Japanese chipmakers revive joint venture
Docomo and Fujitsu lead modem collaboration, but without Samsung this time around
Published: 1 August, 2012
READ MORE: Japan | Semiconductor
Japan is stepping up its challenge to US and Chinese modem makers. Renesas Mobile, despite the trials of its parent, is advanced in the push for multimode LTE chips. And a joint venture between NTT Docomo and three chip suppliers has been revived, albeit in a less ambitious form than when it was mooted, and cancelled, earlier this year.
Docomo, Fujitsu, Fujitsu Semiconductor and NEC have formed a JV to focus on the development and sale of chips with built-in modems. Called Access Network Technology, it is majority owned by Fujitsu with Docomo and NEC each taking about a 20% stake.
Although these partners will achieve some economies of scale in R&D and manufacturing, and provide Docomo with access to advanced technology, it lacks the presence of Renesas Mobile. And two other companies which were involved in the original plan, Panasonic and Samsung, are no longer involved. This suggests scaled-back ambitions - when Samsung was a participant, the JV was potentially a way for the Korean giant to extend its semiconductor offerings as it seeks to create a total platform to rival Qualcomm's. It recently acquired most of the connectivity assets of the UK's CSR.
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