The recent bloodbath in the cellular device modem space has highlighted the pressures on the smartphone market and has created new competitive landscape. But even more profound changes are seen on the infrastructure chip side, as networks morph into IT platforms and software-defined 5G looms. On the device side, old names like Texas Instruments and Freescale have left for greener pastures, to be replaced by rising Chinese stars like MediaTek, Spreadtrum and HiSililcon. Qualcomm is the standard fixture of course – though certainly challenged by the new players, it is well placed to lead the 5G modem market (see separate item) as it did 4G. Its bigger challenges lie in extending its technology beyond the tightening handset sector, and adapting…