As we all know, Intel Capital invested in most major Mobile WiMAX deployments around the world (UQC in Japan, Clearwire in the US, DBD Germany… and more).
As it turns out Unwired (Australia)didn’t deploy Mobile WiMAX as planned and agreed. Intel Capital sues Unwired, or rather, the Group that recently acquired Unwired for $56 Millions.
According to this article, titled “Unwired fights $56 Million Payout”:
At the time, Intel agreed to take $37.5 million worth of convertible notes in the company in return for certain guarantees.
The agreement called for Unwired to build a national WiMax network that would provide Intel with a platform to market-test WiMax chips and equipment it had been developing.
My Conclusions:
1) Unwired will never deploy Mobile WiMAX!
2) Intel Capital should select partners more carefully. I don’t think this law suit will actually help Intel deploy Mobile WiMAX in Australia.