The availability of wireless internet access across UK cities will be accelerated after Pipex Communications, the Aim-listed telecommunications operator, landed a joint venture with Intel, the world's largest computer chip maker.

The venture will create a new company to roll out Wimax wireless broadband services, with the investment arm Intel Capital putting in $25m (£14m) with a minority stake. In turn, Pipex will control the joint venture and transfer its entire 3.6GHz UK spectrum licence to the new company.