Intel extends help for rural population

BARAMATI

NOVEMBER 2, 2006

During his visit to Baramati, Intel Corporation Chairman Craig Barrett
reiterated Intel's commitment through its World Ahead Program - to support the
government in bringing technology to rural areas.

"Technology can expand what's possible to create opportunities for the people
of India," said Barrett. "Through the World Ahead Program, we remain focused on
accelerating access to technology, improving education and increasing Internet
connectivity."

Intel and government officials today dedicated Baramati's first digital
hospital and WiMax network. Working with the government and other technology
companies, Intel setup the state-of-the-art, high-speed Internet network to
connect the community computer center and public kiosks, donated PCs to the
community and developed a telemedicine program for Baramati's government
hospital.

"The standard use of technology will increase quality of care while lowering
health care costs for Baramati Tehsil hospital patients," said Barrett, who also
chairs the United Nations Global Alliance for Information and Communication
Technologies (ICT) and Development. "With computers, real-time video
capabilities and electronic medical records, critically ill patients can be
diagnosed by medical specialists hundreds of kilometers away."

In support of Intel's contributions, Shri Sharad Pawar, Union Minister for
Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, said," Baramati can
be a model for developing communities around the world. The appreciation of the
townspeople only fuels our commitment to further empower them through
technology."

To enable the wireless communications infrastructure at the community
computer center and public kiosks, Intel and Aircel installed WiMax technology.
WiMax is a cost-effective and efficient way to deliver broadband Internet access
to remote communities. The PCs, donated by Intel to the community computer
center and public kiosks, also include ones specifically engineered for extreme
environments in India. These "Community PCs" have dust filters, auto-restore,
and can connect to car batteries for electricity.

To improve rural education, Intel announced that it will help the government
equip as many as 100 mobile computer labs in vans throughout the country. So
far, five serve village schools as far as 25 kilometers from Baramati.

"Education is vital in developing a skilled workforce," Barrett said during
his visit Vidya Pratishthan's Marathi Medium School. "Putting the right tools
and training in place now will help Baramati's next generation of citizens
realize the potential of their ideas."