Ericsson, KPN, Qualcomm and ZTE are among the telcos backing a new licensing platform to get wireless technology to Internet of Things manufacturers.
The platform has been launched by Avanci and can be used by companies seeking the right kind of connectivity for their products and those looking to grow the market for their wireless patents.
Manufacturers pay a flat-rate price through the platform for connecting a device depending on the value the specific technology brings to it.
Avanci said it would initially focus on promoting licensing 2G, 3G and LTE cellular technologies for connected cars and smart meters. It said the platform, which is also backed by InterDigital, would grow into other areas in the future.
Kasim Alfalahi, Founder and CEO of Avanci, said: “Since we began in April, we have received an overwhelmingly positive response from both IoT device manufacturers and patent owners to our streamlined licensing solution, and Avanci will quickly add more of these companies to our marketplace in the months ahead.
“With Avanci, something that would require time and resources to negotiate with many technology holders can now be done in one place, with one license, allowing IoT manufacturing companies access to the most advanced wireless technology in the world while they focus on bringing new products to the market.”
Gustav Brismark, Chief Intellectual Property Officer at Ericsson, added: “The number of companies incorporating connectivity in their business models is rapidly increasing. By having efficient access to essential wireless technology and leveraging the global network, these companies can reduce time to market and reach scale faster.
“Avanci’s licensing platform enables the adoption of our essential wireless technology among IoT device manufacturers, accelerates the development of the Internet of Things and the global uptake of LTE for IoT.”