Andrew Bonwick
Vice President of Product Development at Relm Insurance
Madhav Sheth
CEO of Ai+ Smartphone
Varun Kashyap & Sridevi Reddy
Co-Founders, Zithara.ai
Transforming Indian Offline Retail and Customer Engagement Using AI


US-based chip company Qualcomm reportedly said the Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) service is addressing India’s low fixed broadband penetration, especially in underserved urban and rural areas. The company powers nearly 80 percent of the 5G FWA connections in the country, according to Qualcomm Technologies Group General Manager – Connectivity, Broadband and Networking Business Unit, Rahul Patel, in an interaction with ET.
Also Read: Qualcomm Envisions a Hybrid AI Future with Enhanced Experiences: Report
Globally, 5G FWA is gaining traction as a solution for regions with limited fiber networks, enabling high-speed, reliable internet for residential and enterprise users. In India, it is unlocking opportunities for IoT integration, smart manufacturing, and cloud-based applications, according to the report.
Wireless Data Growth Projected
Qualcomm predicts a surge in wireless data consumption and internet subscribers in India over the next five years, fuelled by the rapid deployment of 5G. According to Patel, technologies like the 3.5 GHz spectrum and scalable FWA solutions are making broadband access faster and more cost-effective, bringing high-speed connectivity to underserved regions.
“Qualcomm is deeply invested in enabling this transformation. Through our collaborations with Indian telecom operators and the introduction of cutting-edge technologies, we are strengthening the nation’s digital ecosystem to meet the growing demand for reliable, high-performance connectivity. We are with India’s ambitions for a digitally connected future, where consumers and enterprises can benefit from enhanced connectivity and new opportunities in the digital economy,” Rahul Patel reportedly said.
Advancing AI at the Edge
The company’s AI gateways are enhancing real-time data processing and decision-making at the network edge, with applications in smart cities, industrial IoT, and autonomous vehicle networks. Qualcomm’s edge AI technologies, including the Networking Pro A7 Elite platform, are optimising 5G networks and boosting user experiences by reducing latency and enabling personalised services.