Earlier this year, Intel announced that it was leaving the smartphone modem business due to profitability concerns. Now, the company is set to auction off its portfolio of patents and IP related to smartphone modem technologies.
IAM reports that Intel is looking to divest around 8,500 assets from its patent portfolio. The auction will consist of two primary parts, including Intel’s cellular portfolio and its connected device portfolio:
What’s important to note here is that this auction is different than Intel’s attempts to sell its modem business, though it’s possible that one buyer could purchase both. Theoretically, purchasing Intel’s smartphone modem business would afford a company new engineers and executives. As for the patent portfolio, it’s possible that that a group of companies could band together and buy it.
The report also notes that Intel might be using its portfolio auction as a way to build interest in its modem business as a whole:
Apple is rumored to be interested in Intel’s modem business. In April it was reported that Apple had considered buying Intel’s smartphone modem business, but that nothing ultimately came of those negotiations. Earlier this month, however, a report said that Apple was still in talks with Intel to acquire at least part of its smartphone modem business.
Apple is working on developing its own in-house 5G modems for the iPhone. The 2020 iPhone is expected to use a 5G modem from Qualcomm, but Apple’s could be ready as early as 2022.
