At the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024, Qualcomm announced a collaboration with Reliance Jio, India’s leading telecom operator, to launch an affordable 5G smartphone priced under Rs 10,000 . This initiative aims to accelerate India’s transition from 2G to 5G, offering millions of users a cost-effective path to upgrade to the latest technology.
The new smartphone, powered by Qualcomm’s latest chipset, promises a full 5G experience at an accessible price point. According to Chris Patrick, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Handsets at Qualcomm, the product is designed specifically for the Indian market, focusing on simplifying the shift from 4G to 5G.
“Our goal is to provide a complete 5G experience for consumers seeking affordable smartphones,” Patrick said. “This product is inspired by India, and we’re heavily focused on making the 4G to 5G transition as smooth as possible. We’re creating products optimized for handset developers, telecom operators, and end consumers.”
Qualcomm believes this new chipset can encourage millions of Indian 2G users to directly upgrade to 5G smartphones. Developed through extensive research and development in India, the chipset aims to revolutionize the market by bringing advanced 5G capabilities to a new price segment.
Savi Soin, President at Qualcomm India, emphasized the importance of collaborating with ecosystem partners like Jio and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to ensure the success of this affordable 5G device. Soin highlighted the need for strong partnerships, especially with telecom carriers, to incentivize OEMs and drive widespread adoption of the technology.
Qualcomm’s executives are optimistic about the potential of affordable 5G smartphones, citing data from GSMA suggesting such devices could reach up to 2.8 billion people globally, including India. The company is also actively engaging with developers to create innovative applications that will maximize the benefits of 5G technology for consumers.
Qualcomm’s collaboration with Jio and other partners represents a significant step towards making 5G technology accessible to everyone in India. The upcoming launch of the affordable 5G smartphone promises to not only expand access to high-speed connectivity but also stimulate innovation and economic growth in the region. As the world awaits the rollout of this game-changing device, India takes center stage in its journey towards a 5G-powered future.
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