Fixed line giant Sri Lanka Telecom together with international chipmaker Intel Corp., will deploy a high speed wireless internet network, with a test service already in operation.

Telecom chief Shuhei Anan on Friday said the WiMax network could be deployed across the island within a year if all regulatory approvals could be obtained without the usual bureaucratic delays customary in Sri Lanka.

Currently SLT has been allocated test frequencies for its trial wireless network, with pilot base stations in Colombo and Galle already up.

Anan said if all approvals were in place, the WiMax implementation would be rolled out in phases, with the first estimated to cost about US$ 1 million and will cover key metropolitan areas including Colombo, Galle and Kandy.

The SLT chief added that the WiMax network would be part of the telecom giant’s overall strategy to connect the entire island, with its new CDMA network, fibre backbone and other infrastructure, all used to service the different needs of the end consumer.

Intel Chairman Craig Barrett on his first visit to Sri Lanka said “Communication infrastructure is the key to connecting people and ideas.”

“Intel is driving development and deployment of broadband wireless technologies such as WiMax to promote an infrastructure that meets the needs of developing nations.”

Chipmaker meanwhile will also introduce the Intel Teach to the Future programme in select schools in the 2006 academic year.

The professional development programme is part of a worldwide effort to help teachers integrate technology into instructions to develop students’ critical thinking skills and enhance learning, an Intel statement said.

Participating teachers will receive extensive instructions and resources to promote effective technology use in the classroom.

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