Having obtained WiMAX spectrums released by the DoT (Department of Telecommunications), India's state-owned telecom carrier BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd.) has entered into an agreement with Intel to join hands on promotion WiMAX-based service in India, EE Times reported. It is also noted that Cisco Systems might pitch in to aid the initiative.

According to said report, Intel is expected to assist in overseeing BSNL's WiMAX rollout roadmap and formulating related basic standards, as well as developing soft interfaces and IP backbone required for system interoperability and outside linkage.

In addition, Intel and BSNL plan to launch a pilot WiMAX implementation aiming to provide affordable services to the rural regions of India. BSNL has previously announced plans to deploy WiMAX base stations in 1,000 rural population blocks of India and start providing services by fiscal 2008 ending on March 31, 2009, according to the Hindu Business Line.