Google Acquires Magnolia Broadband’s Patent Portfolio

Magnolia Broadband has sold its beam forming Mobile Transmit Diversity (MTD) patent portfolio to Google. According to the company, the patent portfolio is based on over a decade of R&D and testing. It covers methods for increasing spectrum utilization (network capacity), expanding coverage, improving uplink transmission speeds at the cell edge and improving device battery life. Magnolia Broadband is based in New Jersey and was founded by Israeli entrepreneur Haim Harel. According to the company, the proceeds will help finance on-going R&D.