By John Ribeiro, IDG News Service

The city of Pune in western India, which has fast-emerged as a technology hub for multinational technology corporations, may soon be blanketed by wireless coverage under a plan announced Wednesday by Intel Corp.

Intel has been selected by Pune's municipal corporation to set up an "unwired Pune" by next year, the company said. Using a combination of Wi-Fi and WiMax technologies, the municipal corporation plans to cover 400 square kilometers of the city with wireless connectivity.
After completing the project, Pune will look into using the wireless networks for e-governence projects, such as online education.
Many multinational technology and services companies have set up development centers in Pune, including Conexant Systems, Symantec, and Nvidia. Indian outsourcing companies like Infosys Technologies also have operations in the city.

Intel has submitted similar proposals to install WiMax and Wi-Fi networks to the state governments of Uttaranchal in north India and Karnataka in the south. A pilot has already begun in Uttaranchal, according to a spokeswoman for Intel India. In Karnataka, Intel has proposed setting up wireless networks across Bangalore, the state capital.
Intel's Indian subsidiary will be paid for the work in Pune, the spokeswoman said. The company isn't disclosing the amount.