Intel providing WiMAX broadband
Intel, the world’s largest computer chip maker, will assist Tamil Nadu government in connecting the state’s schools, hospitals and government agencies over a broadband. It would also train its teachers and give away 500 computers to schools under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) the technology major signed with the state government. The MoU was signed in Chennai when Intel’s chairman Craig Barrett visited the state capital on Monday, before he went to Tindivanam, where Intel is assisting a tele-health project. Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi and Intel India president Frank Jones were also present during the signing of the MoU. Intel will assist the government in providing WiMAX broadband access through an appropriate carrier partner for 50 government schools in phase one in tier-II towns like Coimbatore, Trichy, Madurai, Erode, which have WiMAX base station infrastructure.This would be used to provide content and training. In phase two, this will be expanded to more schools, as well as government offices and health centres using USO funds (universal service obligation funds, that is, money that the government raises from telecom operators to extend services in rural areas). The state government said in a press statement that Intel will assist in providing internet-based content to over 1,800 higher secondary schools that are computerised by the state. It will help the state roll out a framework to allow students and teachers to access content over the net. It will also donate 500 PCs for government schools as a part of the programme. Intel has trained 18,000 teachers across 1,100 schools in 30 districts and would continue its activities in the coming years. It is also investing in a pilot tele-health centre project for cardiac and ophthalmic care in Tindivanam, a move that can help over 2.85 lakh people.
