News / Business
Wi-LAN plans exit from equipment business
On 6 February 2006, Wi-LAN announced a phased exit from its equipment business. The company said the operation could not sustain its development and working-capital needs while it also pursued a business centred on broadband wireless intellectual property.
A planned transition
Wi-LAN expected the process to be completed by 30 April 2006 and anticipated about 50 job reductions. It said it was seeking partners for product lines and intended to manage the transition with suppliers, customers and distributors. Those were stated plans, not a completed outcome.
Focus on designs and patents
The remaining emphasis included WiMAX physical-layer and media-access-control designs, reference kits, design expertise and a patent portfolio. The board also began a search for a new president and chief executive. This account reflects the company’s strategy announcement in 2006, not a present valuation or product status. The announcement did not say that a buyer for any product line had been selected.