Texas Instruments, NEC and Matsushita are in discussions to merge 3G operations to cut costs. Reuters reports:
A source close to the talks said the five companies are aiming to set up a joint venture to develop microchips and software used in W-CDMA third-generation (3G) mobile phones to cut costs.
The rumors boosted shares of NEC because its cell phone division is currently losing money and would benefit from lower costs.