Finally its there. The ‘Unwiring Pune’ project has kicked off.. This new wirefree access utilizes WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) and Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) technologies to equip Pune with high-speed wireless internet. Wireless connectivity will allow people to access the Internet through a laptop or personal digital assistant (PDA), sans the need for cables. WiMAX is claimed to be the most cost-efficient way of building wireless data networks and a means to link people over large distances for “last mile” connectivity and bridging the digital divide. Taking a leap over Bangalore and Hyderabad, Pune will become the first Indian city to have a high-speed wireless Internet network even before the Centre’s much-awaited spectrum policy is announced. Initially Pune did had a demo of wireless internet access on Walking Plaza, but today, this project has finally taken off in grand style. Streaming, broadband access and that too with ease and convinience is sure to rock Pune. Imagine the power of Broadband without the hassles of wires..

What more can I say? Its true that Pune was coming in news for all the wrong reasons(rave parties, orkut misuse etc), but now I think that this news makes one feel good….Similar kind of service is provided by the search engine giant Google in San Francisco. Now we are at par with the developed regions in some departments, if not all, but that shouldent stop us from being happy..

Q. What is WiMAX?

A. WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), based on the IEEE 802.16 standard, is expected to enable true broadband speeds over wireless networks at a cost point to enable mass market adoption. WiMAX is the only wireless standard today that has the ability to deliver true broadband speeds and help make the vision of pervasive connectivity a reality.

There are two main applications of WiMAX today: fixed WiMAX applications are point-to-multipoint enabling broadband access to homes and businesses, whereas mobile WiMAX offers the full mobility of cellular networks at true broadband speeds. Both fixed and mobile applications of WiMAX are engineered to help deliver ubiquitous, high-throughput broadband wireless services at a low cost.

Intel currently plans to integrate WiMAX and WiFi into its notebook platforms based on Intel® Centrino® Mobile Technologies. Pairing the two will help bring users the ultimate in high-speed mobile broadband. Intel believes that WiMAX, with its technical and economic advantages, should help enable mainstream adoption of personal broadband.

Moral of the story – Get a laptop having Intel Centrino Mobile Technology..

Update : 23 April 2008 – No further development and this project seems to have lost momentum