The patents cover methods for increasing spectrum utilization, expanding coverage, improving uplink transmission speeds at the cell edge, and improving device battery life, Magnolia says.

These could complement the patents Google acquired with its acquisition of Motorola Mobility.

“We believe that Google’s acquisition of our more than 50 Mobile Transmit Diversity beam forming technology patents underlines the need for such a technology in mobile broadband devices,” said CEO Osmo Hautanen. “The software, which can be embedded into any mobile broadband device remains the property of Magnolia Broadband and will be made available to mobile device vendors and chipset companies.”

“This transaction is a milestone for Magnolia Broadband,” added Yaron Eitan, Chairman of the Magnolia Broadband’s Board. “It provides a return to our investors and funding for continued development of Magnolia’s MTD technology. We look forward to deployment of this innovative technology in smart phones, tablets and other mobile broadband devices, to provide faster data throughput, better coverage and wider range.”

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.