Intel Capital invest RM50m in Malaysia's Green Packet to advance Wimax

Intel Capital announced that it has invested RM50M in Green Packet Berhad (Green Packet), a provider of next-generation network solutions and services.  Intel and Green Packet’s subsidiary, Packet One Networks (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (Packet One), also today announced that they will work together to deploy Malaysia’s first nation-wide 802.16e WiMAX network, targeted to be commercially available from June 2008.
 
“Intel is committed to the deployment of WiMAX globally and momentum for WiMAX is strong, with more than 280 fixed and mobile WiMAX trials and commercial deployments in 110 countries,” said Arvind Sodhani, president of Intel Capital and executive vice president, Intel Corporation. “Intel’s investment is aimed at accelerating the proliferation of standards-based, high-speed wireless broadband globally.  Packet One’s intention to deploy a commercial WiMAX network represents a significant acceleration of WiMAX momentum in Asia Pacific.  Intel looks forward to working with Packet One to bring the benefits of broadband to more Malaysians.”

Left to right: Mr. Michael Lai, CEO of Packet One Networks (M) Sdn Bhd (P1) and CEO of Green Packet International, Mr. Puan Chan Cheong, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Green Packet, Dato’ Dr. Craig Barrett, Chairman, Intel Corporation, Mr. Sudheer Kuppam, Managing Director, Intel Capital India, Japan, Australasia and South-East Asia

 
The announcement is a significant milestone for Malaysia and for WiMAX; it represents the first large-scale commercial deployment of mobile WiMAX in Southeast Asia, and the first large-scale deployment of an 802.16e 2.3GHz WiMAX network outside Korea. WiMAX delivers broadband speeds for accessing data applications such as movies and multi-media content on a variety of devices, including Intel-based notebooks.
 
“Intel’s investment strengthens Green Packet’s WiMAX business pillar, and further solidifies Packet One’s position to be the first company in Malaysia to deploy a nation-wide mobile WiMAX network,” explained Puan Chan Cheong, Group Managing Director and CEO of Green Packet.
 
“Packet One intends to be the market leader in high-speed wireless broadband access for both consumers and businesses, We will capitalize on our first-mover advantage to execute a rapid roll-out of WiMAX in Malaysia, commencing in June 2008,” stated Michael Lai, CEO of Packet One. “This will give Malaysians greater choice in how and where they get connected, either in the home or workplace, or on the move.”
 
Intel’s investment and wider business engagement reflects a focus on accelerating WiMAX momentum globally.  WiMAX 802.16e is a cost effective technology for fixed wireless data as well as offering portable, nomadic and mobile data services.  Intel is a leading enabler of service providers as they deploy WiMAX technology, including Sprint and Clearwire in the U.S., UQ in Japan, and others globally.
 
Later this year in the U.S., Intel expects to offer an optional integrated WiMAX/Wi-Fi/module for notebooks based on its next-generation Intel® Centrino® 2 processor technology. The company plans to make its optional WiMAX capability available more broadly as WiMAX networks continue to build out around the world.
 

 
About Intel Capital
 
Intel Capital, Intel's global investment organization, makes equity investments in innovative technology start-ups and companies worldwide. Intel Capital invests in a broad range of companies offering hardware, software, and services targeting enterprise, home, mobility, health, consumer Internet, semiconductor manufacturing and cleantech. Since 1991, Intel Capital has invested more than US$7.5 billion in approximately 1,000 companies in 45 countries. In that timeframe, 168 portfolio companies have gone public on various exchanges around the world and 212 were acquired or participated in a merger. In 2007, Intel Capital invested about US$639 million in 166 deals with approximately 37 percent of funds invested outside the United States. For more information on Intel Capital and its differentiated advantages, visit www.intelcapital.com. 
 
Intel, the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live. Additional information is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.
 
About Green Packet Berhad / Packet One Networks (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
 
KLSE listed, Green Packet Berhad is a leading global developer of next generation mobile broadband networking solutions.  Green Packet’s mission is to provide a seamless and unified platform for the delivery of user centric multimedia communication and services regardless of the nature and availability of the backbone infrastructure. For more information about Green Packet, visit www.greenpacket.com.
 
Packet One Networks (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd is poised to be the next generation broadband provider that innovates technology, products and services to enhance the way people work, live, learn and play by becoming the first in Malaysia to capitalize on, and commercially deploy WiMAX.  For more information about Packet One, visit www.p1.com.my.