supporting wireless broadband using WiMAX networks in the United States," said Intel Capital President Arvind Sodhani. "Our collaboration with Clearwire and Motorola builds on the foundation of previous WiMAX network deployment investments made by Intel Capital throughout the world to bring the benefits of mobile high-speed and content-rich Internet access to wireless broadband users."
"Wi-Fi has become an essential part of people's lives. WiMAX is next. It is rapidly moving from a technology initiative to real deployments," said Sean Maloney Intel executive vice president and general manager, Mobility Group. "As Intel plans the integration of mobile WiMAX into our Centrino Mobile Technology notebook platforms, it is incredibly important to collaborate with the broadband wireless providers who will offer WiMAX services. This investment in Clearwire will lay the foundation for high-speed mobile broadband services across North America."
As part of the transaction, Motorola will acquire Clearwire's subsidiary NextNet Wireless, one of the industry's leading fixed and portable NLOS wireless broadband equipment suppliers, for an undisclosed amount. NextNet's wireless access products are currently deployed by carriers on five continents. Acquiring NextNet broadens Motorola's global portfolio of solutions to serve the rapidly growing need for wireless broadband equipment.
"We look forward to accelerating the benefits of WiMAX low-cost, high-speed wireless internet access to consumers around the world," said Greg Brown, president of Motorola's networks and enterprise business. "Our acquisition of NextNet furthers Motorola's strategy to continue to expand and profitably grow our wireless broadband business and furthers our efforts in seamless wireless broadband mobility."
"Collaborating with Intel and Motorola significantly advances our vision for fixed, portable and mobile wireless broadband services," said Craig McCaw, founder, chairman and co-CEO of Clearwire. "Wireless broadband networks will enable the creation and delivery of differentiated services and applications that enhance the way people communicate and experience the Internet."
"These agreements mark a significant milestone for Clearwire," said Ben Wolff, co-CEO of Clearwire. "We believe that there is strong demand for wireless broadband connectivity that is simple, fast, reliable and affordable. Working together with Intel and Motorola to deploy mobile WiMAX technology will provide us with the benefits of a standards-based platform, which will further enhance our efforts to address this demand."
Closing of the transactions is subject to regulatory approval and certain closing conditions.
