In a deal which has implications for the Australian market, Cisco has agreed to buy broadband wireless kit maker Navini Networks for US$330 million in cash and options.

Navini has been supplying equipment to Australia’s Unwired group, which is planning a major WiMax network in Australian capital cities, backed by a $35 million Intel investment. Regional operator Austar has also been testing Navini gear.

Navini, based in Texas, sells gear said to improve the data transmission speed and range of WiMax networks.

Cisco plans to integrate Navini into its wireless networking business unit, which also includes Wi-Fi gear maker Linksys. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of Cisco’s 2008 fiscal year.