Mr. Kanwalinder Singh, President of Qualcomm India & South Asia in an exclusive interview to IIFL shared some thoughts on 3G and BWA Appications in India. Qualcomm is already working on alternative computing devices which will connect Indians, based on cloud computing. Devices may be smartbooks, Kayak and combinations.. Here is an excerpt from his interview,
Qualcomm’s plans on India’s BWA auction
Qualcomm has a history of participating in spectrum auctions to expedite commercialisation of new wireless technologies. TD-LTE is compatible with 3G WCDMA/HSPA and EV-DO for a seamless broadband experience in-country and while roaming globally. Also, when it comes to data, the quality needs to be extremely good. So Qualcomm’s plan seems to fit in with this.
On WiMax
Qualcomm has some intellectual property rights in OFDMA, and is a proponent of LTE. Qualcomm is not promoting WiMax, as the Wimax ecosystem has weakened (as it doesn’t interoperate with current networks).
On the challenges on the way to 3G
Leveraging 3G to make high-quality voice and data available and overcome quality problems would be optimal for operators. If it’s a smartphone, the browser has to be top-notch; the e-mail and TV experience has to be the best. Finally, operators have to do alternative devices like smartbooks also.
On whether 3G can be a mass-market offering
While some voices say that 3G will be only an elite service, it will actually be a nationwide service and Qualcomm is working on the applications, utility and value to make it a mass market. Healthcare, mobile banking and computing are among the key areas which 3G will benefit at a national level. Over the next five years (after the spectrum auctions end), a very fundamental change in the telecom landscape will happen.
Further Mr. Singh’s thoughts are,
- In India data as a % of total revenue should accelerate from the current 10-15% to 25-40% in the next four to five years.
- 3G Price Points – Rs 10,000 for a smartphone, Rs 5,000 for regular 3G enabled phone and Rs 2,500 for USB Dongles.
24 hours from now, we expect most of the 3G auction to be completed, but the publication of results is possible only after the DoT and Ministry of Communications approves it. Stay tuned.