The Wall Street Journal reports Intel plans to become a "virtual cable operator," selling an internet-based TV service showing cable and satellite TV channels.
Providing the service is an Intel-developed STB complete with unique platform and UI, probably carrying Medfield-based technology. Intel already provides processors for the Boxee box and the Logitech Revue.
The WSJ says the company hopes to launch the service "by end of 2012," even if it faces issues of the scarce bandidth and TV programming pricing variety.
This is not the first time Intel tried to enter the living room-- last October Intel disbanded the STB-development group it had formed with Google and others, while in 2008 Intel joined Yahoo to create a widget channel integrating Youtube and social networking services for IPTVs.
So far the Intel internet TV plans appear to be aimed at the US market, but one can imagine the Intel service migrating to our territories should it manage to be a success...