Qualcomm Collaborating with Telcos and OEMs in India for Entry-Level 5G Phone, Expected Launch by End of 2024: Report

Qualcomm’s strategic move to collaborate with telecom operators and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in India underscores its commitment to expanding 5G accessibility and adoption in the region. With telecom giants like Reliance Jio and Airtel spearheading the deployment of 5G technology nationwide, there exists a significant opportunity to address the needs of the vast population of 2G users seeking to transition to the next-generation network. Leveraging its expertise and resources, Qualcomm aims to introduce a new chipset tailored to power entry-level 5G smartphones, catering to the evolving demands of Indian consumers.

According to a report by Moneycontrol, Qualcomm’s collaboration with leading telcos in India is poised to culminate in the launch of an entry-level 5G smartphone priced at under $99 (approximately Rs. 8,200). This aggressive pricing strategy aims to democratize access to 5G technology, making it more accessible to a broader segment of the population. With affordability being a key consideration for many consumers, Qualcomm’s initiative holds the potential to accelerate the adoption of 5G technology and drive digital inclusion across India.

In addition to its partnership with telcos, Qualcomm is also forging alliances with various OEMs to bring this entry-level 5G smartphone to market. By working closely with OEMs, Qualcomm aims to ensure the seamless integration of its new chipset into a diverse range of devices, offering consumers a compelling combination of performance, affordability, and connectivity.

Moreover, the smartphone is expected to support the 5G standalone architecture, further enhancing its compatibility and future-proofing its capabilities in line with evolving network standards and technologies. With the anticipated launch slated for the end of 2024, Qualcomm’s entry-level 5G smartphone represents a significant step forward in democratizing access to next-generation connectivity and empowering users to embrace the digital future with confidence.

The report further mentions that the entry-level 5G handset could be powered by a low-cost customised processor using SA-2Rx capability. The new chipset will reportedly provide a full 5G experience to those who are looking for affordable smartphones in the country. “The product is inspired by India… we’re focusing pretty heavily on the transition between 4G and 5G. So, for us, it’s how do we make sure that the transition is as frictionless as possible and that we have products really optimised for handset developers, telcos, and end consumers,” Chris Patrick, SVP and General Manager of Handsets, Qualcomm, reportedly told the publication.

Qualcomm is looking to bring this chipset to encourage the 2G users in the country to switch to the 5G network. The company said that its India research and development department has worked hard on developing this new chipset. The move can help bring the 5G network to approximately 2.8 billion people across the globe, including India.

With this, the 5G adoption in India will surely skyrocket. However, it would be interesting to see the pricing of the new low-cost 5G smartphones from Qualcomm and Indian telcos. The entry-level smartphone segment currently starts around Rs. 7,000, though no phone currently provides 5G services at this price point. Bringing a 5G handset under the Rs. 8,000 price segment might change the country’s market scenario and help users switch from 2G-enabled feature phones to smartphones.