The Hindu Business Line : Qualcomm sees push for new chipset with world phones

AS the number of globetrotters across telecom networks increases and inter-operability between these distinct networks becomes a key aspect for access, Qualcomm sees integrated chipset being embedded in world phones that support dual band be it GSM or CDMA .

The Director of Business Development, Qualcomm (India) Inc, Mr Rishi Dhingra, said that though the number of manufacturers currently producing these world phones with a host of value-added features is less now, "we expect this number to go up as volumes go up. These are relatively expensive, but will gradually come down as their adoption goes up."

Speaking to newspersons here on Thursday about the emerging mobile technology landscape, Mr Dhingra said operators like VeriFone, who have operations in the UK and also in the USA through Horizon, use a combination of CDMA and GSM networks. When some of their customers commute in these networks, they feel the need to offer services seamlessly. This is possible when cell phone makers integrate the Qualcomm chipset. Lately, China Mobile is considering this.

The 3G (third generation) networks have the ability to support both data and voice streaming with great efficiency by optimal use of spectrum. While operators are increasingly finding new ways to enhance their ARPUs (average revenue per user), they are finding that mere voice services are not generating adequate revenues. Therefore, they are seeking ways to offer data streaming, which has great potential for growth as eCommerce spreads, Mr Dhingra said.

There are about 8.1 million EVDO (Evolution of Data Optimised) technology users now and this number is growing by the day. With minimal changes, networks can enable their system to support EVDO, he explained.

With regard to the proposed Qualcomm R&D centre in Hyderabad, Mr Dhingra declined to comment merely stating that the centre was under active consideration and details of this would be announced over the next two-three months.