If you haven’t already heard of it, WiMax will be a reality soon and available in your area.

WiMax is the wireless broadband standard that can transmit data for up to 30 miles using a bandwidth that exceeds current DSL and cable capabilities. This would make free WiFi more of a possibility in many areas around the globe.

In light of this, Intel and Cisco are joining forces with a number of other tech companies to patent the WiMax technology.

Some of those other players include Samsung, Sprint Nextel, Alcatel-Lucent and Clearwire which are all combining forces to form the Open Patent Alliance, which will hold the rights to WiMAX-related patents and license them to makers of computers, networking devices and other products according to a story in the Wall Street Journal.

This grouping is designed to keep reasonable limits on the royalty rates and ensure the cost of adopting the technology remains competitive — as some have voiced concern that the high prices for WiMax make it not as attractive to some consumers.