Intel continues wireless push with Mobilian deal

Intel continues wireless push with Mobilian deal
LONDON — Intel Corp. has acquired wireless LAN chip maker Mobilian Corp. for an undisclosed sum, a deal the chip maker said strengthens its strategy to offer a variety of chips for phones and other devices.

The 70-person startup is the latest acquisition made by Intel in the communications arena, several of which have been in the wireless sector.

Intel confirmed the companies signed a memorandum of understanding on Oct. 31. However, Intel did not say how it intended to use Mobilian's products and technology.

Mobilian (Hillsboro, Ore.) has raised about $70 million since it was founded in 1999. It started sampling a two-chip set dubbed TrueRadio last year that supports the simultaneous operation of 802.11b wireless-LAN and Bluetooth radios.

The device will enable the manufacturing of a PC card featuring the two wireless technologies at a cost of under $35, the company said.

In addition to the stakes it has taken in various companies developing or deploying wireless technologies, Intel has made a major push in wireless technology. The company's Centrino processor platform has made strides in the notebook PC market, but the chip only supports the 802.11b WLAN standard. Intel is working on chips that support 802.11a and g.

At its peak, Mobilian employed over 120 workers at three locations, Hillsboro, San Diego and Yokneam, Israel.