With Intel having apparently gone back on its commitment to make investment in Taiwan-based WiMAX operators, instead deciding to invest in Japan's KDDI, Economic Affairs Minister Steve Chen recently commented that Taiwan does not necessarily need Intel's support for WiMAX development.

Chen added that the Taiwan government places high value on WiMAX technology and regards the technology as one of the key industries for Taiwan. Besides the LCD and semiconductor industries, WiMAX could be the next success for Taiwan, Chen predicted, adding that he expects foreign companies and local telecom players to generate win-win situations under the government's support.

Taiwan singed memorandum of understandings with eight or nine internal companies in 2007 and more companies will tie up with the local government in 2008, Chen pointed out.

Intel has been very aggressive on WiMAX development and signed an MOU with the government for cooperation to develop WiMAX technology in Taiwan on October 17, 2005. Under the agreement Intel pledged to make equity investment in licensed Taiwan-based WiMAX operators. However, Intel is still yet to fulfill its promise to carry out the investment, according to Chen. In lieu of Intel's support the minister stated that the Taiwan government would welcome other international companies to invest in Taiwan's WiMAX industry.