Fujitsu, NTT DOCOMO, NEC and Fujitsu Semiconductor have set up a joint venture, focusing on the development and sales of semiconductor products with built-in modem functions for use in communications equipment. The initiative, named Access Network Technology, will bring together technologies from the companies to create industry-leading new communications platform products.

Fujitsu Limited, NTT DOCOMO, INC., NEC Corporation, and Fujitsu Semiconductor Limited today announced their agreement to form a joint venture to focus on the development and sales of semiconductor products with built-in modem functions for use in communications equipment.

The joint venture—Access Network Technology Limited, established by Fujitsu—is scheduled to begin operations in August, upon the capital contributions of DOCOMO, NEC, and Fujitsu Semiconductor.

1. Objectives

Until now, handset manufacturers including Fujitsu and NEC, together with DOCOMO, conducted communications platform development work collaboratively.

The rapid expansion of the smartphone market and the increase in data traffic volumes have been making communications platforms increasingly important. The technologies individually held by the companies, as well as the results of their joint development work, offer a huge competitive advantage in the smartphone market, which is expected to experience an even greater global expansion.

Against this backdrop, in the form of a new corporate structure, the joint venture, while enhancing management responsiveness, will bring together technologies from each of the companies to develop industry-leading communications platform products, and will provide customers with highly competitive products to meet their needs.

2. Ownership Share by Each Company

Fujitsu

52.8%

DOCOMO
   
19.9%

NEC
   
17.8%

Fujitsu Semiconductor

9.5%

3. Overview of the Joint Venture

Name:
   
Access Network Technology Limited

Business Description:
   
Design and development of communications platforms

Address of Headquarters:
   
3-2-1 Sakado, Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa

Capital:
    
100 million yen

Representative:
    
Minoru Sakata, President

Number of Employees:
   
Approximately 85

About Fujitsu

Fujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company offering a full range of technology products, solutions and services. Over 170,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 4.5 trillion yen (US$54 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012.

About NTT DOCOMO

NTT DOCOMO is a world-leading integrated-services company centered on mobility. The company serves over 60 million mobile customers in Japan via advanced wireless networks, including a nationwide 3G network and one of the world’s first commercial LTE networks. Leveraging its unique capabilities as a mobile operator, DOCOMO is a leading developer of cutting-edge technologies for NFC mobile payments, mobile GPS, mobile TV, intuitive mobile assistance, environmental monitoring, smart grids and much more. Overseas, the company provides technical and operational expertise to eight mobile operators and other partner companies. NTT DOCOMO is listed on the Tokyo (9437), London (NDCM) and New York (DCM) stock exchanges.

About NEC Corporation

NEC Corporation is a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies that benefit businesses and people around the world. By providing a combination of products and solutions that cross utilize the company’s experience and global resources, NEC’s advanced technologies meet the complex and ever-changing needs of its customers. NEC brings more than 100 years of expertise in technological innovation to empower people, businesses and society.

About Fujitsu Semiconductor

Fujitsu Semiconductor Limited designs, manufactures, and sells semiconductors, providing highly reliable, optimal solutions and support to meet the varying needs of its customers. Products and services include microcontrollers, ASICs, ASSPs, and power management ICs, with wide-ranging expertise focusing on mobile, ecological, automotive, imaging, security, and high-performance applications. Fujitsu Semiconductor also drives power efficiency and environmental initiatives. Headquartered in Yokohama, Fujitsu Semiconductor Limited (formerly named Fujitsu Microelectronics Limited) was established as a subsidiary of Fujitsu Limited on March 21, 2008. Through its global sales and development network, with sites in Japan and throughout Asia, Europe, and the Americas, Fujitsu Semiconductor offers semiconductor solutions to the global marketplace.