Intel Corp. and Nokia are among the bigger names that have joined WiMAX, a non-profit company whose goal is to promote and certify broadband wireless access equipment based on the IEEE 802.16 standard.

WiMAX's other members include Airspan Networks, Alvarion Ltd., Aperto Networks, Ensemble Communications, Fujitsu Microelectronics America, the OFDM Forum, Proxim Corp. and Wi-Lan Inc.

802.16, a standard that covers frequencies ranging from 2 GHz to 11 GHz, is a wireless metropolitan area network technology that will link 802.11 hot spots to the Internet and provide wireless extensions for cable and DSL connections. According to WiMAX, the standard provides linear service area ranges up to 31 miles without needing a direct line of site to the base station, and shared data rates up to 70 Mbps.

WiMAX members touted the technology as way for service providers to offer broadband connectivity for trade shows and "nomadic businesses," such as construction sites.

WiMAX, taking a page from CableLabs, said it will develop conformance test plans, select certification labs and host interoperability events over the next 12 months.