Intel looking to auction off its smartphone modem business
By
Intel looking to auction off its smartphone modem business
Intel has reportedly put its intellectual property (IP) on cellular wireless connectivity on the auction block.
According to IP business media platform iam, Intel is looking to divest about 8,500 assets which consist of two parts: the cellular portfolio and a connected device portfolio.
The cellular portfolio includes around 6,000 patents related to 3G, 4G, and 5G cellular standards, and an additional 1,700 assets related to wireless implementation technologies. The connected device portfolio is much smaller with 500 assets that have broad applications in the semiconductor and electronics sectors.
iam claims the auction process is different from Intel’s ongoing efforts to sell its smartphone modem business. A prospective buyer could possibly buy both at the same time.
The Wall Street Journal reported in April that Intel was exploring “strategic alternatives” for its smartphone modem business after talks with Apple apparently ended after the iPhone maker signed a multi-year chipset deal with Qualcomm. Another report this month suggests otherwise; Apple is said to be interested in acquiring Intel’s modem operations in Germany.
