Access Network Technology focuses on the development and sales of semiconductor products with built-in modem functions for use in communications equipment
Japan-based Fujitsu, NTT DOCOMO, NEC and Fujitsu Semiconductor have signed an agreement to launch a new joint venture company, Access Network Technology, to design and develop smartphone chips.
Access Network Technology will focus on the development and sales of semiconductor products with built-in modem functions for use in communications equipment.
Access Network Technology will bring together technologies from the Japanese semiconductor companies to develop enhanced communications platform products while enhancing management responsiveness.
The JV will leverage the technological expertise from each companies to develop better communications platform products.
It will also undertake research to develop products for high-speed Long-Term Evolution (LTE) networks and next generation network technology.
The new company will help the Japanese firms to reduce their reliance on foreign firms especially Qualcomm which dominates the market for core microchips for smartphones.
In the JV company, Fujitsu will have 52.8% stake, NTT Docomo will hold 19.9%, NEC will own 17.8 % while Fujitsu Semiconductor will control the remaining 9.5%.
The joint venture will start operations in August, with capital of 100 million yen, 85 employees and will be based in Kanagawa, Japan.
Access Network Technology aims to have a market share of 7% in smartphone chips by 2014.
