Intel Corp., world’s largest chipmaker, has introduced WiMAX to the world, which supposedly marks the beginning of a new era in wireless broadband, according to the chip firm.

In a press conference in Washington D.C., London and Shanghai, Intel brought forward its Pro/Wireless 5116 chip, codenamed Rosedale. The new wireless chip is designed to be used in personal computers and in customer premises equipment (CPE). According to the chipmaker, this is the hub of the new technology; it will receive WiMAX signal. The equipment, including modems, gateways and residential lines for WiMAX technology, will automatically install itself due to its feature set.

According to Intel, it will take around two years before the mobile version of the WiMAX standard becomes available. The company said WiMAX will initially compete against broadband lines that include DSL, Cable and T1. The chipmaker hopes to have as many notebooks with WiMAX in two years as they have right now with Wi-Fi.

"As a standards-based, high-speed Internet access solution, WiMAX can provide the platform for the next generation of Internet expansion, connecting the next billion Internet users," said Scott Richardson, General Manager, Intel’s Broadband Wireless Division.

Intel will soon make the announcement with its partners to launch the first batch of WiMAX capable products.