Qualcomm CEO Paul Jacobs has said the US chipmaker has still has not been informed why it has been under antitrust scrutiny in China since late last year.
In an interview at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Jacobs, taking part in one of his last engagements before he is succeeded by current Qualcomm COO Steve Mollenkopf in March, said he didn’t know why the company is still under investigation.
The company announced in November that China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) had launched an antitrust probe against it, with a senior official at the Commission saying the regulator had “substantial evidence” against the chipmaker.
Qualcomm said it was unaware of any possible violations, and has handed over all requested documents to the NDRC. However, it is not unusual for authorities in various countries not to disclose reasons for their antitrust probes, Jacobs stated.
The investigation could be part of a move to support Chinese-based suppliers to compete with Qualcomm, which is the global leader in several key technology areas, including 4G connectivity, which China is rapidly moving towards. Organisations affiliated to the Chinese government have recently spent around $3 billion to purchase and build up local mobile chipmakers Spreadtrum Communications Inc. and RDA Microelectronics Inc., both of which have 4G technology that competes with Qualcomm’s.
Despite the investigation, Qualcomm has made a number of announcements at CES, although its presentations have been a bit of a come-down from last year’s event, where Jacobs presented a memorable opening keynote speech featuring Big Bird, electric cars and a running Steve Ballmer
The company’s main focus was promoting its Internet of Things ecosystem, announcing several new chipsets to support the growth of this sector, including the Snapdragon 602 for use in connected vehicles and the Snapdragon 802, which is targeted towards the next generation of smart TVs and 4K displays to bring UltraHD content to devices.
Snapdragon mobile processors have also powered several devices that have been announced since the beginning of CES, including the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact, LG G Flex and the ZTE Grand S2.
Do you know all about 4G and the mobile future? Take our quiz.
Tesla makes key advances toward advanced self-driving rollout in China as chief Elon Musk meets…
New UK rules bring in basic security requirements for millions of internet-connected devices, aiming to…
Google parent Alphabet sees market capitalisation surge over $2tn on plan to over first-ever cash…
Google asks Virginia federal court to dismiss case brought by US Justice Department and eight…
Snapchat parent Snap reports user growth, revenues in spite of tough competition, in what may…
Quick-growing fast-fashion company Shein must comply with most stringent level of EU digital rules after…