Intel is collaborating with Vietnam Data Communication and USAID (United States Agency for International Development) to bring wireless internet access to the rural area in Vietnam. The place, known as Ta Van is a small village located near the border line between Vietnam and China that is far away from world advanced technology previously. With the help of both WiMax and satellite technology, Intel is able to showcase a reliable method of delivering wireless broadband access to the most un-connected communities in the area.

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The demo has able to achieve an asynchronous throughput of maximum 2Mbps downlink and 512Kbps uplink speed respectively. The backbone of this technology is supported by both IPSTAR satellite and WiMax basestation that is being setup in the rural area. IPSTAR, the world’s biggest broadband satellite service provider is responsible to beam high bandwidth satellite signal to the basestation while the signal will be conveyed in both the data and voice communication to the end users’ laptops seamlessly. The WiMax technology could reach a radius of tenth of kilometers with the help of an omni-directional antenna.

This satellite-based WiMax technology could be the next big thing especially in delivering high speed broadband access to rural areas. By having these wireless technologies in place, most of the residents can stay connected with the world’s latest knowledge base while able to enjoy VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) and even IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) services. Although not much information has been disclosed but it is believed that the is commercially feasible and can be available to public with minimum of $25 per month for each subscriber.