Intel to buy broadband chip maker Lantiq

Intel Corp. says it has agreed to acquire Munich-based Lantiq, which develops semiconductors and software for broadband access networks and home networking. Terms of the deal, which is expected to close in the next 90 days, were not disclosed.

The pending acquisition strengthens Intel's hand in smart gateways for the cable MSO space, while extending its activities to other broadband access markets, including DSL, G.fast (see "Lantiq intros 300-Mbps capable FTTdp chipset"), fiber (via GPON chips), LTE, retail, and Internet of Things (IoT) smart routers. Intel already supplies IoT devices, security chips, and other technology for client devices.

"By 2018, we expect more than 800 million broadband connected households worldwide," said Kirk Skaugen, senior vice president and general manager of Intel's Client Computing Group. "Intel has been a global leader in driving broadband into the home and to connected compute devices. The combination of our cable gateway business with Lantiq's technology and talent can allow global service providers to introduce new home computing experiences and enable consumers to take advantage of a more smart and connected home."

"Intel and Lantiq share a common vision about the evolution of the connected home and the intelligent network," said Dan Artusi, CEO of privately helid Lantiq. "Together we can drive the transformation of the broadband customer premises equipment (CPE) as it becomes a smart gateway that connects an increasingly diverse roster of devices and services in the home."

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