Fujitsu, NTT Docomo, NEC and Fujitsu Semiconductor announced an 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, called Access Network Technology Limited, will begin operations in August. Docomo said the technology developed under the venture is expected to bring the companies competitive advantages in the rapidly growing smartphone market. Fujitsu will hold a majority stake in the venture at 52.8 percent, while Docomo will own 19.9 percent, NEC 17.8 percent and Fujitsu Semiconductor 9.5 percent. The new company will have about 85 employees and be based in Kanagawa. The companies earlier held talks with Panasonic and Samsung to join the venture, but were unable to reach an agreement.
