[mcbridematt]

Also note that LTE and cable modems both came to Intel as a result of acquisition (LTE from Infineon and cable+DSL from Infineon via their Lantiq spinoff).

Both times they have tried to put an x86 core around the modem part with varying success.

[throwaway2048]

There is a good chance the top talent at both jumped ship either before the acquisition, or immediately after, leaving the dregs and predictable results.

[simonh]

Reducing costs through 'synergy' is easier to quantify and link to bonuses and annual objectives than maintaining technical quality.

[rfdave]

They've also picked up the Ex-Motorola RFIC team in Phoenix. Integrating those two teams 9 time zones away I'm sure went poorly. I worked with both of those teams, and they're both sharp. I'm sure the integration was tough, and obviously went poorly.