Intel Looks Cozy with Clearwire

SAN FRANCISCO -- With gadgets taking center stage at this week's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Intel(INTC Quote) is touting the wonders of WiMax -- the high-speed wireless network that the chipmaker envisions will connect everything from smartphones to mini-notebook PCs.

But while Intel's marketing folks diligently spread the WiMax word at CES, the company has been equally busy striking deals around the globe to ensure the wireless network - and its companion chips -- get off the ground.

Intel recently announced a deal to build a WiMax network in Moscow in collaboration with Comstar, and the company teamed up with Japan's KDDI in September. ...