At present most 5G networks are data-only (mobile broadband) services, but EE (BT) has revealed that it recently carried out the UK’s first call over 5G in the network using Voice over New Radio (VoNR or Vo5G) technology. But it’s unclear precisely how long we’ll have to wait before this becomes common place. The technology […]

The latest data from Ookla, which operates the popular Speedtest.net internet connection benchmarking service, has revealed that the United Kingdom now places near the bottom of the table of 5G capable countries for mobile broadband speeds and availability. The latest benchmark, which examined 5G mobile performance between 1st May and 29th July 2023, reveals that […]

News 

Intel initially invested in IMS in 2009 before acquiring it in 2015

Intel has announced today that it has agreed to sell a 10% stake in its subsidiary firm IMS Nanofabrication (IMS) to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSCM). 

IMS, an Austrian based company, produces chip manufacturing components called ‘masks’ that are essential to develop advanced extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV), a method for making the most advanced semiconductors, so-called leading-edge nodes that are needed for demanding applications like mobile devices. 

TSMC’s investment values IMS at approximately $4.3 billion. 

Intel will retain majority ownership, and the transaction is expected to close at the end of the fourth quarter this year. 

“This investment demonstrates the deep industry collaboration IMS is pioneering to advance critical lithography technology for leading-edge nodes, which will benefit the entire semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem,” said Matt Poirier, senior vice president of Corporate Development at Intel.  

“With enhanced independence, IMS will be well positioned to address the significant growth opportunity for multi-beam mask writing tools over the next decade and beyond.” 

“TSMC has been working with IMS since 2012 on the development of multi-beam mask writers for advanced technology nodes. This investment continues the long-term partnership between TSMC and IMS to accelerate innovation and enable deeper cross-industry collaboration,” said Dr. Kevin Zhang, senior vice president of Business Development at TSMC.

Earlier this year, Intel sold a 20% stake in IMS to private equity firm Bain Capital with the same $4.3 billion valuation. According to Reuters, this 20% stake was valued at $860 million. 

The investments from both firms will provide Intel with the capital to pursue its own foundry model and product development, whilst providing IMS with increased independence. 

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The announcement comes just one day before the unveiling of Apple’s new iPhone 15 

Qualcomm confirmed on Monday that is has signed a deal with Apple to supply them with 5G chips for smartphone launches until 2026.  

The deal is a renewal of a modem supply agreement signed between the two firms, that was set to expire this year. Under the terms of the deal, which Qualcomm noted are “similar” to the last, Qualcomm will supply Apple with Snapdragon 5G Modem‑RF Systems for smartphone launches until 2026. 

The renewal could suggest that Apple is experiencing delays with the in-house production of its 5G modems. In July 2019, Apple announced the acquisition of Intel’s smartphone modem business, in a transaction worth over $1 billion. This was just months after Apple settled its patent battle with Qualcomm, so the company’s modem production plans have long been in the public domain. Apple began the transition from Intel processors to Apple silicon in Mac computers in late 2020.  

Qualcomm announced in its press release that executives expect to have just a 20% share of modems in the 2026 phone models, which suggests this could be the target for Apple to begin installing its own modems.  

Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.

Upon the news, Qualcomm shares were up 4%, and Apple’s 0.5%. 

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STC, Saudi Arabia’s largest telecoms operator, contacted the Spanish government last week to inform it of the deal, which if approved, will make STC the Spanish telecom’s largest shareholder

The Spanish government is reportedly carefully examining STC’s proposed acquisition of a 9.9% stake in Telefónica worth €2.1 billion, which was announced last week.  

‘My opinion is that we cannot allow this operation to continue’ said Yolanda Diaz, Spain’s labour minister and second deputy prime minister 

“We cannot allow the operation to continue,” she continued. “Telefonica manages the most important thing in our lives – data.” 

Speaking outside the G20 in New Dheli this week, Spain’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Economy and Digitalization Nadia Calviño confirmed that the Spanish government will “analyse the operation with the upmost rigor and activate the appropriate mechanisms to protect our general interest”. 

Calviño further added that “Telefónica is a strategic company for our country and as government we will apply all the mechanisms that are necessary to prioritise the defence of our strategic interests”, whilst highlighting the importance of preserving Spain’s ability to attract foreign investment. 

She noted that she had not had the opportunity to speak with Mohamed bin Salmán, the Saudi crown prince at the New Dheli summit, but stressed she is in “constant contact” with José María Álvarez Pallete, Telefónica’s president. 

The Spanish government prohibits the foreign acquisition of over 10% in firms active in sectors related to public order, public security, or public health without prior governmental authorisation, which is why STC’s intends to take a 9.9% stake. Acquisitions of less than 10% are also prohibited if this would result in management of the company.  

The Spanish government has the right to question the acquisition, as the threshold at which the government can intervene was recently lowered to 5% for defence related industries, and Telefónica provides services to Spain’s defence industry. 

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