Wifi Revolution

Intel Corporation has created a wireless, high-speed Internet network in Parintins, a remote town on an island in the Amazon River, as part of its Intel (News - Alert) World Ahead Program. The initiative provides residents with access to resources of medical, educational and commercial knowledge. Intel plans to invest more than $1 billion globally over the next five years to accelerate access to technology and the Internet for residents of developing communities.

Bring digital technology to Parintins is expected to improve the healthcare and education quality of its 114,000 residents as well as create advancement opportunities for future generations. Intel installed a WiMAX network for a primary healthcare center, two public schools, a community center and Amazon University through a collaboration with the Brazilian government and business and education officials. The company also donated and installed telemedicine equipment at the health center, as well as computer labs at the two schools.

Intel worked with Cisco, CPqD, Embratel, Proxim and the Bradesco Foundation on the technology initiative, as well as Amazonas State University, Amazonas Federal University and Sao Paulo University. The company has already trained 24 teachers through its education initiatives in Parintins, through the Intel Teach Program. The Intel Learn Program also offers job-readiness skills to underprivileged students between ages 10 and 18.

The wireless infrastructure includes short-range WiFi (News - Alert) radio transmissions has well as WiMAX, with a transmission range of up to 30 miles. The company plans to launch other initiatives in isolated communities in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

“Technology has expanded what is possible in Parintins,” said Craig Barrett, Intel chairman, at a dedication ceremony in the Amazon rain forest. “It is now a place where wireless broadband links to the Internet bring the expertise of specialists, sophisticated medical imaging and the world's libraries to a community reachable only by airplane or boat.”

“We’ve been blessed with this project,” said Parintins Mayor Frank Bi Garcia. “We’re really isolated and don't have the conditions to receive the Internet with cables. So we’re receiving it wireless, from antennas, from satellites -- access to wireless Internet is a great pleasure for us. This project will prepare this generation for the future.”

“The student, from the moment he gets in touch with other people, other cultures, with other information beyond the borders of his country, he gets a lot of benefits,” said Goncala Do Nacimento Pinto Filha, a fifth grade teacher in Parintins. “The community can keep up with evolution. It can feel equal in social terms as well.”

To learn more about WiMAX, VoIP and other next-generation technologies, check out the upcoming INTERNET TELEPHONY Conference & EXPO WEST. The event is the number one VoIP conference in terms of attendance; the leading IP Communications event for exhibitors in terms of lead generation; and the VoIP industry event which features special attractions for service providers and resellers. The event runs October 10-13, 2006 in San Diego.

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Laura Stotler writes about IP Communications and related topics for TMCnet. She has covered VoIP and related technologies for seven years, contributing to Internet Telephony magazine and TMCnet, and as a freelance writer. To see more articles, please visit: Laura Stotler’s columnist page.

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