The companies are making the technology and standards available for any internet service provider that wants to use it.

FORBES: Google, OpenDNS And CDNs 'Speedup' The Internet

"We want to help teachers to use the internet more effectively, to support the use of new technology and raise ITC standards, " he said.

BBC: Young computer user going online

He said Dell's customers are telling the company they prefer the idea of mobile Internet access via wireless notebook computers, using technology such as the Bluetooth and 802.11 standards as well as emerging wireless telecommunications technology such as GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), wideband CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) and UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System).

CNN: Dell: PCs, servers, storage to remain growth areas

There have been previous efforts to build sensor nets by various private companies, but, like the Internet and Wi-Fi, Zigbee uses open standards, lowering the costs and risks associated with building the technology.

FORBES: The Wireless Boom That Won't Need Us