The GSM Association and Intel are to jointly promote the
bundling of 3G and higher-speed HSDPA wireless data technology into
laptops.
The organisations announced the initiative at this week’s 3GSM
World Congress in Barcelona. They will publish guidelines for
laptop manufacturers intending to integrate modems that can allow
users to connect to 3G, HSDPA or EDGE wireless networks.
The GSM Association is hoping that the possibility of wireless
data connectivity from a laptop to a mobile operator network will
become as ubiquitous as Intel Centrino-enabled laptops being able
to connect to a Wi-Fi network.
The GSM Association said the joint Intel initiative will lead to
new revenue streams for mobile operators as users take advantage of
forthcoming 3G and HSDPA-enabled laptops.
Currently, users have to insert a separate 3G card into their
laptop to connect to a mobile network. Both Dell and Lenovo
however, have already announced that they will soon bring out
laptops with integrated HSDPA connectivity chips.
